Wine Not – Algarve Winery Tour

Wine Not – Algarve Winery Tour

If you’re seeking a way to combine Portugal’s celebrated wine culture with stunning landscapes and some leisurely outdoor time, the Wine Not – Algarve Winery Tour offers a well-balanced mix. This 5-hour experience guides you through two acclaimed wineries, includes a tranquil picnic at a nature reserve, and even offers inflatable kayaking on the Arade River. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a wine connoisseur, this tour promises a taste of Portugal’s emerging Algarve wine scene, paired with scenic beauty and local flavors.

What we love about this tour includes the opportunity to visit two very different wineries—one boutique and sustainable, the other sprawling and artistically adorned—the chance to relax with a picnic amid nature, and the chance to learn from friendly, knowledgeable guides. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures a personalized experience.

A potential consideration is the 30-minute van transfers between stops, which might feel a little rushed if you’re eager to spend more time at each location. But overall, this tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting authentic wine experiences combined with natural beauty, especially if you enjoy a relaxed pace and scenic drives.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate good wine, enjoy scenic outings, and prefer intimate group settings. It’s particularly appealing for those looking to explore the Algarve beyond its beaches and discover its burgeoning wine culture.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

Authentic visits to two distinct Algarve wineries with excellent reviews.
Scenic picnic at Sitio das Fontes, with optional swimming or kayaking.
Knowledgeable guides who share insights into the region’s wine culture.
Small group size (max 8 participants) for a more personalized experience.
Value for money with multiple tastings, a picnic, and transport included.
Accessible to casual wine lovers and those seeking a relaxed, authentic day out.

Detailed Review of the Algarve Winery Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at JAH SHAKA SURF SHOP, where your friendly guide and fellow travelers gather for a smooth start. From there, a comfy Ford Transit van whisks you away for a 30-minute drive into the heart of the Algarve’s wine country. The small group size (up to 8 people) means you’ll get more personal attention and the chance to ask plenty of questions—something travelers consistently appreciate, as noted in reviews praising the guides’ knowledge.

First Stop: Quinta do Francês Winery

Your first winery visit is to Quinta do Francês, a boutique estate renowned for its dedication to sustainable viticulture. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of three wines, each described by your attentive sommelier. The reviews highlight how the guide’s explanations help even casual wine drinkers understand what makes these wines special. One traveler mentioned, “The host was so passionate and explained everything clearly—made the tasting really engaging.”

Expect to see the winery’s carefully tended vines and learn about the region’s wine-making philosophy. The setting itself is charming, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to savor each sip. This stop is a highlight for those wanting to get a sense of the Algarve’s emerging wine scene, which has grown rapidly from just 30 wineries in 2017 to over 61 today.

Scenic Picnic at Sitio das Fontes

Next, you’ll head to Sitio das Fontes, a picturesque nature reserve that’s a perfect backdrop for a leisurely picnic. Here, you can enjoy fresh bread, ham, chorizo, hummus, salads, and seasonal fruits—designed to showcase local flavors. The reviews praise the quality and freshness of the food, and many mention how the peaceful setting makes for an especially memorable meal.

If you’re feeling adventurous, bring your swimwear because a lovely spot for swimming and cooling off is available. Reviewers also appreciate the option to rent inflatable kayaks, which add an extra element of fun on the Arade River. One guest shared, “The kayaking was a lovely surprise and added a lot of fun to the day.”

The Spectacular Quinta dos Vales

The final stop is Quinta dos Vales, renowned for its stunning estate and outdoor sculptures. This winery offers a more expansive setting, with landscaped vineyards and a gallery-like atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the grounds, enjoying art and lush scenery—a real feast for the eyes. The guide points out the various sculptures and explains their significance, making this stop as much a visual journey as a wine tasting.

At an extra cost, you can indulge in another tasting session — a chance to explore more of the Algarve’s distinctive wines. Reviewers have noted that the wines here are award-winning, and many appreciated the relaxed, uncrowded environment that allowed for meaningful tastings.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers great value considering what’s included: three wine tastings, a picnic lunch, snacks, drinks (including beer, sangria, juice, and water), and transport. The inflatable kayaks are an extra perk, providing a fun way to enjoy the river after your meal.

The tour does not include the additional wine tastings at Quinta dos Vales, which is worth noting if you’re keen to sample more of their wines.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Transportation and Duration

The entire experience lasts about five hours, with timely pickups and drops at JAH SHAKA SURF SHOP. The transportation is comfortable, with air-conditioning, music, and drinks — making the short drives between stops pleasant and relaxed. The small group size enhances the feeling of intimacy, and the guides are praised for their friendly, informative approach.

Overall Experience and Value

At $83 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the inclusion of tastings, a picnic, and optional kayaking. More importantly, it provides a genuine taste of the Algarve’s burgeoning wine scene, far from the touristy crowd. Reviewers mention how the guides’ passion and local knowledge elevate the experience, making it feel more like a day spent with friends rather than a commercial tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you want to combine wine tasting with scenic outdoor moments. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, engaging guides, and authentic experiences. If you’re curious about Portugal’s newer wine regions or looking for a relaxing day away from the beaches, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s also a good choice for active types interested in kayaking or swimming during the picnic stop, adding a playful element to the day.

Limitations to consider:

• The 30-minute van transfers might be a bit brisk for those wishing for more time at each winery.
• It’s not suitable for children under 10, primarily due to the wine tastings and activity nature.
• Extra tastings at Quinta dos Vales cost extra, so if you’re eager to explore more wines, budget accordingly.

The Sum Up

The Wine Not Algarve Winery Tour strikes a pleasing balance between wine, nature, and relaxed exploration. It offers a chance to learn about the Algarve wine scene from passionate guides, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and indulge in local flavors—all within a manageable and intimate setting.

For travelers seeking an authentic taste of Portugal’s emerging wine industry without the crowds, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for those who love discovering new wines, enjoying scenic outdoor spaces, and sharing good company over a picnic.

If your idea of a perfect day includes wine, nature, and a touch of adventure, this experience should be at the top of your Algarve itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 5 hours, including transportation, visits, and meals.

What is the starting point?
Tours begin at JAH SHAKA SURF SHOP, with pickups arranged if pre-organized.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes a picnic lunch, snacks, and a variety of drinks such as beer, sangria, juice, and water.

Can I swim during the picnic stop?
Yes, there’s a chance to swim at Sitio das Fontes, and you’re encouraged to bring swimwear if you wish to swim or kayak.

Is kayaking included?
Inflatable kayaks are available as an optional activity during the picnic, at an additional cost.

Are there additional wine tastings?
You can opt for more tastings at Quinta dos Vales at an extra fee, but it’s not included in the base price.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for small groups, wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those wanting a relaxed, authentic Algarve experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 10 due to wine tastings and outdoor activities.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear if you want to swim or kayak, and comfortable shoes for walking around the wineries and estate.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transfers are in a spacious, air-conditioned van with good music, making travel between stops pleasant.

In summary, if you’re after a thoughtful, engaging, and scenic way to explore Algarve’s wine scene, this tour stands out as a fantastic option. It offers a genuine taste of local flavors, beautiful landscapes, and the chance to learn from passionate guides—all at a reasonable price for such a curated experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: