Wine Not – Algarve Winery Tour

Discover the Best of Algarve Wine on a 5-Hour Guided Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal’s Algarve region and want to experience its emerging wine scene, the Wine Not – Algarve Winery Tour offers a well-rounded day of wine tasting, stunning scenery, and local flavors. This tour, priced at $83 per person, provides a taste of the region’s growing reputation as a wine destination, along with the chance to explore some of the most impressive wineries and natural spots.

What makes this experience stand out is its carefully curated itinerary, blending visits to boutique and award-winning wineries with a peaceful picnic amid Algarve’s lush landscapes. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) and knowledgeable guides mean you’ll get personalized insights into the region’s wine culture, making it ideal for those seeking both education and relaxation.

However, keep in mind that the tour involves several stops with varied activities, including walking through vineyards and possibly swimming during the picnic. For travelers who prefer a more leisurely or less physically active experience, this might require some planning.

This tour suits wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those wanting a taste of authentic Algarve beyond the beaches and resorts. It’s a fantastic way to spend a half-day soaking up local flavors and scenic views.

Key Points

• Authentic Algarve wines: Visits to two wineries known for their quality and awards showcase the region’s rising reputation.
• Balanced itinerary: Combines wine tastings, a scenic picnic, and optional water activities like inflatable kayaking.
• Expert-guided experience: Knowledgeable hosts share insights into Portuguese wine culture and local history.
• Scenic stops: The natural beauty of Sitio das Fontes and landscaped vineyards enhance the experience.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized, friendly atmosphere.
• Value for money: At $83, includes multiple tastings, a picnic, transport, and drinks, offering solid value for a full, engaging experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Algarve Winery Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the JAH SHAKA SURF SHOP, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. Transport is in a comfortable Ford Transit van equipped with air conditioning, lively music, and drinks, making the 30-minute scenic drive to the first winery quite pleasant. Small group sizes ensure you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the relaxed vibe helps loosen everyone up.

First Stop: Quinta do Francês Winery

The journey begins at Quinta do Francês, a boutique estate renowned for its sustainable viticulture. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three wines. The guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, providing detailed descriptions that help you appreciate the nuances of each glass. Many reviewers mention the warm welcome and the chance to ask questions about everything from grape varieties to wine production techniques.

The setting is charming, with modern facilities blending seamlessly into the landscape, making it easier to understand why Quinta do Francês has garnered awards for its wines.

The Scenic Picnic at Sitio das Fontes

After the first tasting, you’ll travel about 30 minutes to Sitio das Fontes, a beautiful nature reserve. Here, you’ll pause for a delightful picnic lunch, featuring fresh bread, ham, chorizo, hummus, salads, fruits, and chocolates. The picnic is described as “simple but delicious,” allowing you to savor local flavors while soaking up the peaceful surroundings.

The picnic spot offers the chance for a swim or inflatable kayaking on the Arade River, adding an adventurous touch to the day. Reviewers mention how the tranquility of Sitio das Fontes makes it a perfect break from the more structured winery visits, and many appreciate the chance to relax in such a scenic setting.

Second Winery: Quinta dos Vales

The last stop is at Quinta dos Vales, a winery celebrated for its stunning estate and outdoor sculptures. Here, you’ll have a guided walk through the vineyards, learning about the terroir and vineyard management. You can opt for an additional wine tasting at an extra cost, savoring the estate’s award-winning wines.

Guests often comment on the impressive landscape and artistic touches, which set this winery apart. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, making it more than just a tasting — it’s a visual and sensory journey.

Final Return and Optional Water Activities

Your day concludes back at JAH SHAKA SURF SHOP, after roughly five hours of exploration. Travelers rave about the “informative guides” and the “stunning scenery” throughout the day. The opportunity to enjoy inflatable kayaking on the Arade River or swim during lunch is a highlight for many, although some suggest bringing swimwear if planning to take advantage of these extras.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides drinks—including beer, wine, sangria, juice, and water — plus a generous lunch. Snacks are available throughout the journey, ensuring you stay hydrated and satisfied. If pre-arranged, private pickup can be a bonus for added convenience.

However, wine tastings at Quinta dos Vales are not included in the base price, which is something to consider if you’re particularly interested in extensive tastings or premium wines. Plus, the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, mainly due to the nature of activities and adult-focused tastings.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $83, you receive a full, guided experience that covers transportation, tastings (at two notable wineries), a scenic picnic, and optional water activities—all in just five hours. This level of access and insight is hard to match in such a picturesque setting, especially considering the small group size, which fosters a more personal vibe.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for wine lovers who want to learn more about Portuguese wines in a relaxed setting. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate scenic nature and outdoor activities like kayaking or swimming. The small-group format makes it suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking an authentic, personalized experience.

If you’re curious about Portugal’s new wine destinations and want a day away from the beaches, this tour offers a perfect combination of learning, tasting, and enjoying Algarve’s natural beauty.

The Sum Up

The Wine Not – Algarve Winery Tour offers a thoughtfully designed experience that balances wine education with scenic exploration and leisure. You’ll visit two well-regarded wineries, enjoy a tasty picnic by the river, and get a glimpse of Algarve’s winemaking evolution. The knowledgeable guides help elevate the experience, sharing insights that turn a simple tasting into a memorable journey.

This tour suits travelers wanting a blend of culture, nature, and fine wine—especially those who enjoy small-group intimacy and authentic experiences. It’s a great way to spend half a day discovering Algarve’s hidden wine gems and scenic landscapes, all without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

While it’s not a deep dive into extensive tastings or luxury estates, the value for the price, combined with the friendly guides and stunning views, makes this a worthwhile addition to any Algarve itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years due to the activities involved and adult-focused tastings.

What is included in the cost?
The price covers transportation in a comfortable van, three wine tastings, a scenic picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks (beer, wine, sangria, juice, water).

Can I buy additional wines during the tour?
Yes, particularly at Quinta dos Vales, you have the option to indulge in extra tastings at an additional cost.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about five hours, starting and ending at JAH SHAKA SURF SHOP.

Are water activities available during the picnic?
Yes, inflatable kayaks are available, and there’s also an opportunity to swim during the lunch stop if you bring your swimwear.

Is private transportation included?
Private pickup can be arranged if pre-organized, but the standard tour includes shared transport in a well-equipped van.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bringing swimwear is recommended if you plan to swim or kayak. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen will also enhance your experience.

This comprehensive Algarve winery tour combines the best of local wine, scenery, and relaxed outdoor fun, making it a memorable way to experience Portugal’s rising wine scene.