Quinta do Santos
I haven’t had the opportunity to participate in one of their harvest experiences or tastings, yet!! But I thoroughly enjoyed myself on their terrace and left feeling full, happy, and properly satiated.
Takeaway: Wonderfully bougie, with stunning views and delicious, beautifully curated plates. Their wines are as swanky and satisfying as the rest of the experience.
R. do Pestana Golf Resort 1, 8400-049 Estômbar
Paxá Wines
It’s possible you’ve caught a glimpse of the estate from the A22. It’s pretty easy to spot and 100% worth it to pull off the road and go.
Takeaway: Their Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc are delicious! They also make a strong argument for planting International varietals because their wines reflect how well foreign castas take to the Algarvian terroir.
Quinta Do Outeiro Sítio Do, 8300-054 Silves
Monte da Casteleja
I always recommend Casteleja to clients and friends alike. From the first time we came to Lagos seven years ago and booked a tour here, to meeting the owner Guillaume and forming a friendship, this authentic family-owned winery has been a staple in our lives. The breathtaking estate has a unique history. It is undeniably where the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors settled during different eras. Here you’ll actually find old relics and pieces from these ancient civilisations that Guillaume collected when he planted the vineyards. Entirely unique, Monte da Casteleja has natural, low-intervention, clean, complex and beautifully made wines unlike any other wines you’ll try here in the Algarve.
Takeaway: Certified organic. All wines are truly made the “old-fashioned” way, and during harvest all the wines get foot-trod!
Cx Postal 3002-I, Estrada do Paúl – Sargaçal, 8600-317 Lagos
Quinta dos Capinhas
A small family vineyard with a cellar full of delicious back vintages from its inception as well as their exciting new wines released this year. You can taste through the history of the estate and check out all the new and exciting things happening while you’re there.
Takeaway: Visit their website to see what new, cool and interesting wine tastings and curated wine dinners you can enquire about.
Quinta dos Capinhas Estrada da Carrasqueira, 8400-458 Porches, Lagoa
Quinta do Francês
Quinta do Francês is a Family Estate, with 9 hectares of vineyard, nested in the hills beyond Silves, in the Odelouca River Valley.
Takeaway: The guided tour is phenomenal, especially if you’re a wine geek like me and love hearing all the details from beginning to end on how they make their wines! The tour also ends with you sipping your wine, staring out over the picturesque amphitheatre of vines in front of you!
Síto da Dobra, Cx P H, Odelouca 8300-037 Silves
Quinta dos Sentidos
A family project with many different bespoke estate-made products to choose from, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils, honey and their amazing wines, keeping everyone satisfied. They have a charismatic and talented winemaker, André, who is as generous with his knowledge and time as he is wonderful to be around.
Takeaway: The thoughtful owners, Beat and Charlotte, make you feel special and 100% taken care of. In fact, everyone who works there is incredible and adds to the experience.
Quinta dos Sentidos, 8300-050 Silves
Adega do Convento do Paraíso
A hidden gem! Laura, the wine tourism manager and host, is a delight! She’s helpful, insightful and happy to share all the information she has about the place, its history and, more importantly, its delicious wine.
Takeaway: Tightly nestled alongside the Arade River directly across from Silves, Quinta de Mata Mouros is a centuries-old estate with a 12th-century monastery built within its walls! Also, tours can include a ride through the vineyards in a vintage Land Rover!
Quinta de Mata-Mouros, 8300-999 Silves
Morgado do Quintão
I loved the Farmer’s Table Experience! It’s a three-course traditional Portuguese lunch served additionally with small regional tapas. All offered alongside three of their current wine releases and served underneath the canopy of the ancient olive tree.
Takeaway: A 2000-year-old olive tree!!!! Their vines also happen to be mostly old-vine vineyards planted à la, pé franc!
Morgado do Quintão, 8400-000 Lagoa
Cabrita Wines
I’ve loved their wines ever since we arrived six-and-a-half years ago. And now my friend Duarte is the wine tourism manager. I can say from personal experience that his wealth of knowledge runs deep. Tours with Duarte are enriching and a pure treat to be the recipient of during the wine experience, and I’ve been on a few!
Takeaway: A Portuguese family-run and owned winery. The tour is incredibly informative and their range of wines – exciting!
Quinta da Vinha Sitio da Vala, 8300-054 Silves
Arvad
An absolutely stunning estate with views that seem to carry you away while you enjoy your wine on their terrace. The winery sits perfectly along the side of the Arade river, overlooking Silves and the land beyond.
Takeaway: Amazing wine team and staff! Crazy good views and delicious wines. I guarantee you’ll end up taking away a bottle or two. They also offer unique experiences, like catching the sunset while sipping wine and grooving out to music or a romantic legit picnic with wine in the middle of the vineyards.
Abicada, 8400-167, Estômbar
A Field Guide for Not Being That Guest
September means one thing in the Algarve wine world: tasting season is on. Three years into this job, I’ve laughed, cried, sweated through my clothes, and once split my britches – all in the name of pouring you a good glass. Here’s how to do it right.
Book ahead
Most wineries use FareHarbor; some just want a WhatsApp message. Either way, mention allergies and dietary needs now – substitutions aren’t a cultural reflex here, so surprise requests may get you a shrug. Kids and babies are welcome, just give a headcount so there’s room, high chairs, and someone hasn’t accidentally run out of apple juice. Wineries aren’t restaurants. If you want food, ask ahead.
Don’t just show up
Staff are stretched thin and cooking for exact numbers. Wandering in unannounced is basically asking to be tasted at, not with. Running late? Call.
Be prepared
Dress like you’re going outside, because you are. Bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, maybe a scarf. And hold the perfume – heavy scent ruins the wine for everyone.
The glass situation
Many wineries offer only one glass per person for the entire experience. That’s not stinginess; that’s inventory. Pros will tell you a “seasoned” glass beats a rinsed one anyway – water just dilutes your wine. Pours are small on purpose – 2–3 oz, because it’s called a tasting, not a bar tab. Don’t finish it if it’s not your thing; nobody’s offended.
Be a good tablemate
Ask questions, talk to strangers, make friends. I’ve watched total strangers end up at dinner together. Tips aren’t expected, but they’re split among the whole team, so if you loved it, a few extra euros go further than you’d think.
The bottom line
Show up curious and ready to share a glass with strangers. The wine’s the same every day – you’re the plot twist!
Candace Olsen is a sommelier, fine wine consultant, wine educator, and wine writer.vintageredvinhos@gmail.com
Be in the know about Algarve wine
The Algarve´s wine governing body is the CVRA. You can sign up to be on their email subscription list and hear about new wine-centric events and happenings near you, as well as see the list of local wineries across the Algarve.
