The Algarve has long been synonymous with golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and world-class golf courses. Yet, beyond this sun-drenched façade lies a burgeoning wine scene, increasingly recognised for its quality and unique character.

While wine production in the Algarve boasts a rich history, with evidence of winemaking dating back to the Roman era, it is now experiencing a vibrant modern renaissance.

A new generation of passionate winemakers is breathing life into old traditions and exploring innovative techniques, transforming the region into an exciting destination for wine lovers. Visitors today can expect to find a diverse array of wineries, from historic family estates that have cultivated vines for centuries to modern ventures pushing the boundaries of Algarvian wine production.

The Algarve's wine landscape is as varied as its coastal scenery, offering a wealth of experiences designed to enchant every type of visitor.

The region is officially divided into four Denominações de Origem Controlada (DOCs): Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, and Tavira. The Central Algarve, particularly the areas around Lagoa, Silves, and Loulé, are the prime location for planning multi-stop day trips.

For any independent wine tour, one piece of advice stands out: book winery visits and experiences in advance. Many Algarve wineries, particularly the smaller, family-run operations, don't have dedicated staff waiting for walk-in visitors. Therefore, spontaneous visits are highly likely to result in disappointment.

This guide will detail 21 wineries to visit, but as a summary the 5 best are:
Morgado do Quintão (Estômbar) - A historic estate founded in 1810 with some of the Algarve's oldest vineyards, championing organic practices and offering exceptional "Join Our Table" dining experiences.

Quinta dos Vales (Estômbar) - A standout 44-hectare estate combining award-winning wines with unique art installations and luxury accommodation, plus hands-on blending workshops.

Monte da Casteleja (Lagos) - The Algarve's only certified organic winery, offering an authentic family-run experience with guesthouse accommodation and traditional Portuguese varieties.

ARVAD Wine (Estômbar) - Beautifully positioned on the Arade River with stunning views of Silves, this winery embraces its Phoenician heritage and offers memorable riverside dining experiences.

Quinta dos Sentidos (Silves) - A sophisticated boutique operation producing both premium wines and olive oils in the picturesque Silves hills, with comprehensive estate tours covering their diverse agricultural activities.
Note: Full details of wine tastings and links to websites are provided later in this guide

The interactive map below shows the locations of these 21 wine estates, helping you to plan your day trip. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend: 1) Falésia Wines 2) Monte da Casteleja 3) Villa Alvor 4) Quinta do Francês 5) Quinta dos Santos 6) Quinta dos Vales 7) ARVAD Wine 8) Convento do Paraíso 9) Morgado do Quintão 10) Vineyards - Quintas da Penina 10b) Winery - Quintas da Penina 11) Adega Cooperativa do Algarve 12) Monte dos Salicos 13) Paxa Wines 14) Quinta dos Sentidos 15) Cabrita Wines 16) Quinta dos Capinhas 17) Quinta João Clara 18) Adega do Cantor 19) Herdade Barranco do Vale 20) Quinta da Tôr 21) Vinhas de Nexe 22) Al-Lagar by Casa Santos Lima

While independent exploration offers flexibility and freedom, joining a professional wine tour eliminates many practical challenges. Most importantly, you'll have a designated driver, allowing you to fully enjoy tastings without worrying about Portugal's strict drink-driving laws. Expert guides possess intimate knowledge of the region's wine history, production techniques, and hidden stories that individual visitors rarely access.

We have worked with GetYourGuide for the previous seven years, and some of their best wine tours include:

The following sections present detailed profiles of the Algarve's most notable wineries, organised geographically from west to east across the region's four DOCs.

The western Algarve, encompassing the DOCs of Lagos and Portimão, offers wine experiences that blend winemaking with stunning coastal scenery and convenient access to popular tourist towns.

Monte da Casteleja (Lagos, Lagos DOC)
The Algarve's only certified organic winery, Monte da Casteleja is a family-run estate specialising in traditional Portuguese grape varieties and sustainable winemaking methods. This tranquil rural property also offers guesthouse accommodation for visitors seeking a fully immersive experience.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Organic Wine Tour & Tasting: Guided vineyard and cellar tour with tasting of three organic wines (white, red, and rosé) paired with regional tapas. Duration: 2 hours. Cost: €30-€35 per person.
• Private Picnic Experience: Wine tasting followed by countryside picnic with local produce.
• Winemaker's Talk: Meet winemaker António Mendes for insights into organic production philosophy with guided tasting.
Booking: Advance booking essential for all visits - Monte Casteleja

 

Villa Alvor (Alvor, Portimão DOC)
An expansive 86-hectare estate where winemaking draws on the rich Roman and Arab cultural heritage of the Algarve. Villa Alvor aims to showcase the Mediterranean lifestyle through authentic regional flavours.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Alvor Classic Wine Experience: Tasting of 3 wines. Duration: 45 minutes.
• "ALL Alvor" Tasting: Comprehensive tasting of 7 estate wines with optional regional snacks (cheeses, charcuterie, jams, pâté). Duration: 75 minutes. Cost: €35 per person.
• Alvor Singular Wine Experience: Tasting of 3 singular wines. Duration: 45 minutes.
Website: Villa Alvor
Email: [email protected] (link opens your email app)

Falésia Wines (Lagos, Lagos DOC)
Portugal's most southern vineyard and closest to the sea, this family-owned boutique winery offers a truly unique clifftop setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Wine Tasting by the Cliff: Vineyard and terroir tour followed by tasting of three top wines with local tapas. Duration: 2 hours. Cost: €30 per person.
Booking: By appointment only - Falésia Wines

The central Algarve, particularly the areas encompassing Silves, Lagoa, Estômbar, Porches, and Loulé, forms the heartland of the region's wine production. Here, you can find a rich variety of establishments, from grand historic estates with centuries of winemaking tradition to dynamic modern producers and important cooperatives.

Morgado do Quintão (Estômbar, Lagoa DOC)
A historic family estate founded in 1810 by the Count of Silves, featuring some of the Algarve's oldest vineyards and championing organic, low-intervention winemaking practices. The lovingly restored property also offers accommodation.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Premium Vineyards Tour & Wine Tasting: 90-minute to 2-hour estate tour with wine tasting paired with local artisan cheese and charcuterie. Cost: €35-€42.50.
• "Join Our Table" Farmer's Lunch: 3-course traditional Algarvian meal with wine pairings, often served under their ancient olive tree. Duration: 2.5 hours. Cost: €55-€60.
Booking: Essential to book in advance.
Website: Morgado do Quintão

 

Quinta dos Sentidos (Silves)
A boutique winery and olive oil estate set in the rolling hills of Silves, known for sophisticated wines and high-quality extra virgin olive oils produced in a picturesque setting.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Wine Tasting & Winery Tour: Private experience covering winemaking and olive oil pressing with tasting of 4 wines and 3 olive oils. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes. Cost: €45.
• Vineyard, Olive Grove & Fruit Garden Tour with Tasting: Immersive estate tour followed by wine and olive oil tasting. Cost: €45.
• Private Wine and Olive Oil Tasting: Focused tasting of premium wines, olive oils, and verjus. Duration: 1 hour. Cost: €38.
Booking: Advance booking required.
Website: Quinta dos Sentidos

 

Quinta da Tôr (Loulé)
A family-owned winery with history dating back to 1500, located in the small village of Tôr near Loulé. Notable for its infinity pool, which guests can often use during wine tastings while enjoying vineyard views.

Tour & Tasting Options:
Guided tours (20-30 minutes) followed by wine tastings (1.5-2 hours). Various options include:
• Classic Tasting: 4 wines with homemade bread and estate olive oil. €13.50.
• Bravíssima Tasting: 3 classic wines + 1 premium red. €15.50.
Website: Quinta da Tôr

 

Cabrita Wines (Silves)
A family project dating back to 1977, specialising in quality wines made from traditional Algarve grape varieties, including the indigenous Negra Mole.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Classic Wine Tasting: Guided tour of vineyards, winery, and barrel cellar followed by tasting of 3 wines from the Classic range with local cheeses and charcuterie. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €25-€30.
• Prestige Wine Tasting: Similar tour with tasting of 4 Premium wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €45.
Booking: 48-hour advance reservation required.
Website: Cabrita Wines
Email: [email protected] (opens email app)

 

Quinta dos Vales (Estômbar, Lagoa DOC)
A large 44-hectare estate uniquely combining an award-winning winery, wine hotel with villa accommodations, and impressive art sculpture collection displayed throughout the property.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Guided Wine Tour & Tasting: Explore winery and barrel cellar followed by premium tasting of 4 wines. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €36-€37.
• Bottle Blending Workshop: Hands-on experience creating and bottling your own wine blend with expert guidance. Duration: 3 hours.
• "Solo Tasting": Casual tasting on the terrace overlooking the vineyard without full tour or prior reservation.
Website: Quinta dos Vales
Booking: [email protected] (opens email app)

 

Quinta da Penina (Parchal)
Producer of Foral de Portimão and Quinta da Penina wine brands, offering tours of their modern Adega do Pateiro facility and the historic Quinta da Palmeirinha with its old Negra Mole vineyard.

Tour & Tasting Options:
• Silver Package: Tasting of 3 Selection wines (red, white, rosé) with regional snacks. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €20.
• Gold Package: Tasting of 4 wines (3 Reserve + 1 Selection) with regional snacks. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €30.
• Tasting & Visit with History: Tour of 80-year-old Negra Mole vineyard, 19th-century chapel, and old winery, plus tasting of 4 wines with regional snacks. Duration: 2 hours. Cost: €35.
• Simple Wine Tasting: Tasting of 3 Selection wines at winery shop, no booking required.
Website: Vinhos Portimão

 

ARVAD Wine (Estômbar)
A winery embracing its Phoenician heritage and picturesque riverside location on the banks of the Arade River, offering stunning views of Silves and the Monchique mountains with experiences that connect wine to the river setting.
Tour & Tasting Options:
• Prova da Palavra (Superior Tasting): Guided vineyard and winery visit with tasting of 3 main wines plus 1 premium wine, paired with regional bread, cheese, and olive oil. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €30.
• Prova da Descoberta (Premium Tasting): Guided visit with tasting of 2 Colheita wines and 3 premium wines, plus cheeses. Duration: 2 hours. Cost: €50.
• Lunch by the River: Private 3-course meal on deck overlooking Arade River with wine pairings. Duration: 3 hours.
Website: ARVAD

 

Other Notable Wineries in Central Algarve

Quinta dos Capinhas (Porches)
Beautiful family-owned vineyard offering intimate Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €49.20.
Website: Quinta dos Capinhas

Quinta dos Santos (Estômbar)
Contemporary estate uniquely producing both boutique wines and craft beers with popular restaurant. Offers tasting room experiences and tours.
Website: Quinta dos Santos

Paxá Wines (Silves)
Family-driven winery known for passion towards Algarve wines. Tour & Premium Tasting (€37.50) and vineyard picnics available.
Website: Paxá Wines

Quinta do Francês (Silves)
Family-run 8-hectare estate in valleys towards Monchique uplands. Guided tours with 3-wine tasting (€25).
Website: Quinta do Francês

Adega Cooperativa do Algarve (ÚNICA) (Lagoa)
Portugal's oldest cooperative winery (founded 1954) from merger of Lagoa and Lagos co-ops. Guided winery and museum tours available.
Website: ÚNICA Adega Cooperativa

Monte dos Salicos (Carvoeiro)
Family property 3km from sea with clay-limestone soils and sea breezes. Standard (€20) and Premium (€30) tastings, plus wine lunches.
Website: Monte de Salicos Wines

Adega do Cantor (Guia, Albufeira)
Famously owned by Sir Cliff Richard, producing Vida Nova and Onda Nova wines from three local farms. Various tasting options (€10-€20).
Website: Wines Vida Nova

Quinta João Clara (Alcantarilha)
Three-generation family project with 14 hectares producing single varieties like Alvarinho, Syrah, and Negra Mole. Producer-led visits (€30, 2 hours).
Website: João Clara

Herdade Barranco do Vale (São Bartolomeu de Messines)
Northernmost Algarve producer on 100-hectare estate between sea and mountains. Walking or tractor vineyard tours with traditional gastronomy.
Website: Herdade Barranco do Vale

Convento do Paraíso (Silves)
Historic property with 15th-century convent and 25 hectares of vineyards. Wine tastings from €20-€25.
Website: Convento do Paraíso

The Eastern Algarve, corresponding largely with the Tavira DOC and the Sotavento (leeward) coast, presents a wine scene that is generally less densely populated than its central and western counterparts. This area, noted for its warmer climate and stronger Mediterranean influence, offers a chance to discover unique wineries, some of which may provide a more "off-the-beaten-path" experience.

Al-Lagar by Casa Santos Lima (Tavira)
Centred around a meticulously restored century-old wine press, Al-Lagar offers a unique and authentic space for wine lovers at the gateway to Tavira. Part of the well-established Casa Santos Lima wine company.
Tour & Tasting Options:
Themed tastings lasting 45 minutes:
• Algarve Tasting: €25 per person
• Algarve Sparkling Tasting: €35 per person
• Tavira DOC Tasting: Features two DOC Tavira wines. €25 per person
Website: Casa Santos Lima

Vinhas de Nexe (Santa Bárbara de Nexe)
A charming 4-hectare property with 2.5 hectares of vineyards that preserves regional culture with a small animal farm, fruit trees, and traditional Algarvian holiday rental houses. Cultivates red varieties like Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca, and Syrah, plus white varieties including Arinto, Alvarinho, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Tour & Tasting Options:
• "Exquisite Tasting": Guided tour of the "mother vineyard" followed by tasting of 4 estate wines. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €38 per person.
Website: Vinhas de Nexe