Hike & Wine Ericeira

Discover the Perfect Blend of Nature and Fine Wine in Cascais

The Hike & Wine Ericeira tour offers a scenic 7 km walk through the lush hills and landscapes of Cheleiros, Portugal, for a price of $103.18 per person. With a duration of approximately 4 hours, this experience combines outdoor adventure with a delicious taste of regional winemaking. Designed to be accessible for most, this tour is an ideal choice for those who enjoy combining physical activity with cultural indulgence. It features pickup options and the convenience of a mobile ticket, making logistics straightforward and stress-free.

What makes this tour stand out is its seamless integration of a scenic hike with a guided wine tasting at a local producer’s home. The experience is perfect for anyone interested in Portuguese countryside scenery, local wine culture, and authentic regional flavors. Though the trek is gentle enough for most, those with mobility concerns should consider the walking distance. This tour offers a rich dose of nature, history, and wine, wrapped into a manageable and highly-rated experience.

Key Points

• Price of $103.18 per person for a 4-hour experience combining walking and wine tasting
• Includes pickup and mobile ticket for ease of access
• Scenic 7 km hike through Cheleiros’ landscapes, suitable for most fitness levels
• Visit to a renowned local wine producer’s home with insights into regional wine making and terroir
• Tasting of six premium wines, paired with regional tapas, at a single, welcoming venue
• Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 reviews, indicating high satisfaction

Starting Point in Cheleiros: Convenience and Accessibility

The tour begins at 2640 Cheleiros, Portugal, with pickup options available, making it simple for visitors to join without worrying about transportation. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, providing an easy and logical flow for participants. The small group size of up to 15 travelers ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction.

The tour is open to most travelers, and service animals are allowed, supporting accessibility for a variety of needs. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

Exploring Cheleiros: A Historic Wine Village

Cheleiros is a historic wine village that showcases Portugal’s rural traditions and scenic charm. The walk takes you through the Vila da Mata Pequena, a picturesque area that reflects the region’s farm life and natural beauty. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, offering plenty of photo-worthy vistas during the approximately 7 km hike.

Along the route, an impressive geological feature, Penedo do Lexima, marks an ancient volcano chimney from the Lisbon Volcanic Complex. This site provides a natural touch of mystery and geological interest, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the scenic walk. The walk itself is crafted to be accessible, allowing most participants to enjoy the outdoors comfortably.

Behind the Scenes at a Local Wine Producer’s Home

After the hike, the group is welcomed into the warm and inviting home of a well-known local wine producer. Here, the story of Cheleiros’ wine-making tradition unfolds, emphasizing the influence of the volcanic soil on the wines’ character. Visitors have the chance to explore the wine museum and production facilities, where tradition meets innovation in winemaking.

This visit isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the region’s deep-rooted connection to its terroir. The host shares the fascinating history of winemaking in Cheleiros, adding context to the tasting experience. The guide’s expertise ensures that each story and detail enhances the appreciation of the wines.

Wine Tasting: Six Distinct Selections Paired with Tapas

The highlight of the experience is the guided tasting of six exceptional wines. Each wine is carefully selected to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the local offerings. The pairing with regional tapas elevates the tasting, creating a sensory harmony of flavors that celebrates the region’s culinary traditions.

Guests enjoy a perfect combination of outdoor scenery, storytelling, and tasting, making the wine session more than just a simple drink. The wines are described as amazing, and the entire tasting experience is praised for its balance, quality, and authenticity. This part of the tour leaves a lasting impression, especially for those eager to learn more about Portugal’s wine heritage.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging

The tour’s success hinges on its expert guides, especially Tiago, who is noted for being very knowledgeable about the area. The guides deliver engaging stories and explanations that deepen the understanding of the landscape and the wines. Their friendly approach makes the experience approachable and informative, adding to the overall enjoyment.

The staff at Manzwine, the wine producer, are also praised for their expertise, making the wine tasting both educational and enjoyable. This personal touch helps to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages questions and curiosity about the local wines and traditions.

Scenic Hike Featuring Penedo do Lexima

The scenic 7 km route takes participants through valleys and hills, offering stunning views of the natural landscape. A notable stop is Penedo do Lexima, a geological site that signals the ancient chimney of a volcano. This geological feature provides an impressive backdrop to the walk, adding a touch of geological history to the natural scenery.

The walk is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, with a pace that allows for soaking in the views without feeling rushed. The landscape’s beauty and geological interest make it a memorable part of the journey, especially for those interested in natural formations and regional geology.

Combining the Outdoors with Cultural Heritage

This tour isn’t just about walking and wine; it offers a cultural journey into rural Portuguese traditions. The visit to Cheleiros highlights its long-standing wine-making culture, rooted in the volcanic terroir that influences the character of the wines. The experience of walking through postcard-worthy landscapes and then learning about local wine production crafts an engaging narrative of regional identity.

The storytelling aspect enriches the overall experience, helping visitors connect with the place on a deeper level. It’s a well-rounded tour that satisfies curiosity about Portugal’s rural traditions while offering a fun, relaxing, and educational outing.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The small group size of up to 15 participants provides an intimate experience, while the free cancellation policy allows flexibility in case of weather or schedule changes. Because the tour is weather-dependent, it may be canceled in case of poor conditions, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

Participants should be prepared for a gentle walk of about 7 km, suitable for most fitness levels but requiring comfortable footwear. The tour’s average booking window of 53 days in advance suggests good availability and planning ease for travelers.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in Portuguese rural life and geology. It offers a balanced mix of scenic walking, storytelling, and wine tasting, making it suitable for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a memorable half-day adventure. The focus on local tradition and authentic flavors ensures a genuine experience for visitors eager to explore Portugal beyond the city.

The Value of a Well-Rounded Cultural Experience in Cascais

For a price of just over $100, this tour offers an engaging way to spend a few hours immersed in the landscapes and flavors of Portugal. The expert guides, beautiful scenery, and premium wine tasting all contribute to a high-quality experience, earning a perfect 5.0 rating from recent reviews.

While the activity is mostly suitable for most, those with mobility concerns should consider the walking distance. Overall, Hike & Wine Ericeira combines physical activity with cultural and culinary pleasures, delivering a well-balanced and highly recommended outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup options in Cheleiros, making it easier to join without worrying about logistics.

How much walking is involved?
The walk covers roughly 7 km, which is manageable for most, but comfortable footwear is recommended.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy available up to 24 hours before the start time.

What is included in the wine tasting?
You will sample six carefully selected wines, paired with regional tapas, at a welcoming local venue.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s designed to be accessible for most, but the walking distance should be considered by those with concerns.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience with knowledgeable guides.