Vineyards

Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal: A Wine Tourism Treasure in Azeitão and Beyond

3 September

Less than an hour’s drive from the capital Lisbon, among gentle hills and vineyards that tell centuries-old stories, lies one of Portugal’s greatest and most fascinating wine tourism destinations: Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, in Azeitão, in the Setúbal Peninsula region. This is more than just a winery – it’s a fusion of tradition, art, culture and flavours that captivate all the senses.

A Legacy that Stretches Back in Time

Bacalhôa’s history dates back to the 15th century, when the Palácio da Bacalhôa, in Azeitão, was built as a stately home. Over the centuries, the space underwent various transformations until it became, in the 20th century, an essential part of the Portuguese wine identity. In 1998, businessman and art collector José Berardo acquired the company, ushering in a new era. Under his leadership, Bacalhôa gained momentum, innovation and a unique artistic touch, becoming today one of the largest wine companies in the country.

Wine Tourism Experiences at Bacalhôa: Beyond Wine

To visit Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal is to immerse yourself in a world where wine coexists harmoniously with art and nature. Here are some of the experiences that make this winery an unmissable destination for lovers of wine tourism:

Guided Tours and Wine Tastings

Visitors can explore the century-old cellars, learn about the winemaking process and get to know the region’s emblematic grape varieties.

The visits culminate in tastings ranging from elegant white and red wines to the famous Moscatel de Setúbal, with its sweet and complex notes.

Lisbon Wine Routes Tip: For a guided tour we recommend our partner including Palacio da Bacalhoa, lunch and the José Maria da Fonseca Museum, where we talk more in this post here, just access the link of our partner Get Your Guide by clicking here.

Vista do Palácio da Bacalhoa

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Art and Architecture

The tour includes the Bacalhôa Palace itself, an icon of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, richly decorated with tiled panels and surrounded by geometric gardens. Contemporary works of art from the Coleção Berardo are also scattered throughout the spaces, integrating art and wine in a unique way.

Restaurants and Wine Bar

The gastronomic experience is carefully designed to harmonise with the house wines. The wine bar offers regional snacks, cheese and sausage boards, and dishes that celebrate Portuguese gastronomy, all designed to accompany the perfect glass of wine.

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Na Bacalhôa, o vinho transcende o copo — é arte, é história, é paisagem. Um verdadeiro tesouro de enoturismo onde Azeitão se revela em cada passo e em cada obra que habita este lugar mágico.

Marília Carolina

Accommodation and Private Events

Although the headquarters in Azeitão do not offer direct accommodation, Bacalhôa is prepared to host private events, such as weddings, exclusive dinners and corporate experiences, in a sophisticated and historic setting. The region offers great options for staying in nearby hotels and country houses.

Picnics in the gardens

In the warmer months, it is possible to book a picnic experience in the gardens or among the vineyards, ideal for families, couples or groups of friends who want to enjoy the outdoors with good food and wine.

Quinta dos Loridos and its Bacalhôa Buddha Eden

The Bacalhôa experience is not limited to Azeitão. The company is also responsible for another fascinating space: the Quinta dos Loridos, located in Carvalhal, Bombarral, where you’ll find the magical Bacalhôa Buddha Eden – the largest oriental garden in Europe.

This park is a true oasis of peace and beauty, with giant Buddha statues, lakes with carp, African sculptures and areas dedicated to contemporary art. The connection between wine and art continues here: as well as strolling through the gardens, you can visit the Quinta dos Loridos winery and taste the sparkling wines produced on site.

A visit to the Buddha Eden perfectly complements the journey begun in Azeitão, offering a spiritual and visual extension of the Bacalhôa universe – where a passion for wine goes hand in hand with a commitment to culture and contemplation.

Useful information:

How to get there:

From Lisbon to Azeitão: about 40 minutes by car, via the A2 or the 25 de Abril Bridge.
From Lisbon to Buddha Eden (Quinta dos Loridos): about 1h15 via the A8, in the direction of Bombarral.

Opening hours: The garden, store and restaurant are open every day from 9am to 6pm, except January 1st and December 25th. The entrance gate and restaurant close at 17.30.

Online Reservations: If you would like a guided tour to avoid queues at the site, we recommend buying in advance at Get Your Guide. Click here to make your reservation.

Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal offers a complete wine tourism experience, rich in history, flavour and inspiration. From award-winning wines to historic palaces, from sculptural gardens to modern wineries, each visit is a celebration of Portuguese heritage and innovation. Whether in Azeitão or in the nooks and crannies of Buddha Eden, a toast to Bacalhôa is always a toast to beauty and the pleasure of living.