Setúbal Wine Tour: Discover the Moscatel Wine

The Setúbal Wine Tour offers an enticing opportunity to explore the rich winemaking heritage of the region. Visitors embark on an immersive 8-hour journey, exploring the historic Bacalhoa Palace and sampling the renowned Moscatel wines. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. With a stop in Azeitao to admire the traditional Portuguese azulejos tiles and a tasting at the renowned José Maria da Fonseca Winery, this tour promises to captivate the senses. And the culinary highlight? A traditional seafood-centric lunch that completes the oenological and gastronomic exploration. For those seeking to uncover the secrets of Setúbal’s winemaking legacy, this tour is a must-experience.

Key Points

• The 8-hour guided wine tour from Lisbon to Setubal includes a visit to the historic Bacalhoa Palace and Winery, known for its renowned Moscatel wines.
• Visitors can engage in a guided tasting of the aromatic, golden-hued Moscatel wines, with notes of orange blossom, honey, and dried fruits.
• The tour also includes a stop in Azeitao to admire the traditional Azulejos tiles and the opportunity to create a personalized tile as a souvenir.
• Lunch in the Setubal region features local seafood specialties, regional rice dishes, and the traditional Torta de Azeitão pastry.
• The tour concludes with a guided tasting of the iconic Periquita red wine at the historic Jose Maria da Fonseca Winery, known for its commitment to sustainable practices.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This 8-hour guided wine tour takes visitors from Lisbon to the picturesque town of Setúbal, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

The tour includes visits to the historic Bacalhôa Palace and Winery, known for its exceptional Moscatel wines.

Guests will also stop at the charming town of Azeitao to admire the traditional Azulejos tiles, and then head to the renowned José Maria da Fonseca Winery for a tasting of their acclaimed Periquita wine.

A traditional lunch in the Setúbal region is included, providing an authentic culinary experience.

With transportation and all inclusions provided, this tour offers an immersive and hassle-free way to discover the highlights of the Setúbal wine country.

Visit to Bacalhôa Palace

The tour begins with a visit to the stunning Bacalhôa Palace, a 15th-century estate nestled in the heart of the Setubal region. This magnificent architectural marvel boasts a rich history, serving as a testament to the region’s winemaking legacy. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the palace’s grand halls, intricate azulejo tiles, and lush gardens, all while learning about the estate’s storied past.

Feature	Description
Architecture	Elegant 15th-century design with ornate details
Azulejo Tiles	Beautifully preserved examples of traditional Portuguese tilework
Gardens	Meticulously maintained grounds with sprawling vineyards
History	Centuries-old winemaking legacy and royal connections
Wine Tasting	Sampling of the estate’s renowned Moscatel wines

The visit to Bacalhôa Palace sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the region’s winemaking heritage.

Tasting Moscatel Wine

After exploring the historic Bacalhôa Palace, visitors are invited to sample the estate’s renowned Moscatel wines.

This aromatic, golden-hued varietal is a signature product of the Setúbal region, known for its exceptional quality and distinct flavor profile.

During the tasting, guests can expect to discover:

• Notes of orange blossom, honey, and dried fruits that dance across the palate
• A rich, velvety texture that lingers pleasantly on the tongue
• A harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity that makes these Moscatels truly captivating

The winery’s knowledgeable staff is on hand to guide visitors through the nuances of this unique wine, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.

Exploring Azulejos De Azeitao

Visitors next discover the captivating Azulejos de Azeitao, a renowned ceramic tile workshop that showcases Portugal’s rich artistic heritage.

This family-owned business has been creating stunning hand-painted azulejos, or traditional Portuguese tiles, for over 60 years.

Guests explore the workshop, watching skilled artisans meticulously hand-paint intricate designs onto ceramic tiles using centuries-old techniques.

The vibrant colors and intricate patterns reflect the region’s cultural influences, from Moorish to Renaissance styles.

Visitors can browse the showroom, which displays a vast collection of azulejos, and even have the opportunity to create their own personalized tile as a unique souvenir.

This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s enduring artistic traditions.

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Lunch in Setúbal Region

Next, the tour takes guests to enjoy a traditional lunch in the Setúbal region, offering a chance to savor the local cuisine and culture. The Setúbal area is renowned for its fresh seafood and regional specialties, providing an authentic culinary experience complementing the wine tastings.

Guests can expect to sample:

• Caldeirada de peixe – a hearty fish stew
• Arroz de lingueira – a risotto-style dish with cuttlefish
• Torta de Azeição – a local pastry specialty

The meal is served in a charming setting, allowing travelers to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and rich traditions of the Setúbal region.

José Maria Da Fonseca Winery

The tour then takes guests to the renowned José Maria da Fonseca Winery, known for its production of the iconic Periquita wine.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the winery’s historic facilities and learn about its winemaking traditions dating back to 1834.

During the visit, guests will enjoy a guided tasting of the winery’s renowned wines, including the signature Periquita. This iconic red wine has been a staple of Portuguese wine culture for generations, and guests will have the chance to appreciate its rich flavors and robust character.

The visit to José Maria da Fonseca Winery provides a fitting culmination to the Setúbal wine tour, leaving guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s winemaking heritage.

Tasting Periquita Wine

Guests savor the renowned Periquita wine, tasting its rich, robust flavors that have defined Portuguese wine culture for generations. This iconic wine, produced by the José Maria da Fonseca Winery, boasts a deep ruby color and a complex bouquet of ripe red fruits and subtle spices. The tasting experience allows visitors to appreciate the wine’s elegant balance, with its well-integrated tannins and lingering finish.

Periquita is crafted from a blend of traditional Portuguese grape varieties, including Castelão, Trincadeira, and Aragonês.

The winery’s commitment to sustainable practices ensures the preservation of the region’s unique terroir, contributing to the wine’s distinctive character.

Periquita’s enduring legacy has made it a beloved symbol of Portuguese winemaking, showcasing the country’s rich viticultural heritage.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup from several convenient locations in Lisbon and Setúbal, ensuring a seamless start and end to the wine adventure.

Guests can be picked up from the Lisbon Cruise Port, Setúbal Port, Lisbon Airport, Estação do Oriente, or Estação Santa Apolónia.

This flexibility allows for easy access no matter where you’re staying.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off back in Lisbon, ready to continue your exploration of the city.

With the hassle of transportation taken care of, you can simply sit back, relax, and learn about the rich wine and culture of the Setúbal region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

No, the tour is not suitable for children. The tour is an 8-hour guided wine tour that includes visits to wineries and tastings of alcoholic beverages. It’s designed for adult participants and does not accommodate children.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a traditional lunch and wine tastings at the wineries visited. All meals and beverages are provided as part of the tour package.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?

There is no formal dress code requirement for this tour. However, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the winery visits and outdoor activities. Participants should dress casually and comfortably for the day.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Requests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate special requests. Guests should contact the tour provider in advance to discuss any specific needs or preferences they may have, such as dietary restrictions or accessibility requirements.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Participants are welcome to take photos at the wineries, the palace, and other sites visited, as long as they don’t interfere with the tour or disturb other guests.

Recap

The Setubal Wine Tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s winemaking heritage.

Visitors can savor the renowned Moscatel wines at Bacalhoa Palace and Winery, admire the traditional Portuguese azulejos tiles in Azeitao, and indulge in the iconic Periquita red wine at the renowned Jose Maria da Fonseca Winery.

The tour culminates in a traditional seafood-centric lunch, providing an immersive culinary and oenological adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: