A Heritage from the Romans
Located just 25 kilometres from Lisbon, the small town of Bucelas is a true treasure of Portuguese viticulture. With a history dating back over two thousand years, it was during the Roman Empire that the Arinto grape variety found in Bucelas the ideal terroir to develop – clay-limestone soils, a moderate Atlantic climate and hills that favour natural drainage.
From Protagonist of the Discoveries to Royal Toast
During the Age of the Great Navigations, Arinto de Bucelas was a faithful companion to Portuguese navigators, thanks to its durability and freshness preserved even after long voyages. There are historical records that tell us that, on returning from the discovery of the sea route to India, the sailors of the caravel São Gabriel celebrated with wine from Bucelas.
Arinto’s international reputation grew even more in the following centuries. In the Elizabethan period, it became known in England as “Charneco”, due to the ancient name of the region, and was even quoted by William Shakespeare in Henry VI – Part 2.
In the 19th century, the Duke of Wellington, during the Napoleonic Wars, was so impressed with the wine that he sent it to King George III, who enjoyed it daily as a medicinal tonic.
Bucelas Today: Wine, History and Sustainability
Today, Bucelas keeps its wine-growing vocation alive, combining tradition with modern, sustainable techniques. One of the highlights is the Quinta da Murta, a 27-hectare estate that grows organic wines using biodynamic viticulture practices.
Care for the soil, the use of indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention in the winemaking process result in labels that express the local terroir with purity.
Leia também o nosso artigo: Roteiro de Um Dia em Bucelas: Tradição, Vinho e Sabores Autênticos, onde contamos com mais detalhes como foi a nossa incrível experiência na Quinta das Mugas.
Experiências de Enoturismo em Bucelas
O enoturismo em Bucelas oferece aos visitantes uma diversidade de experiências únicas, como por exemplo:
- Visitas guiadas às vinhas e às adegas
- Visita à adegas e degustações comentadas de vinhos e espumantes nas Caves Velhas – clique aqui e reserve na Winalist uma experiência nas Caves Velhas & Quinta Do Boição;
- Provas comentadas de vinhos e espumantes
- Piqueniques entre vinhedos com produtos locais na Quinta das Murgas – Reserve sua experiência na Quinta das Murgas;
- Trilhos interpretativos, como o Bucelas Wine & Heritage Trail
- Estadia em alojamentos rurais muito charmosos;
E, claro, a visita ao Museu do Vinho e da Vinha.
Este museu, situado no coração da vila, é um verdadeiro centro de interpretação da cultura vinícola local. Apresenta um percurso cronológico que explica de forma clara as práticas agrícolas, os utensílios antigos, os ciclos da vinha e as técnicas de vinificação. Destaca-se ainda uma secção dedicada à casta Arinto e às especificidades do terroir bucelense. É uma paragem obrigatória para quem deseja compreender a alma da região.
Bucelas: Much More than Wine
But Bucelas is more than just a destination for wine lovers. It’s a plunge into Portuguese culture: between Roman roads, fortresses that resisted Napoleon and stunning natural landscapes, every visit is a journey back in time. The presence of myrtle, an aromatic plant considered sacred, reinforces this connection between nature, spirituality and tradition.
So we arrive at Quinta das Murgas with a full wine tourism proposal: customizable wine tastings (from €25 per person), outdoor picnics, and even horseback riding, creating a memorable experience for couples, families or groups of friends.
Sabores à Mesa: Onde Comer em Bucelas
A gastronomia de Bucelas é outro trunfo. Tivemos a sorte de almoçar no restaurante Chão do Prado, mesmo ao lado das vinhas, num dia de primavera soalheiro. Entre as especialidades da casa destaca-se o Bacalhau à Chão do Prado — um lombo de bacalhau lascado, servido sobre uma cama de cebolas, nabiças e grão-de-bico, coberto com broa de milho e levado ao forno. Uma verdadeira iguaria que harmoniza lindamente com o Arinto local.
A Hidden Gem to be Discovered
Visiting Bucelas is like opening a bottle of liquid history. It’s feeling the past in every sip, walking through vineyards that have witnessed empires and toasting a wine that has enchanted kings and poets.
If you’re looking for authenticity, rural charm, lively culture and excellent wines, Bucelas is your next destination. A village that offers the best of Portugal in a golden chalice of Arinto – fresh, elegant and unforgettable.
Come and discover Bucelas and let yourself fall in love with the prince of Portuguese wines.
