Exploring the third section of the Western Wine Route is to embark on a sensory journey where history, tradition, and innovation converge in every glass. From the century-old vines of Quinta do Gradil to the ecological charm of Quinta do Olival da Murta, the artistic splendour of Buddha Eden at Quinta dos Loridos to the authenticity of organic wines at Vinhos Cortém, each destination offers unique experiences that go far beyond mere wine tasting.
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Third section of the Western Wine Route
In this article, we present the third section of the Western Wine Route, which includes the municipalities of Cadaval, Bombarral, Óbidos, and Caldas da Rainha, in the Lisbon District.
Discover some of the key wine estates along this route, their histories and traditions, and the wine tourism activities they offer.
A) Quinta do Gradil
Quinta do Gradil is one of Portugal’s most emblematic wine estates, located in the municipality of Cadaval, approximately 50 km from Lisbon, nestled in a stunning landscape at the foot of the Montejunto Mountain Range. Its privileged location offers an ideal escape for wine tourism enthusiasts, blending history, fine wines, and unique experiences.
The estate’s history dates back to 1492, making it one of the oldest in the region. For centuries, it has been associated with the production of high-quality wines and, in the 18th century, belonged to the Marquis of Pombal, a key figure in Portuguese wine history. Today, the estate preserves its winemaking tradition while incorporating modern viticulture and oenology techniques.
Visitors to this beautiful estate can enjoy a range of activities, including:
- Restaurant: A refined gastronomic space where dishes are paired with the estate’s wines, celebrating local produce and Portuguese culinary tradition.
- Wine Bar: A relaxed setting to sample a selection of house wines while enjoying the surrounding landscape.
- Guided Tours and Tastings: Guests can tour the winery, vineyards, and the estate’s historical heritage, concluding with curated tastings of selected wines.
- Private and Corporate Events: The estate offers exclusive spaces for private functions such as weddings, birthdays, and business meetings.
- Themed Experiences: Activities such as vineyard picnics, wine brunches, harvest programmes (during harvest season), and oenology workshops are available for visitors.
Brunch Vínico © Foto Quinta do Gradil
Provas na quinta do Gradil
Piquenique na Quinta do Gradil Saiba Mais
Quinta do Gradil is a must-visit destination for those wishing to explore Portuguese wines in a historic and enchanting setting. Offering a diverse range of wine tourism experiences, it combines tradition, innovation, and hospitality to deliver an authentic and memorable visit.
To book one of Quinta do Gradil’s experiences online, we recommend visiting the website of our partner Winalist by clicking here.
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As mais antigas referências escritas encontradas sobre a Quinta do Gradil remontam ao final do século XV, num documento régio de D. João II que data de 14 de fevereiro de 1492.
B) Vale Zias - Fazendas da Estremadura
VALE ZIAS is a family-run business with over 80 years of agricultural activity, located in Cercal, in the municipality of Cadaval, about 70 km north of Lisbon. The estate has approximately 10 hectares of vineyards, cultivating grape varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, and Fernão Pires.
Vale Zias experiences
Wine tourism experiences include:
- Wine Tastings and Guided Tours: Guests can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the winery and agricultural estate.
- Events and Venue Hire: The estate hosts events and offers spaces for lunches, dinners, or conferences.
Guided Walks: Guided walks through the Montejunto Mountain Range are available, offering a connection with nature and local culture.
C) Quinta do Olival da Murta
Located in Cadaval, approximately 80 km northwest of Lisbon, Quinta do Olival da Murta sits on the north-western slope of the Montejunto Mountain Range, near the Atlantic Ocean.
This family-run estate dates back to the early 20th century, when Joana Vivas’s great-grandfather, Manuel Vivas, managed a diverse farm where vineyards, orchards, and cereals coexisted with livestock. Over the decades, production evolved with market demands, and today the fourth generation has transformed the estate into an organic wine producer.
Quinta do Olival da Murta experiences
- Guided Tours and Wine Tastings: Visitors can tour the vineyards and winery, concluding with a tasting of Serra Oca wines, accompanied by regional products and stunning views of Montejunto.
To book a wine tasting online, we recommend visiting the Winalist website by clicking here.
- Ecotourism Experiences: Activities include participating in the grape harvest and winemaking process, tree planting campaigns, and nature walks for identifying native plants—providing visitors with an immersive experience in the estate’s sustainable practices.
- Private Events: The estate’s unique setting, including a converted old wine cellar (Sala dos Tonéis), is available for relaxed celebrations and festive occasions.
Quinta do Olival da Murta is also registered with the EasyCamp platform, allowing campervan travellers to spend a night on the estate in exchange for purchasing estate products.
D) Casa Agrícola Nicolau
Casa Agrícola Nicolau is a family business founded in 1980, located in the village of Adão Lobo, in the municipality of Cadaval, Western Portugal. It is situated around 70 km north of Lisbon, approximately a one-hour drive.
With about 30 hectares of vineyards, Casa Agrícola Nicolau is known for producing authentic, characterful wines that have won several awards.
As part of its wine tourism offering, the estate invites visitors to its wine shop, where they can sample the wines and other regional delicacies. Visits must be booked in advance.
E) Quinta do Sanguinhal
Located in Bombarral, around 70 km north of Lisbon (about a 45-minute drive), Quinta do Sanguinhal is managed by the Agricultural Company of Sanguinhal, founded in 1926 by Abel Pereira da Fonseca. This family-run company, now in its fourth generation, manages three estates in the Demarcated Region of Óbidos: Quinta do Sanguinhal, Quinta das Cerejeiras, and Quinta de São Francisco. They are renowned for producing high-quality wines, blending tradition with innovation.
Key wine tourism experiences include:
- Guided Tours and Wine Tastings: Explore 19th-century gardens, vineyards, a restored 300 m² distillery, a wine press with screw and beam presses from 1871, and an ageing cellar with 36 barrels. Visits include guided tastings with regional products like cheeses and pastéis de nata.
- Meals and Picnics: The estate organises buffet-style meals and garden picnics, offering a deep dive into the scenic winemaking landscape.
Private Events: With its historic and picturesque spaces, Quinta do Sanguinhal is a preferred location for weddings and corporate events.
Campervans are welcome to overnight at the estate via the EasyCamp welcome pack.
The estate also offers accommodation with balconies, located about 28 km from Óbidos Castle, featuring a private pool, garden, playground, barbecue facilities, free Wi-Fi, and private parking.
F) Quinta dos Loridos - Buddha Eden
Quinta dos Loridos, located in the municipality of Bombarral, is about 75 km north of Lisbon—around an hour’s drive via the A8 motorway.
Best known for its high-quality sparkling wines, the estate also stands out for its impressive Buddha Eden Garden—an oriental park spanning approximately 35 hectares, filled with Buddhas, pagodas, and terracotta statues.
The estate’s origins trace back to the 15th century and have passed through various families. In 1989, it was acquired by J.P. Vinhos, S.A., owned by Joe Berardo, who undertook a large-scale restoration and conservation campaign.
Wine tourism highlights include:
- Visits to Bacalhôa Buddha Eden: Guests may freely explore the garden without prior booking. Opening hours vary by season, and the garden is closed only on 1 January and 25 December.
- Restaurant and Snack Bar: On-site dining includes buffet service and light snacks.
- Wine Shop: Visitors can purchase wines produced by Bacalhôa to take home a memento of their visit.
For private celebrations like weddings, the estate offers scenic event spaces blending natural beauty and art—ideal for unforgettable events.
The Buddha Eden gardens alone make this a truly memorable and highly recommended experience.
Don’t miss our article “Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal: A Wine Tourism Treasure in Azeitão and Beyond” to learn more about the company and its fascinating wine experiences.
G) Vinhos Cortém
Vinhos Cortém is a small organic winery located in the village of Cortém, in Caldas da Rainha, approximately 90 km north of Lisbon.
Founded in 2004 by Christopher Price and Helga Wagner, Vinhos Cortém revived the region’s winemaking tradition, producing wines with a strong Atlantic influence. In 2021, it became part of the Lindeborg Wines Group, enabling new investments in vineyards and winery infrastructure while preserving its artisanal style and sustainable methods.
Wine tourism experiences include:
- Self-Guided Vineyard Walks, Winery Tours, and Tastings: Guests can explore the vineyards, visit the winery and shop, and enjoy wine tastings accompanied by olives, cheese, and bread. These last around 1.5 hours and are available Monday to Saturday at 11:30 am and 3:00 pm.
- Premium Experience: A guided tour of the vineyards, winery, and shop, followed by a tasting of six wines paired with cheese, olives, bread, and cured meats. This experience lasts around 2.5 hours.
The third section of the Lisbon Wine Route offers an unforgettable journey through the wine heartland of Portugal’s West region, where tradition, innovation, and breathtaking scenery come together in every experience. The estates of Cadaval, Bombarral, Óbidos, and Caldas da Rainha are more than just winemaking venues — they are custodians of stories, knowledge, and flavours that capture the cultural and oenological richness of the country. Whether you seek a weekend getaway, a romantic escape, or a deeper dive into wine tourism, this route invites you to explore wine with all your senses. A true toast to authenticity!
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