Wine Tastings Colares

Perched on Portugal’s western edge near Sintra, Colares is one of the country’s tiniest and most historic DOC wine regions. Its unique coastal vineyards lie behind sand dunes, shielded from the Atlantic’s fierce winds. Once sprawling over thousands of acres, Colares now retains only a few dozen hectares of vineyards—but what remains is profoundly distinctive, producing wines deeply rooted in resilience and maritime terroir.

Visiting Colares is a journey into heritage and sensory discovery. The region’s sandy vineyards, still planted with ungrafted vines, are preserved behind reed fences. Wine tourism here is intimate—guided tastings bring you close to a rare landscape where rugged coast meets ancient vines. Combining coastal walks, historic villa visits, and small-scale tastings makes Colares a compelling escape.

Colares’ fortified and still wines express salty freshness and age-worthy depth, pairing beautifully with seafood, coastal herbs, and seaside simplicity. A wine tasting with fresh fish or a rustic spread of local cheese reflects the region’s fusion of ocean, earth, and tradition—a combination both grounded and elegant.

Colares is defined by just two signature varieties: Ramisco for red and Malvasia de Colares for white wines. Ramisco thrives in the sand, builds firm tannins and vibrant acidity, and demands years to mellow into a balanced wine. Malvasia de Colares offers floral aromatics and minerality, best experienced young. Their rarity and terroir-driven character make them among Portugal’s most treasured grapes.

Colares’ maritime climate shapes its seasonal rhythms. Spring ushers in fog-drenched mornings that slow vine flush, while summer’s sunshine is filtered by sea mist, delaying grape evolution. Autumn harvests unfold amid salty air and soft light. Winter invites quiet cellars and reflective tastings—each season amplifying the wine’s coastal poetry.

Begin your journey near Cabo da Roca or the cliffs of Praia das Maçãs. Wander through reed-lined vineyards in search of centuries-old Ramisco, then visit the Adega Regional de Colares for a tasting and tour in one of Portugal’s oldest cooperatives. Explore Sintra’s romantic hilltop estates or take a scenic coastal walk to blend natural beauty with wine heritage for a truly unforgettable getaway.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Colares:

• Viúva Gomes

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Colares:

• Wine Tasting Experience at Adega Viúva Gomes in Colares