Lisbon Southern Region (Fernão Pó) Wine Tasting Private Tour

The Lisbon Southern Region (Fernão Pó) Wine Tasting Private Tour is a fully private, approximately 6-hour experience designed for wine lovers eager to explore Portugal’s southern wine heritage. Priced at $154.76 per person, this tour provides a personalized journey through two renowned wineries, with pickup service included. The tour operates with just your party and a guide/driver, ensuring an intimate setting for tasting, learning, and sightseeing. With a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating based on 42 reviews, this experience is highly recommended, especially for those wanting a flexible, in-depth look at Portugal’s rural wine regions.

While the tour is a full day of wine tasting and exploration, it is well-suited for travelers comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor exposure. The private nature of the tour means it can be tailored to your preferences, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or wine enthusiasts seeking a personalized experience. The only consideration is that this tour is most popular when booked around 60 days in advance, so planning ahead is recommended.

Key Points

• Private, fully customizable wine tour from Lisbon, 6 hours long
• Visit two historic wineries in Cheleiros and Bucelas with guided tastings
• Sample six different wines, local olive oil, and traditional bread
• Includes hotel or port pickup, entrance fees, and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Discover Portuguese grape varieties and local wine production methods
• Ideal for wine lovers and those interested in Portugal’s rural culture

Scenic Drive into Portugal’s Rural Heartland

The tour departs from Lisbon with hotel pickup or port pickup included, starting at 9:30 am. A 45-minute drive takes you southward, away from the city’s hustle, into the lush countryside of the Setúbal Peninsula and Palmela/Poceirão area. The scenic landscape features vineyards and farm fields, setting a peaceful backdrop for the day ahead. The route crosses the famous Golden Gate bridge as part of the journey, adding a memorable touch to the departure.

Traveling through this less-visited part of Portugal reveals the rural charm and agricultural richness that define the region’s wine identity. The drive itself offers several opportunities for photos and a gentle introduction to Portugal’s countryside.

Visiting Filipe Palhoca Wines in Poceirão

The first stop is Filipe Palhoca Wines, a family-owned winery with roots dating back to 1950. This vineyard is situated in the Poceirão area, in the heart of the Setúbal Peninsula wine-growing region. The winery boasts 112 hectares of vineyards spread across 11 properties in Poceirão, Fernando Pó, and Marateca.

Here, the focus is on traditional family winemaking, with a history of nurturing local grape varieties. Visitors can learn about how the Palhoca family revived local wines using native grapes like Jampal—which produce unique bottles exclusive to this region. The tasting includes six wines produced at Filipe Palhoca, highlighting both their historic and modern approaches to winemaking.

Authentic Portuguese Lunch in Poceirão

Following the winery visit, the tour includes a stop at a local family restaurant in Poceirão. This restaurant is run by a fisherman’s family, offering an authentic Portuguese meal, predominantly featuring fresh local fish. The lunch provides a genuine taste of regional cuisine and is an appreciated break from wine tasting, giving visitors time to relax and soak in the rural atmosphere.

In some cases, the tour may use a different local restaurant if the primary option isn’t available. The experience is designed to combine culinary tradition with the scenic countryside, enhancing the sense of Portuguese authenticity.

Casa Ermelinda Freitas and Its Historic Winery

The second winery visited is Casa Ermelinda Freitas, established in 1920 by Leonilde Freitas. The winery has a long family history, now led by the fifth generation of the Freitas family, with a notable tradition of female leadership. The vineyard’s soil is primarily beach sand, which retains water well and influences grape ripening.

Casa Ermelinda Freitas produces wines from native grape varieties, with a special focus on white wines made from Arinto grapes, which have been cultivated in the region for over 2,000 years since Roman times. Visitors have the chance to sample three wines from the DOC-recognized Bucelas area, known for its high-quality white wines.

The visit includes an exploration of the quiet village center, allowing for a leisurely stroll through Portugal’s rural charm. The winery’s history and landscape provide a rich context for understanding local wine production.

Customizable Itinerary Options for a Personal Touch

This tour emphasizes flexibility in planning your day. Visitors can choose to visit historic sites, stroll vineyards, or simply enjoy the countryside views. The guide can adapt the schedule based on your interests for an authentic, tailored experience. With all entrance fees included and skip-the-line access, the focus remains on enjoying the experience rather than logistical hassles.

Along With wine tastings, travelers can explore local villages or relax amid scenic vineyard landscapes. The tour’s private format ensures a quiet, intimate atmosphere, with the guide providing insights into local traditions, grapes, and wine-making techniques.

The Wines and Tasting Experience

Throughout the day, you sample eight wines total—six at the wineries and additional tastings of artisanal olive oil and bread. The wine selection features a variety of native varieties, including Jampal and Arinto grapes, with an emphasis on small-batch, high-quality production.

The guide explains the history and significance of each wine, helping you understand the local terroir and wine-making practices. The olive oil and bread tasting complements the wines perfectly, giving you a taste of Portugal’s artisanal products.

Logistics and Comfort

The private air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfortable transportation between stops, with pickup and drop-off at your Lisbon hotel or port. The tour begins at 9:30 am and includes all entrance fees and guided tastings, providing excellent value.

The tour is designed for most travelers, but it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a camera to capture moments along the scenic drive and vineyard visits.

Highly Praised Guides and Personal Service

Based on numerous reviews, the tour’s success often hinges on its guides’ expertise and friendliness. Guides like Joao, Paulo, and Ricardo earn praise for their knowledge, passion for wine, and personalized approach. They are noted for being attentive to guests’ interests, making the experience both educational and fun.

Many reviews highlight the engaging storytelling and willingness to customize the day, whether that means adjusting the itinerary or sharing insider tips about local spots. This personal touch is what makes this tour stand out among other wine experiences in Lisbon.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Taste of Portugal’s Rural Wineries

The Lisbon Southern Region (Fernão Pó) Wine Tasting Private Tour offers a relaxed, intimate look at Portugal’s wine traditions, with visits to two historic wineries, tasting local wines, and enjoying authentic regional cuisine. Its private format and customizable itinerary make it ideal for those seeking a personalized experience. The expert guides help bring the region’s history and culture to life, making each stop both educational and enjoyable.

While the tour is most suitable for wine enthusiasts, its flexible nature and scenic rural stops appeal to anyone interested in Portuguese countryside or local gastronomy. The value lies in the personalized service, premium tastings, and the chance to explore beyond Lisbon’s city limits—a true highlight for those wanting a deliberate, in-depth day outside the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off, private transportation, guided visits to two wineries, eight wine tastings, olive oil and bread tasting, and all entrance fees.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily focused on wine tasting, the tour’s scenic countryside and cultural stops can appeal to non-drinkers. However, the main activity involves wine tasting, so plan accordingly.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the tour is fully private and offers flexibility to visit additional sites, stroll vineyards, or focus on specific interests.

What are the main grape varieties tasted?
The tour features Jampal grapes at Filipe Palhoca and Arinto grapes at Casa Ermelinda Freitas, with a focus on native Portuguese varieties.

How long do the winery visits last?
Each winery visit lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, allowing ample time for tasting and exploration.

What is the best time to book this tour?
The tour is most popular when booked around 60 days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Are lunch and snacks included?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local family restaurant, featuring fresh regional fare.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and casual attire are recommended, especially for vineyard walking. Sunscreen and a camera are also advised.

How many people can join this private tour?
The tour is designed for just your party and a guide, ensuring a personalized experience with flexible group sizes, but a minimum of 2 participants is required.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The total experience lasts about 6 hours, from pickup in Lisbon to return at the end of the day.