Lisbon to Wine Tasting Setubal, Two Cellars, Half Day Tour

Exploring Portugal’s renowned wine region of Setubal through a guided tour offers a perfect mix of scenic vineyards, historical wineries, and delicious tastings—all within a half day. While this experience is designed for those with limited time who want a taste of local wines, it provides enough depth to satisfy wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the visit to two distinct wineries—one old, one modern—offers insight into the region’s winemaking evolution. Second, the chance to taste unique wines like the famous Moscatel alongside reds and whites. Third, the stunning vineyard views and landscapes will make even casual travelers appreciate Portugal’s natural beauty.

A potential consideration is the duration—at five hours, it’s a fairly quick trip, so if you’re looking for an in-depth wine experience, you might want to explore more wineries independently. Still, it’s an excellent way to get a well-rounded taste of Setubal’s wine scene without the full-day commitment.

This tour suits visitors who want a guided, relaxed, and authentic experience while enjoying the scenic backdrop of Portugal’s wine country. It’s perfect for those with limited time, wine enthusiasts seeking variety, or travelers wanting a hassle-free, private tour with knowledgeable guides.

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Key Points

Visit to two diverse wineries—an old and a modern setting—showcasing the region’s winemaking history and innovation.
Tastings include Moscatel, Reds, and Whites, giving a comprehensive taste of Setubal’s wine production.
Beautiful vineyards and landscapes provide a memorable scenic backdrop for the day.
Private, customizable experience with pickup and drop-off in Lisbon, Cascais, or Sintra.
Guided tours in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Flexible cancellation policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Starting from Lisbon or nearby locations, the trip begins with pickup from your hotel or chosen location. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes south, bringing you into the famous wine-producing area of Setubal. You’ll have the chance to choose from three convenient pickup points—Lisbon, Sintra, or Cascais—making this trip flexible and accessible whether you’re based in the city or nearby.

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First Stop: Azeitao’s Historic Cellars

Your first visit is to Wine Cellar Jose Maria da Fonseca, one of Portugal’s most historic wine producers. As the oldest producer in the region, this cellar offers a glimpse into the traditional ways of winemaking. You’ll enjoy a guided tour that covers the winery’s rich past and innovative techniques. Reviewers highlight guides like Goncalves, who is praised for his knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the tour more engaging. Expect to see old wine barrels, historical artifacts, and learn about the famous Moscatel de Setubal, a sweet wine that’s a regional specialty.

Second Stop: Modern Elegance at Quinta da Bacalhoa

The next visit is to Quinta da Bacalhoa, a more contemporary winery that combines modern architecture with award-winning wines. Here, the focus shifts to innovation, quality, and beautiful vineyard scenery. The guided tour usually lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll witness the blend of tradition and modern technology. The setting itself is stunning, with expansive views of lush vineyards, perfect for photo opportunities.

Tasting Sessions

Throughout these visits, you’ll enjoy tastings of local wines, including the renowned Moscatel, as well as reds and whites. Reviewers mention the quality of wines and the variety available, making it a highlight for wine enthusiasts. Expect to sample well-curated selections paired with local cheeses and pastries, which enhance the tasting experience.

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What To Expect From the Experience

This is a private tour, allowing for a customizable and relaxed pace. The experience is designed to balance education with enjoyment: guides will share insights into winemaking, regional differences, and the history behind each cellar. The visits are approximately 1.5 hours each, giving ample time for exploration and tasting.

Being only around 30 minutes from Lisbon, the trip is ideal for those who want to escape the city’s hustle without spending hours on the road. The landscape as you drive is characterized by rolling vineyards, groves, and scenic vistas—perfect for photography or simply soaking in the views.

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Practicalities

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or preferred location, which makes the experience seamless. The group size is small and private, adding a layer of intimacy and flexibility. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for diverse travelers.

The Guide Experience

Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Steven mentions Marco as “a wonderful tour guide,” who especially enjoyed Quinta de Catralvos, indicating that guides often go beyond just explaining the wine—they share personal insights and local stories. Goncalves, in particular, is highlighted for his kindness and expertise, which enhances the overall experience.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

For the price, you get a well-organized, private guided experience that covers two different wineries, tastings of multiple wines, and scenic views. The inclusion of local products like cheese and pastries adds to the value, making it a tasty, educational, and scenic outing without the need for a full-day commitment.

While the duration may seem brief, the quality of visits and personalized attention make it worthwhile. You won’t be overwhelmed with excessive wineries or rushed through the tastings—this is about quality, not quantity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to taste a variety of regional wines. It’s also a great choice for travellers limited on time but wanting a comprehensive look at Setubal’s wine scene. If you enjoy scenic landscapes, historical wineries, and intimate guided tours, this is a perfect fit.

Families, couples, or small groups will appreciate the private setting and flexible schedule. And since it’s wheelchair accessible, it’s friendly for travelers with mobility needs.

Final Thoughts

This Lisbon to Setubal wine tour offers an authentic taste of Portugal’s rich winemaking culture in just a half day. The combination of historic and modern wineries, stunning vineyard views, and guided tastings makes it a well-rounded experience for those wanting to explore without overextending their schedule.

The guides’ expertise and the opportunity to taste top-quality wines like Moscatel, reds, and whites make this a memorable outing. It’s especially valuable for travelers who appreciate a personal touch, beautiful scenery, and cultural insights—plus, the flexibility to cancel if plans change.

For anyone seeking a relaxed, informative, and delicious snapshot of Portugal’s wine country, this tour ticks all the right boxes.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes private pickup and drop-off at your hotel or desired location, making the experience smooth and convenient.

Can I choose my pickup location?
Yes, you can select from three options: Sintra, Lisbon, or Cascais, depending on where you’re staying.

How long do the winery visits last?
Each visit to the wineries lasts about 1.5 hours, providing enough time for guided tours and tastings without feeling rushed.

Are the wines tasted included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes tasting experiences of Moscatel, reds, and whites, often paired with local cheese and pastries.

Is the tour suitable for large groups or families?
It’s a private tour, perfect for small groups or families wanting a personalized experience. It’s also wheelchair accessible.

What language are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for diverse visitors.

This detailed, balanced review hopes to give you a real sense of what to expect from this wine tour—an authentic, scenic, and flavorful adventure in Portugal’s renowned Setubal wine region.