Located on Europe’s west coast by the Atlantic Ocean and with the River Tagus as a backdrop, Lisbon is the ideal destination for an escape. Portugal’s cosmopolitan capital city offers visitors plenty of history, culture and beach life close by. With more hours of sunshine than most European cities, Lisbon can be explored outdoors throughout the year. Many visitors come to Lisbon and stay within the confounds of the city, but for those who delve just a few hours outside, they’ll find a host of amazing wine tasting experiences.
We’ve selected the ideal stay and wine trip for those wishing to combine a city break with a wine tasting holiday.
Your stay in Lisbon
Your stay in LisbonThe best way to immerse yourself in this beautiful city is by staying at one of the city’s boutique historic hotels in the picturesque central neighbourhoods. Lisbon Heritage Hotels are located in iconic Lisbon locations including on the banks of the river in Santos, in Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood Alfama and on Lisbon’s main tree-lined boulevard Avenida da Liberdade. Each hotel has its own distinct personality and history to share.
For an art deco option Hotel Britania is ideal. Just off the tree-lined boulevard of Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, this 1940s Art Deco building was part of a project by illustrious Portuguese architect Cassiano Branco. The unique and impressive door is like nowhere else and opens to an equally unique interior. Guests will encounter marble columns, vaults and frescoes in the striking lobby. The 33 bedroom hotel is also home to a library and bar.
For a totally romantic hotel, Solar do Castelo is your best bet. The only hotel located within the walls of Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle, on the top of Alfama it’s a wonderful place to stay, steeped in history. This 18th century small palace has been transformed into an intimate 20 bedroom hotel home to a small garden for guests only. Here guests can enjoy wines alfresco.
These hotels are perfectly set up to organise your trips out into the surrounding vineyards and provide special trips to Quinta de Chocapalha for Tejo wine tastings and vineyard visits.
Your visit to the surrounding wine region
Nestled in the Sierra de Montejunto Mountain range outside Lisbon is the Quinta de Chocapalha estate. The family-run vineyard’s story started in 1987 when Alice and Paulo Tavares da Silva were looking for a property that would become their family project and where they could make quality wine. The couple found the estate and started a transformation project embarking on the necessary work. Chocapalha wines reflect the family’s passion and commitment, the property’s terroir, painstaking agricultural work and winemaking options. These lend great elegance and ageing potential.
The vineyard practices sustainable farming, protecting the vines’ health and longevity. The family follows a set of guidelines to best preserve the environment. A dam was constructed to irrigate the fruit trees and the family even grow Pêra Rocha pears, a traditional Portuguese variety.
With the classic style of each terroir, the Quinta de Chocapalha collection of wines illustrate the character of the estate. Produced from the oldest vines, from blends to monovarietals, Chocapalha wines are the estate’s flagship. The MAR DA PALHA collection of wines is Chocapalha’s most international style, exhibiting the Estate’s diversity and the influence from the nearby Atlantic. Finally, the MAR DE LISBOA collection showcases a younger and bolder profile.
You can visit this wonderful winery with Lisbon Heritage Hotels and experience a private visit and wine tasting for just €120. The price includes a €10 Voucher to purchase wine at the Quinta de Chocapalha store and a follow up tasting back at your Lisbon Heritage Hotel.
For more information about staying at a Lisbon Heritage Hotel and visiting the Quinta de Chocapalha get in touch.
