6 Wine experiences not to be missed this summer

For those with an adventurous spirit and a penchant for wine, Portugal in the summer offers a unique tapestry of experiences. Beyond its iconic coastlines, bustling urban centres, and storied landmarks, the nation's wine regions present a captivating journey. By participating in a wine harvest, visitors can immerse themselves in the intricate ballet of winemaking, understanding the fervor, craftsmanship, and legacy that shapes every bottle of Portuguese wine. This guide shines a light on select wineries, offering a blend of tasting and hands-on winemaking experiences. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or a novice eager to learn, these vineyard adventures promise a deeper connection to Portugal's wine culture.

Monverde, Douro Valley

Monverde offers a harmonious blend of tradition, wine, and family engagement. Starting at 9:30 am, you're greeted with a sparkling drink and a Harvest Kit. The vineyard beckons next, where you engage in grape harvesting. A mid-morning break features regional treats, after which the harvest continues. The day peaks with a wine tasting, followed by an outdoor traditional lunch. A winery tour wraps up the experience, with a special activity for children: crafting a postcard from vineyard-collected materials.

Monverde - €65pp

Herdade das Servas, Alentejo

Herdade das Servas intertwines winemaking with Alentejo's history. The journey starts at the Garden Vineyard, followed by a tour of the winery where tradition meets innovation. The marble presses offer a tactile winemaking experience, culminating in a paired wine tasting. The day concludes with a gift: a bottle of wine, symbolizing Alentejo's winemaking legacy.

Herdade das Servas - €45pp

Joao Portugal Ramos, Alentejo

João Portugal Ramos offers a personalized winemaking touch. The day begins with an introduction to traditional Alentejo grapes. You then craft your blend, which is bottled with a custom label. The experience is enriched with a tasting session featuring regional delicacies and a winery tour, celebrating Alentejo's winemaking heritage.

JPR - €50pp

Torre de Palma, Alentejo

Torre de Palma introduces the art of Wine Blending. Participants craft their blend from various wines, followed by designing a custom label. A winery tour offers insights into the wines and grape varieties, ensuring a holistic experience.

Torre de Palma - €60pp

Fita Preta, Alentejo

Fita Preta's Harvest is a dawn adventure. The early start ensures grape freshness, with the team guiding you from the start. After grape harvesting, a vineyard breakfast awaits. The day unfolds with grape sorting, remounting, and laboratory analyses. Tastings and a communal lunch in the palace courtyard celebrate the day's work.

Fita Preta - €125pp

Quinta de Santa Cristina, Vinho Verde

Quinta de Santa Cristina promises a blend of tradition and hospitality. The day starts with a sparkling wine greeting and a Harvest Kit. A vineyard tour educates about grape varieties and terroir. Post-harvest, the winery tour showcases the wine's journey, capped with a tasting of Quinta de Santa Catarina's wines and a regional lunch in the Tasting Room.

Quinta de Santa Cristina - €50