Authentic Alentejo Wine & Heritage Tour

Authentic Alentejo Wine & Heritage Tour – May 10-11, 2025

Experience the essence of Portugal’s wine country with our exclusive 2-day tour to one of Alentejo’s most charming villages for their annual spring wine celebration! This intimate experience combines breathtaking landscapes, world-class wines, and authentic cultural immersion.

Day 1 (Saturday, May 10th): Wine Festival & Natural Beauty

Your journey begins wtih a 10:00am arrival to a  picturesque Alentejo village, that will to immerse you in local traditions and flavors.

Morning Option: Begin with an optional countryside hike through ancient vineyards. This moderate 10km trail winds through centuries-old vines, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, cork oak forests, and the distinctive slate soil that gives local wines their unique character. You’ll pass traditional stone houses, working vineyards, and maybe spot local wildlife including eagles and storks. Not a hiker? No problem – Visit a charming medieval town  with its distinctive Manueline architecture and historic landmarks instead.

Afternoon: The hiking path leads directly to the heart of the village’s annual wine festival! This beloved local celebration transforms the village into a vibrant showcase of Alentejo’s rich winemaking traditions. The narrow cobblestone streets come alive with the aromas of regional cuisine and the sounds of traditional music. You’ll be welcomed by passionate local producers eager to share their craft, with many families having preserved their winemaking techniques across generations. The festival celebrates the region’s UNESCO-recognized clay pot winemaking method, where wines develop distinctive mineral characteristics from the ancient amphorae vessels.

Here you’ll experience:

• Tastings from multiple local adegas
• Traditional clay pot winemaking demonstrations
• Live Portuguese folk music and dancing
• Artisanal food vendors showcasing local specialties
• Meeting passionate local vintners and learning their family stories

Evening: As twilight falls, join fellow wine enthusiasts for a magnificent outdoor regional dinner under the stars, where traditional Alentejo dishes are elevated by perfect wine pairings in the village’s charming central square.

Festival Package includes:

• Wine tastings
• Gourmet tapas route
• Official festival t-shirt and hat
• Exclusive bottle of traditionally-made wine
• Full dinner with wine pairings

Important: Festival packages must be purchased before May 7th to ensure availability.

After dinner, settle into your chosen accommodation from our curated list of unique local options (accommodation cost not included, but we provide recommendations ranging from historic manor houses to boutique rural hotels upon booking).

Day 2 (Sunday, May 11): Cultural Heritage & Culinary Traditions

Morning: After breakfast, we’ll visit a traditional bakery in a historic village where you’ll learn the secrets behind the region’s famous bread. Watch master bakers work with centuries-old techniques and taste fresh-from-the-oven bread still warm and fragrant.

Late Morning Options – Choose Your Adventure:

• For Nature Lovers: Following our bakery visit, embark on an optional 12km cultural walking trail (approximately 2hr 15min) that traces the footsteps of Portuguese nobility. This moderately challenging path takes you through a stunning tapestry of Alentejo landscapes while connecting historical treasures.
• For History Buffs: Explore impressive Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century, offering a fascinating glimpse into Portugal’s ancient past amid the serene countryside.
• Festival Finale: Before departing, experience the festival’s Sunday highlight—”Chefs in the Village”—where a celebrated guest chef creates an extraordinary lunch showcasing contemporary interpretations of regional cuisine, each course thoughtfully paired with the festival’s standout wines.

Your itinerary can be tailored to your preferences – more hiking, more cultural visits, or more wine tasting – the choice is yours!

Why Book This Exclusive Experience:

• Authentic Access: Experience a local wine festival few international visitors discover
• Flexibility: Customize your experience with optional activities based on your interests and energy levels
• Exclusive Timing: This tour coincides perfectly with one of the region’s most celebrated wine events
• Personal Touch: Small group ensures personalized attention and the ability to adjust pace as needed
• Hassle-Free Planning: We handle all logistics and festival arrangements
• Transportation Included: Comfortable private minivan from Lisbon, Cascais, or Setúbal with pickup from your front door.

Limited availability for this special weekend tour. Book now to secure your authentic Alentejo wine country experience!