Lisbon to Wine Tasting Setubal, Two Cellars, Half Day Tour

If you’re exploring Portugal and want to taste its renowned wines while soaking in beautiful scenery, this private half-day tour from Lisbon to Setubal might be just what you’re looking for. Offering visits to two distinctly different wineries—one old and one modern—and tasting a variety of local wines, including the famous Moscatel, Reds, and Whites, this experience blends tradition, innovation, and scenic views into a manageable 5-hour outing.

What really stands out about this tour is the personalized touch. With a private guide, you get tailored attention, insightful stories about the wineries’ histories, and a relaxed pace that lets you savor each sip and view. That said, the trip is around 30 minutes from Lisbon, which means it’s perfect for a half-day escape rather than a full-blown wine pilgrimage. If you’re after an authentic, manageable wine experience with some spectacular scenery—especially if you’re a fan of learning about local products—this tour fits the bill well.

One consideration to keep in mind is the timing—availability varies, so it’s wise to check options beforehand. Also, since it’s a private group, the experience can be tailored, but that might mean a higher price point compared to group tours. Overall, it’s an ideal pick for those who appreciate good wine, scenic landscapes, and a touch of luxury without spending the entire day away from Lisbon.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour with flexible timings and tailored insights.
• Two Distinct Wineries: Visit both a historic and a modern winery, showcasing different styles of winemaking.
• Diverse Tastings: Sample Moscatel, Reds, Whites, and local products like cheese and pastry.
• Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy views of vineyards and the gorgeous countryside of Setubal.
• Convenient Half-Day Format: Approximately 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides add depth and fun to the experience.

Getting to Know the Tour

This tour is designed as a private, half-day escape from Lisbon, focusing on the wine-rich region of Setubal, just about 30 minutes south. The experience begins with a pickup from three convenient locations: Sintra, Lisbon, or Cascais, making it flexible for travelers staying in different parts of the area.

Your day will include visits to two excellent wineries—Wine Cellar Jose Maria da Fonseca and Quinta da Bacalhoa. These are chosen to give you a glimpse of the area’s winemaking history and innovation. The first, Jose Maria da Fonseca, is well-known for its historic significance and classic wines, while Bacalhoa offers a more contemporary approach with modern facilities and a stunning setting.

The tour lasts roughly 1.5 hours at each stop, including guided tours and tastings. The visits are scheduled to allow you to see the vineyards and learn about the production process firsthand, making the experience educational for wine lovers and novices alike.

After the winery visits, you’ll enjoy a guided wine tasting session. Expect to sample a selection of local wines, with a focus on Moscatel—a sweet, aromatic wine unique to the region—alongside reds and whites that showcase the area’s versatility. Reviewers highlight the high quality of the wines, with one enthusiastic guest noting “the wine was amazing” and praising the guides for their knowledge and friendliness.

Along With wine, there’s the chance to try local cheeses and pastries, which complement the tasting and give you a real taste of the area’s culinary traditions.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Pickup
Depending on your accommodation, you can choose to be picked up from Sintra, Lisbon, or Cascais. The flexibility here allows for easy planning and less hassle.

Stop 2 & 3: Winery Visits and Tours
The day splits equally between the two wineries—Jose Maria da Fonseca and Quinta da Bacalhoa—each offering a guided tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours. The visits include walking through historic cellars or modern facilities, seeing the vineyards firsthand, and learning about the history and techniques behind each winery’s approach.

At Jose Maria da Fonseca, expect to see a winery with roots deeply embedded in Portuguese tradition, with history dating back to the 19th century. It’s renowned for its Moscatel de Setubal, which is sweet, fragrant, and perfect for those who enjoy dessert wines.

Bacalhoa, on the other hand, is a more contemporary winery, with modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. It’s a great place to see how innovation is shaping the future of Portuguese wine.

Final Tasting Session
After touring, you’ll settle in for a tasting session where guides help you identify the different wines. Guests from past reviews love the guidance—they mention “Goncalves was an amazing tour guide,” and highlight how informative and friendly the guides are.

Optional Local Products
Some stops also feature tasting local cheeses and pastries, adding a delicious regional touch to your wine experience. This pairing is often appreciated for bringing out the flavors and giving a more complete tasting experience.

Drop-off
After the tastings, you’ll be driven back to your original pickup point, completing a well-paced, immersive half-day experience.

What We Loved About This Tour

The expert guides really make this experience shine. Reviewers mention guides like Goncalves and Marco for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the day fun and engaging. Knowing the stories behind the wines and wineries makes each sip more meaningful.

The scenic landscapes of Setubal are another highlight. You’ll see lush vineyards sprawling across rolling hills, with views that are perfect for photos or just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a refreshing break from busy city streets.

The variety of wines — including the region’s famous Moscatel— adds depth to the tasting, providing insight into Portugal’s wine diversity. The wines are said to be of high quality, and the tasting experience is described as “amazing” by guests.

Lastly, the personalized nature of this tour means fewer crowds and more interaction. It’s perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, intimate day with a knowledgeable guide rather than a large group.

The Balance of Cost and Value

While private tours generally come at a higher price point than group experiences, the value here is clear. You’re getting a tailored experience, visits to two different wineries—each with its own character—and expert guidance throughout. The inclusion of tastings and regional snacks enhances the overall value, making it a comprehensive yet manageable way to discover Setubal’s wine scene without committing an entire day.

The tour’s duration—about 5 hours—fits neatly into a busy travel schedule, allowing you to enjoy a quality experience without missing out on other activities in Lisbon.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts looking for a relaxed, intimate tour with educational insights. It’s also perfect if you want to combine scenic landscapes with tasting authentic local wines. The private nature suits couples, small groups, or those celebrating special occasions.

Travelers who appreciate a blend of history, modernity, and scenic beauty in their wine tours will find this particularly appealing. If your time in Lisbon is limited but you still want a taste of Portugal’s renowned wine culture, this tour offers a convenient and enjoyable option.

The Sum Up

The Lisbon to Setubal wine tour with visits to Jose Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhoa offers a well-rounded, engaging experience. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vineyard views, and high-quality tastings, it provides a genuine taste of Portugal’s wine heritage in a manageable half-day format. You gain insight into both traditional and modern winemaking, sample regional specialties, and enjoy the scenic countryside away from the city buzz.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love wine, scenic landscapes, and a bit of educational fun in an intimate setting. It’s especially valuable if you prefer a private, flexible experience with personalized attention. For those looking to add a unique, flavorful chapter to their Lisbon trip, this wine tasting adventure is a worthwhile choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including pickup, visits, tastings, and drop-off.

Where does the tour start?
Pickup options are available from Sintra, Lisbon, or Cascais, making it flexible depending on your accommodation.

What wineries are visited?
You’ll visit both Jose Maria da Fonseca, known for its historical significance and Moscatel, and Quinta da Bacalhoa, a modern winery with innovative facilities.

What wines can I expect to taste?
The tasting features Moscatel, Reds, Whites, and some regional products like cheese and pastry.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, offering a tailored experience and more interaction with guides.

Are meals or food included?
While no full meals are included, regional cheeses and pastries are often offered during tastings.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

How many people are typically in the group?
It’s a private experience, so the group size depends on your booking, usually small and intimate.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve now and pay later—full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

Would I recommend this experience?
Absolutely, especially for wine lovers wanting a personalized, scenic, and educational outing near Lisbon.

This private wine tour from Lisbon to Setubal strikes a fine balance between quality, comfort, and authenticity, making it a memorable way to explore Portugal’s famous wines with a relaxed, personal touch.