Visit to Colares Vineyards – Hélder Cunha Winemaker

Nestled along the captivating coastline of Portugal’s Colares region, the vineyards of this historic winemaking area beckon visitors to explore their unique terroir. Led by renowned winemaker Hélder Cunha, this immersive tour offers a chance to explore the challenges and triumphs of local viticulture. As you wander through the sandy soil vineyards, mere steps from the crashing waves of the Atlantic, Hélder’s expertise and passion for the region’s distinctive varietals promise to enliven your senses and leave you eager to uncover more about this enchanting corner of Portugal’s rich wine culture.

Good To Know

• Tour highlights the unique sandy soil vineyards and Colares wine traditions with a guided tasting experience led by a knowledgeable winemaker, Hélder Cunha.
• Visitors learn about the history and resilience of Colares wine in the face of maritime climate challenges, including the phylloxera crisis.
• The tour includes scenic stops at picturesque locations like Praia da Aguda and Cabo da Roca, enhancing the overall experience.
• Guests have the opportunity to taste distinct Colares wine varietals paired with regional sweets, cheese, and charcuterie.
• Transportation options are provided, allowing visitors to explore the area and reach the starting point in Sintra conveniently.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The 4-hour tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience starting from Casa do Preto in Sintra, with prices ranging from $163.84 per person and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve their spot and pay nothing today, allowing them to plan their trip with ease.

The tour is available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, ensuring everyone can fully participate and appreciate the journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of viticulture, this tour promises to deliver a memorable and enriching experience, showcasing the unique vineyards and flavors of the Colares region.

Itinerary Details

Starting from Casa do Preto in Sintra, the tour takes guests on a captivating journey through the picturesque regions of Colares and Sintra, culminating with a wine tasting experience in Cascais.

Along the way, visitors enjoy a food tasting of regional sweets, a photo stop in Colares, a guided tour and wine tasting, and a brief guided tour in Sintra.

The highlights of the tour include:

• Exploring the unique vineyards on sandy soil close to the sea

• Savoring Colares wine paired with a delectable cheese and sausage board

• Admiring the stunning scenic views at Praia da Aguda and Cabo da Roca

• Learning about the rich history and traditions of wine production in the region

Highlights of the Tour

Venturing into the unique vineyards of Colares, where the vines thrive on sandy soil just steps from the crashing waves, sets the stage for an immersive experience that highlights the region’s rich wine heritage.

Visitors will savor a guided wine tasting, sipping on the distinctive Colares varietals while enjoying a cheese and charcuterie board.

The tour also takes them to picturesque spots like Praia da Aguda and Cabo da Roca, offering stunning coastal vistas that complement the wine tasting experience.

From the food sampling at the start to the final wine tasting, this tour provides an engaging and well-rounded exploration of the Colares winemaking tradition.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a knowledgeable guide, either an oenologist or oenophile, who’ll lead visitors through the experience. Air-conditioned transport to the various stops is also provided, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Upon arrival at Casa do Preto, guests can look forward to savoring regional sweets before embarking on the wine tasting portion of the excursion. Throughout the tour, visitors will enjoy a cheese and charcuterie board paired perfectly with the distinctive Colares wines.

The tour’s inclusions offer a comprehensive experience that allows guests to:

• Immerse themselves in the unique terroir of Colares vineyards

• Discover the history and traditions behind the region’s winemaking

• Indulge in a delightful pairing of local delicacies and exceptional wines

• Gain insights from expert guides passionate about the Colares wine culture

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

History of Colares Wine

The Colares region, nestled along the Portuguese coastline, boasts a unique winemaking history dating back centuries, marked by its resilience against the harsh maritime climate and the ingenuity of its vintners. Grapevines in this area are planted in sandy soils, a rare and challenging terroir that has forced local winegrowers to innovate over the years. The Ramisco grape variety, indigenous to Colares, is particularly well-suited to these conditions, producing bold, age-worthy wines with distinct coastal characteristics.

Colares Wine History
First Recorded Mentions	1253	In royal decrees
Phylloxera Crisis	1890s	Vines replanted on resistant rootstocks
Designation of Origin	1908	One of Portugal’s oldest AOCs
Resilience Against Adversity	Ongoing	Colares wines continue to thrive

Unique Vineyards and Terroir

Amid the picturesque Portuguese coastline, the Colares region boasts a distinct viticultural landscape, where grapevines defiantly thrive in the face of the unforgiving maritime climate and sandy, seaside soils.

Hélder Cunha, the winemaker of Casca Wines, shares his insights on this unique terroir:

• The sandy, infertile soil, locally known as ‘areias de praia,’ forces the vines to struggle for survival, resulting in low yields but exceptionally concentrated and flavorful grapes.

• The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates a cooling microclimate, preserving the grapes’ natural acidity and preventing excessive alcohol levels.

• The wind-swept vineyards are often entirely covered in sand, requiring manual cultivation and harvesting practices.

• The ancient, gnarly vines, some over a century old, add depth and complexity to the wines, reflecting the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Guided Wine Tasting Experience

Descending into the heart of the Colares region, visitors are greeted by a guided tour that unveils the nuances of the local winemaking tradition.

Led by an experienced oenologist or oenophile, the tour begins with a tasting of regional sweets at the charming Casa do Preto.

From there, the group explores the unique vineyards on the sandy soil near the sea, learning about the challenges and triumphs of cultivating grapes in this picturesque coastal setting.

The highlight is the wine tasting in Colares, where guests savor the distinct flavors of the local varietals while indulging in a cheese and charcuterie board.

This immersive experience connects the sights, tastes, and history of the Colares wine region, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for its unparalleled terroir.

Getting to the Starting Point

Travelers can reach the starting point, Casa do Preto in Sintra, by a variety of transportation options. Whether opting for a private vehicle, public transit, or a combination, the journey to the meeting point sets the stage for the day’s immersive wine adventure. Getting there offers a glimpse into the region’s picturesque landscapes and charming local culture:

Driving allows visitors to explore the scenic roads at their own pace, stopping for photos along the way.

Taking public transportation, such as trains or buses, provides a more relaxed and eco-friendly approach.

Combining modes, like driving to a transit hub and then taking a train, offers the best of both worlds.

Arriving early allows time to browse the artisanal shops and cafes in the historic town of Sintra before the tour begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour provides air-conditioned transport to take visitors on a journey through Sintra, Colares, and Cascais, allowing them to fully experience the local sights and tastes without the hassle of driving themselves.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Wine Tasting?

No, bringing your own food and drinks to the wine tasting is not permitted. The tour includes a regional sweets tasting at Casa do Preto, as well as a wine tasting with a cheese and charcuterie board, so all refreshments are provided.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour can be extended for an additional fee, allowing guests to explore the vineyards and wineries in greater depth. Guests should inquire about extended tour options when booking to customize their experience.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. The provider offers flexibility in the itinerary, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests and schedule. Just let them know your desired changes when booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounted group rates for bookings of 6 or more people. Inquire about group pricing when making your reservation to take advantage of these savings and enjoy the wine tour with friends or family.

The Sum Up

Exploring Colares Vineyards with renowned winemaker Hélder Cunha offers a captivating journey into Portugal’s winemaking heritage.

Visitors enjoy the region’s unique terroir, uncovering the challenges and triumphs of local viticulture through tastings of distinctive Colares varietals.

This experience promises to leave a lasting impression, seamlessly blending the rich history, natural beauty, and artisanal craftsmanship that define the essence of this remarkable wine destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: