Last month I was transported to Portugal without even stepping on a plane. Hosted by Wines of Lisbon and the Little Lisboa Supper Club, an intimate dinner at Casa do Frango in London brought the soul of Portuguese wine to Mayfair. Among plates overflowing with piri-piri flavors and surrounded by wine connoisseurs and travel enthusiasts, the experience was nothing short of magical.
Yet, beyond the incredible flavors, what lingered most vividly for me was a glass of Carcavelos wine. All the wines there were amazing but the Carcavelos brought memories back of my trip to Lisbon last year.
Carcavelos isn’t your average wine—it’s a product of Portugal’s history that is as complex and soulful as the city itself.
Life at the Olissippo Lapa Palace
When I visited Lisbon l we had the good fortune of staying at the Olissippo Lapa Palace. This former aristocratic residence turned luxury hotel boasts marble staircases, lush terraced gardens, and interiors that blend grandeur with warmth.
For families, the hotel is a haven. After a long day of sightseeing it’s great to use the pool, relax at the pool bar or take a massage in the spa. The efficient concierge services made everything seamless—from arranging a babysitter within minutes so we could explore Lisbon’s nightlife, to making restaurant reservations. That evening took us to Seen Sky Bar for dinner, followed by cocktails at the Red Frog Speakeasy, all thanks to the concierge’s impressive efficiency.
Lisbon Tuk-Tuk adventures
The next morning, we set off to explore Lisbon with the kids in tow. To avoid complaints about tired legs, we opted for a family-sized tuk-tuk. This little vehicle quickly turned from a mere ride to an adventure, weaving us through the city’s steep, narrow alleys. Starting in the main town square, we secured an enthusiastic driver for €130—a small price for three hours of laughter and discovery.
The tuk-tuk carried us through the historic streets of Alfama to the iconic Pastéis de Nata (egg tart) of Belém. We drank in the views at Senhora do Monte and Santa Luzia, where the Tagus River stretched out below. The kids had as much fun as we did—the combination of twists, turns, and scenic stops made the outing unforgettable.
Carcavelos Wine and Lisbon Wine Heritage
Lisbon isn’t just a city of picturesque neighborhoods and miradouros—it’s a gateway to one of Portugal’s most intriguing wine cultures.
Carcavelos is easy to visit as it’s just outside Lisbon (about 25 mins from the city centre), and when we went we followed it with a visit to the nearby Oeiras port and nearby Carcavelos beach. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when the influential Marquis of Pombal championed its production. However, urban expansion nearly erased this legacy—until now.
At Villa Oeiras, a 25-hectare vineyard beneath the Palácio do Marquês de Pombal, Carcavelos wine is making a remarkable comeback. The estate preserves this wine’s heritage while raising funds to expand production and reintroduce it to the world. Every sip is like tasting history—a direct connection to Portugal’s past.
When Carcavelos was poured at the London dinner, I was thrilled to meet the husband-and-wife duo who are bringing this exquisite wine to new audiences. Their passion for preserving and promoting Carcavelos resonated deeply, sparking memories of my own visit to the vineyard.
The region’s wine story doesn’t stop with Carcavelos. Just a short drive from Lisbon, Bucelas is renowned for its crisp white wines made from Arinto grapes. Here, the Atlantic air sharpens the flavors, producing a profile reminiscent of a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc. Like Carcavelos the Quinta de Romeira, one of the area’s standout vineyards, also has a long history. It has roots tied to the Duke of Wellington, who reportedly toasted with its wines during historic battles.
Further south, in Torres Vedras, north from Bucelas, Casal da Carrasqueira is reviving the nearly forgotten Vital grape. Their light, floral white wine, with hints of green melon and seaside breezes, embodies the region’s unique microclimate.
But the wine that truly surprised me came from Ramilo, a producer known for its bold orange wine. With layers of apricot, wild herbs, and orange peel, it was both unexpected and delicious.
And then there’s Hugo Mendes, who has taken the idea of personal wines to heart—literally. One bottle’s cork held a poem about transformation, pairing beautifully with a red wine rich in berries, spice, and emotion.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon holds countless treasures, from its twisting alleys to its sweeping coastline. But to truly understand its spirit, you need to taste its wine.
Whether you’re sipping delicious wines or winding through Lisbon’s streets in a tuk-tuk, you’ll find a city brimming with stories, survival, and sunshine.
So, next time you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, put Carcavelos or another vineyard tour on your must-try list. The kids will enjoy running around the vineyard or playing while you taste the local wines.
Take the time to explore its flavours, meet the people reviving its legacy, and lose yourself in the beauty of Lisbon and its surroundings.
FAQs About the Wine Region Near Lisbon
What is the Lisboa wine region known for?
The Lisboa wine region is known for its diverse wine styles, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its varied microclimates. It produces both light, coastal wines and richer, inland varieties.
How many sub-regions are in the Lisboa wine region?
The Lisboa wine region consists of nine sub-regions: Bucelas, Colares, Carcavelos, Alenquer, Arruda, Lourinhã, Óbidos, Torres Vedras, and Encostas d’Aire.
What makes the coastal wines of Lisboa unique?
Coastal wines from Lisboa are influenced by the strong Atlantic breezes, resulting in wines with lower alcohol content and a refreshing lightness, similar to those from the Minho region.
What are the main grape varieties grown in the Lisboa region?
The main white grape varieties include Arinto, Fernão Pires, Malvasia, Seara-Nova, and Vital. For reds, popular varieties are Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão, Tinta Miúda, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Trincadeira, along with international varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
What is Bucelas wine, and why is it famous?
Bucelas wine is a distinctive white wine dominated by the Arinto grape. It gained fame during the French Invasions when the Duke of Wellington introduced it to England, where it was known as “Lisbon Hock.”
What is special about Colares wine?
Colares wine is unique for its Ramisco grape vineyards planted on loose sandy soils near the sea. This sub-region is one of Portugal’s most original and alternative wine appellations.
Why is Carcavelos wine considered rare?
Carcavelos wine has become rare due to urban expansion around Lisbon, which has significantly reduced vineyard space. However, it remains a historic fortified wine with a rich legacy.
What types of soils are found in the Lisboa wine region?
The soils in the Lisboa region vary between clayey-calcareous and sandy-clayey, contributing to the diversity of wine styles produced in the area.
How does the climate vary across the Lisboa wine region?
The coastal areas experience a strong Atlantic influence, while the inland regions, protected by mountain systems, enjoy a transitional Mediterranean climate.
What role does the Lisboa wine region play in Portugal’s wine history?
The Lisboa region has a rich wine history, with wines like Bucelas and Carcavelos being exported to England as early as the 16th century. It continues to be one of Portugal’s most productive and diverse wine regions.
