The Magic of Southern Portugal Wines: Alentejo, Portugal

Haja Cortez

The Colares wine region sits on the dunes of the coast of Sintra, where the vines breathe in fresh ocean air every day; the breezes can be so intense that the vines are trained short to prevent breakage. This quaint winery is tucked between white houses, its hand-made sign tilted across a wooden gate. The owners, an ex-architect and chef, welcome you with bread and house-made tomato pistou, and you often will be sipping next to pro-surfers.

João Portugal Ramos

João Portugal Ramos is a benchmark producer in this region and probably the most famous. Across roughly 600 hectares of estate and partner vineyards, the team crafts a diverse portfolio suited for everyone’s needs. Visit this location for a full day of experiences, from a wine blending class to a four-course paired lunch next to a wood-burning fireplace.

Adega Mayor

A sleek, modern white building perched in the center of cork trees and rows of vines that hosts not only a 1.7-million-bottle production but also a gorgeous hospitality space. Originally founded as a coffee roastery in the 1990s, the estate evolved alongside the land, eventually embracing its natural potential and transitioning into winemaking. Enjoy a panoramic rooftop picnic lunch with views of Spain after your tasting and tour.

Herdade do Rocim

Nestled in its own microclimate down in a valley, Herdade do Rocim receives cooling influences from the ocean, giving it a nice break from the summer heat. This allows them to produce wines with more minerality and freshness than other subregions. Back in the winery, Rocim fully embraces the amphora tradition of aging its wines in clay, showcasing its Italian and Spanish pots throughout the winery; its oldest pot was made in 1904! Put on full-body suits and tour the behind-the-scenes action before sitting down for a wine-paired lunch led by the bubbly Bruno.

Manzwine

Drive only 30 minutes from Lisbon to an old farm turned wine tasting room, sitting neatly behind a little village.
When you visit, make sure to head upstairs to view the impressive museum of local artifacts and fossils found on the property from the Neolithic period to the Roman occupation.

Fun fact: Manzwine is the only producer in the world who grows the grape Jampal.

D. Joaquim

A pleasant environment, though large and bright. Its menu is typically from southern Portugal, with many game dishes and a decent wine list.

Origens Restaurant

This restaurant offers a more contemporary approach to Portuguese recipes, with a more international take, but it is a narrower restaurant with smaller tables.

Tua Madre

Italian/Southern Portugal-inspired cuisine and Michelin recommended, with a more contemporary approach. (Even smaller restaurant—we suggest eating outside.)

Moments Évora

This is a very private restaurant, not very well known, but with excellent cuisine and a very intimate atmosphere.

Páteo

A lovely and casual outdoor restaurant tucked back in a courtyard underneath lemon trees. Go for lunch and stay all day. Their cocktail program is surprisingly good, the list printed on a beautiful illustrated menu.

Três Marmelos

This is the perfect place for tourist and locals alike. You’ll find very minimal tables and bar seats, yet you feel like you’re a part of the action as everyone gets a view of the open kitchen. The best part is the incredible hospitality and service given by the three owners.

Restaurante Solar do Forcado

Located about 45 minutes outside of Évora in the mountains of Alentejo, the restaurant’s modest facade gives way to a rustic yet welcoming space, whose décor revolves around the world of bullfighting. Here you will find traditional cuisine specializing in meats with dishes dedicated to the fighting bull in honor of the Forcados, a typical art of Portuguese bullfighting that both the owner and his father practiced successfully. Grab a bottle of red wine and dig in!

Jardim do Castelo - Copos & Petiscos

If you stay long enough to get tired of typical Portuguese cuisine, I suggest dining at Jardim do Castelo. Their bites are inspired by countries all over the world, and I dare say they make a great taco. I suggest grabbing a G&T and sitting in the garden to watch the sun set over the historic town.