The Algarve produces some of Portugal's most distinctive wines, though the region remains overlooked by visitors focused on its beaches and golf courses. This is changing. A new generation of winemakers has transformed what was once a sleepy backwater into a serious wine destination, and those who venture inland from the coast discover estates that rival anything in the Douro or Alentejo for quality and character.

Vines have grown here since Roman times, but modern Algarve winemaking bears little resemblance to its historical roots. Today's producers blend traditional Portuguese varieties with international grapes, experiment with organic and low-intervention methods, and craft wines that reflect the region's unique terroir: hot summers tempered by Atlantic breezes, limestone and clay soils, and microclimates that shift dramatically between coast and hills.

A tour of the Algarve's wine estates takes you from centuries-old family properties to ambitious modern ventures. You'll find restored manor houses where winemaking has passed through generations alongside sleek new facilities pushing technical boundaries.

The Algarve divides into four official wine appellations (DOC): Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, and Tavira. Most wineries cluster in the central region around Lagoa, Silves, and Estômbar, making this the logical base for day trips. Three or four estates can reasonably be visited in a day if you plan carefully.

Advance booking is essential. The Algarve's wineries are predominantly small, family-run operations without dedicated visitor centres or reception staff. Turning up unannounced will almost certainly end in disappointment.
Five Wineries Worth Prioritising:
Morgado do Quintão (Estômbar) - The Algarve's largest certified organic vineyard, founded in 1810 by the Count of Silves. The estate works with acclaimed winemaker Joana Maçanita to produce wines from some of the region's oldest vines. The "Farmer's Table" lunch, served beneath a 2,000-year-old olive tree, has become one of the Algarve's signature wine experiences - morgadodoquintao.pt

Quinta dos Vales (Estômbar) - A 44-hectare estate that balances serious winemaking (over 100 awards) with accessible tourism. The property combines contemporary villa accommodation, an outdoor sculpture collection, and hands-on experiences including bottle-blending workshops. Under new ownership since 2024, with plans to expand its wine tourism offering - quintadosvales.pt

ARVAD Wine (Estômbar) Set on the banks of the Arade River with views across to Silves, ARVAD has rapidly become one of the region's most exciting producers. The winery champions Negra Mole, the Algarve's indigenous grape, and offers experiences ranging from vineyard picnics to riverside lunches on their deck. Visitors can arrive by boat from Portimão, retracing the route the Phoenicians took when they first brought wine to Portugal - arvad.pt

Monte da Casteleja (Lagos) A small, family-run organic estate just outside Lagos. The winery maintains traditional methods including foot-treading during harvest and produces wines exclusively from Portuguese varieties. The intimate setting and passionate hosts make this a favourite for visitors seeking authenticity over scale - montecasteleja.com

Quinta dos Sentidos (Silves) More than a winery: this nine-hectare estate in the Silves hills produces wines, olive oils, verjus, and honey while cultivating some 40 varieties of citrus fruit. The Swiss-Danish owners lead personal tours through their vineyards, olive groves, and botanical gardens. The attention to detail borders on obsessive, and the quality shows - qds.pt

The map below plots 22 of the Algarve's best wineries and vineyards. Most are concentrated in the central region between Lagoa and Silves, though producers worth visiting stretch from the clifftop vineyards of Lagos in the west to Tavira in the east. Use the map to identify clusters and plan efficient routes.

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

Driving between wineries presents an obvious problem: tasting wine and driving do not mix, and Portugal enforces strict limits. A guided tour solves this while offering additional benefits. Good guides know the winemakers personally, can arrange access to estates that don't accept independent visitors, and provide context that transforms a pleasant afternoon into a genuine education.

The tours below are run through GetYourGuide and cover the region's best producers:

The sections that follow profile the Algarve's most notable wineries, organised geographically from west to east across the region's four appellations.

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)
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 and Tastings:
• Organic Wine Tour & Tasting: Guided vineyard and cellar tour with tasting of three organic wines 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.
Website: montecasteleja.com/

Villa Alvor (Alvo)
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 and Tastings:
• Alvor Classic Wine Experience: Tasting of 3 wines. Duration: 45 minutes. €20 per person.
• "ALL Alvor" Tasting: Comprehensive tasting of 7 estate wines with optional regional snacks (cheeses, charcuterie, jams, pâté). Duration: 75 minutes. Cost: €35 per person.
Website: villaalvor.pt/

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 and Tastings:
• Tour and Tastings: “Wine Tasting by the Cliff” – a vineyard 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)
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 and Tastings:
• Premium Vineyards Tour & Wine Tasting: 90-minute 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.
Website: www.morgadodoquintao.pt

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 and Tastings:
• 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.
Website: qds.pt

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 and Tastings:
Guided tours (20-30 minutes) followed by wine tastings (1.5-2 hours). Various options include:
• Classic Tasting of 4 wines with homemade bread and estate olive oil, €13.50.
• Bravíssima Tasting of 3 classic wines and 1 premium red, €15.50.
Website: quintadator.com

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 and Tastings:
• Classic Wine Tasting: Guided tour of vineyards, winery, and barrel cellar followed by tasting of 3 wines from the Classic range with local cheeses. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €25-€30.
• Prestige Wine Tasting: Similar tour with tasting of 4 Premium wines paired with local cheeses. Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €45.
Website: www.cabritawines.com

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

Tour and Tastings:
• 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: quintadosvales.pt

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 and Tastings:
• Silver Package: Tasting of 3 Selection wines 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
Website: www.vinhosportimao.com

ARVAD Wine (Estômbar)
A winery that embraces its Moorish heritage and enjoys a 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 and Tastings:
• Prova da Palavra: 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: 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.pt

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: quintadoscapinhas.com

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

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

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

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: unicaadegacooperativadoalgarve.com

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: www.montedesalicoswines.com

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: winesvidanova.com

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: joaoclara.com

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

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

The Eastern Algarve 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 and Tastings:
• Algarve Tasting: 45 minutes €25 per person
• Algarve Sparkling Tasting: 45 minutes €35 per person
Website: casasantoslima.com

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 and Tastings:
"Exquisite Tasting": Guided tour of the "mother vineyard" followed by tasting of 4 estate wines Duration: 1.5 hours. Cost: €38 per person.
Website: vinhasdenexe.com