AMARANTE: Painting & Wine Tasting – make your onw art piece

Imagine combining a relaxing wine tasting with a creative painting session, all set in a beautifully renovated Portuguese wine press. That’s exactly what the Amarante: Painting & Wine Tasting tour offers. This experience is ideal for those who love arts, good wine, and discovering local secrets away from tourist crowds. With only two hours of your day, you get to produce your own masterpiece, learn about a renowned Portuguese painter, and enjoy some of the best local wines and snacks.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its intimate setting — hosted by the family of Amadeo de Souza Cardoso, Portugal’s celebrated painter. The chance to paint inspired by a master’s techniques while sipping on regional wines offers a mix of culture, creativity, and culinary delights. However, it’s worth noting that transport to the venue isn’t included, so some planning is needed if you’re relying on public transport or guided tours.

This experience would suit art lovers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique cultural activity that’s both fun and relaxed. If you’re after a memorable, hands-on experience that combines tasting, learning, and creating, this might just be the perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic setting in a renovated wine press turned art gallery and restaurant
• Includes a hands-on painting workshop led by a talented local artist
• Enjoy a wine tasting featuring some of the best regional Portuguese wines
• Learn about Amadeo de Souza Cardoso, one of Portugal’s most acclaimed painters
• Produced artwork is yours to keep as a personalized souvenir
• Ideal for small groups and those seeking an intimate cultural experience

A Deep Dive into What You Can Expect

When contemplating a tour like this, the first thing to understand is its setting and what it offers beyond just the activities. The tour takes place at “PENA rural history cuisine,” a charming venue that used to be a wine cellar but has now been transformed into an elegant restaurant and art space. It’s located inside the private property of Amadeo de Souza Cardoso’s family, giving you a sense of participating in a secret piece of Portugal’s artistic and wine heritage.

The Start: A Welcome with Wines and Snacks

The experience kicks off with a wine tasting of four local wines, complemented by some tasty snacks. The wines are served in a beautiful, original wine press, which adds a historic and atmospheric touch. The reviews praise this part for its friendly atmosphere and the quality of the wines — one guest, Maria, mentioned how they loved the “snacks and wines” and found everything “amazing.” You get a chance to sip on authentic regional varieties that are not usually available outside Portugal, adding value to the experience.

The Painting Workshop: Discovering Amadeo de Souza Cardoso’s Techniques

Next, you’re introduced to the painting component. Led by Inês Souza Cardoso, a skilled painter and a descendant of Amadeo, the workshop is designed to help you produce your own artwork inspired by Amadeo’s techniques. The tools—brushes, paints, canvases—are provided, making it easy to jump right into creating. Reviewers have highlighted the warmth and friendliness of Inês, describing her as a knowledgeable and encouraging guide who makes the art process accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

Participants get to paint their own canvas, which becomes a tangible souvenir of the day. One review mentioned, “We will hang our artworks in our home,” emphasizing how meaningful this keepsake can be. Even if you’re not an experienced artist, the focus is on enjoying the process and learning a few techniques from a local expert.

Learning and Discovery: The Life of Amadeo de Souza Cardoso

Throughout the experience, you’ll hear stories about Amadeo de Souza Cardoso, Portugal’s “best-kept secret” of modern art. An audio guide, available in multiple languages, offers insights into his life and work, enriching your understanding of the art and its context. One reviewer noted how they learned more about Amadeo’s legacy through the guide and the family’s personal stories.

Food and Atmosphere

While the main focus is on wine and painting, the venue also serves delicious snacks, and there’s an opportunity to enjoy a meal afterward — though this isn’t included in the tour price. The food in the restaurant is described as tasty, with a menu that complements the regional theme perfectly.

The Experience’s Value: Is It Worth the Price?

At $45 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded mix of art, local wines, and cultural insights. Considering that the price includes four tastings, snacks, a guided painting workshop, all art supplies, and a personalized canvas, it’s quite a good deal. Reviewers loved the quality of the wines and the friendliness of the guides, which adds to the overall value.

It’s important to note that transportation isn’t included, so if you’re staying outside Amarante or in a nearby city, plan accordingly. The activity lasts about two hours, making it a perfect short activity that can slot into a day of exploring the region or relaxing after other sightseeing.

Practicalities and Tips for Visitors

• Booking is essential: The workshop runs Wednesday through Sunday, and advance reservations are required.
• Languages: The experience is offered in Portuguese, English, and French, making it accessible for international visitors.
• Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, which broadens who can participate.
• Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 12, primarily due to the nature of the painting activity.
• Timing: Check available starting times — typically, the experience lasts around two hours, so plan your day accordingly.
• Additional costs: If you want to visit the Amadeo de Souza Cardoso Museum or indulge in extra food and drinks, these are not included and come at additional costs.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

The reviews tell a lot about what you can expect. Pedro, for example, highlights the “friendliness and simplicity” of the experience, emphasizing the genuine warmth of the guides. Maria, meanwhile, describes it as an “amazing experience,” especially praising the delicious snacks, the quality of the wines, and the fact that the hosts, Inês and Pena, are “all so nice and thoughtful.” She even mentions that they plan to hang their artwork at home, reflecting how personal and memorable the activity can become.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to connect with Portugal’s cultural roots in a relaxed and intimate setting. Art lovers, wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers seeking something different from the usual sightseeing will find it especially appealing. It’s also suitable for small groups or couples looking for a unique shared activity.

However, if you’re traveling with children under 12 or seeking a more guided or large-group tour, this might not be the best option. Also, those without transport plans should consider how to get to Amarante, as the activity doesn’t include transfers.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Painting & Wine Tasting experience balances cultural education, creativity, and local flavors in a way that few other activities do. The setting itself—a converted wine press owned by a family with ties to a renowned artist—adds a layer of authenticity and charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Producing your own artwork inspired by Amadeo de Souza Cardoso makes it personally memorable, and the wine tasting complements the creative vibe perfectly.

For anyone eager to learn about Portuguese art, enjoy regional wines, and create a tangible souvenir, this activity is a great value. Its small-group nature ensures a cozy, friendly environment, making it ideal for travelers who prefer authentic, less commercialized experiences over crowded museum visits.

FAQ

Do I need prior painting experience? No, the workshop is designed for all skill levels, focusing on enjoyment and learning rather than professional art.

Is transportation included? No, you need to arrange your own transport to and from the venue.

Can I visit the museum of Amadeo de Souza Cardoso after the workshop? Visiting the museum is not included in this experience, but it is available as an optional activity nearby.

What languages are the guides available in? The experience is offered in Portuguese, English, and French.

How long does the activity last? The entire session is approximately two hours.

Is it suitable for children? Not for children under 12, as the activity involves painting and wine tasting.

Can I buy extra food or drinks? Yes, additional food and drinks can be purchased separately; they are not included in the tour price.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Yes, the venue is accessible for wheelchair users.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing suitable for painting, as it can get a bit messy. Aprons are typically provided.

Can I keep the artwork I create? Yes, the painted canvas is yours to take home as a souvenir.

This experience offers a charming blend of art, history, and regional flavors. Perfect for those wanting to step off the beaten path and create lasting memories.