Located about 30 km west of Lisbon, the wineries in the Colares region, within the municipality of Sintra, stand out as one of the most unique and oldest wine-producing areas in Portugal. Nestled between the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, these vineyards have withstood the test of time and salty winds, offering a truly distinctive experience both in the glass and on the land.
History and Uniqueness
The Colares demarcated region was officially recognised in 1908, making it one of the oldest controlled designations of origin in Portugal. What makes Colares special is its “chão de areia” (sandy soil) cultivation method, where vines are planted directly in the sand — a rare technique that protected the vines from the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. As a result, it is one of the few regions in the world where pre-phylloxera vines still exist, i.e., vines planted on their own rootstock (ungrafted).
The region’s emblematic grape varieties include Ramisco (red) and Malvasia de Colares (white), producing wines with great acidity, longevity, and a maritime character.
Wine Tourism in Sintra
The wineries in the region are increasingly focused on high-quality wine tourism, offering authentic experiences that combine tradition, landscape, and flavour.
Some estates also offer accommodation in rural or historic settings, ideal for wine-themed getaways near Lisbon.
1. Adega Regional de Colares
Located in the village of Colares, in the Sintra municipality about 30 km from Lisbon, this is one of the most iconic and historic wine destinations in Portugal. Set in a region known for its coastal scenery, dramatic cliffs, and unique vineyards planted in sandy soils near the sea.
Founded in 1931, the Adega Regional de Colares is the oldest wine cooperative in the country, established to protect and promote the wines of the Colares Denomination of Origin, one of the oldest in Portugal (registered in 1908). The region is particularly known for the Ramisco grape, which survived the phylloxera plague due to the sandy soils that block the parasite’s progress. Colares wines are renowned for their vibrant acidity, longevity, and distinctly saline, elegant profile.
© Provas de Vinho Photo by Adega Regional de Colares
A Adega regional de Colares é Adega Cooperativa mais antiga de Portugal
Wine tourism experiences include:
- Guided tours of the facilities, showcasing the winery’s history, traditional winemaking methods, and visits to old wooden vats and the wine cellar.
- Expert-led wine tastings featuring exclusive wines from the region, including rare and limited-edition bottles.
- An on-site wine shop offering the winery’s own labels and other regional products.
- Participation in wine and gastronomy events and cultural programmes, often organised at the winery or in collaboration with local producers and chefs.
While the winery does not currently offer its own restaurant, wine bar, or accommodation, it is situated in a touristic region with various gastronomic and lodging options nearby, including in Colares, Sintra, and along the Atlantic coast (e.g., Azenhas do Mar or Praia das Maçãs).
The winery also hosts private events and customised experiences by reservation, such as themed tastings or special group visits — ideal for wine lovers seeking history, authenticity, and stunning scenery close to Portugal’s capital.
2. Casal Sta. Maria
A boutique winery with a history linked to a German aristocrat, offering personalised experiences, sea views, and award-winning wines.
Casal Sta. Maria is a prestigious wine estate located in the historic Colares region, on the slopes of the Sintra Mountains, around 30 km northwest of Lisbon. The estate’s history dates back to the early 18th century, with the main house built in 1720, which survived the 1755 earthquake thanks to the granite foundation of the Sintra range.
Wine production ceased in 1903 and resumed in 2006, when Baron Bodo von Bruemmer, aged 96, replanted the vines with the aim of producing high-quality wines that reflected the region’s unique terroir.
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A Casal Sta. Maria é uma prestigiada quinta vinícola situada na histórica região de Colares, na encosta da Serra de Sintra, aproximadamente a 30 km a noroeste de Lisboa.
Wine tourism experiences include:
- Guided tours and tastings: Visitors can explore the vineyards and winery, learn about the winemaking process, and taste wines. Options range from the “CSM Classic Tour” (tasting of 3 wines) to the “Von Bruemmer Premium Tour” (6 wines with bread and olives).
Private events: The estate offers venues for private functions, including lunches, dinners, and celebrations in an exclusive, tailored setting.
While the estate does not have a restaurant, wine bar, or lodging, its proximity to Sintra and Colares ensures a wide selection of local dining and accommodation options to complement the wine tourism experience.
3. Adega Viúva Gomes
Located in the picturesque village of Almoçageme in the Sintra municipality, about 40 km northwest of Lisbon, this historic winery lies between the mountains and the sea, within one of Portugal’s oldest and most distinctive wine regions.
Founded in 1808, Viúva Gomes is one of the region’s most emblematic wineries, known for its unique wines made in sandy soils, predominantly from Ramisco (red) and Malvasia de Colares (white) grapes. The winery is committed to traditional winemaking methods and has preserved a legacy that spans generations.
Wine tourism and experiences include:
- Guided tours of the historic winery, showcasing traditional production techniques, centuries-old cellars, and the unique regional context.
- Commented tastings of Ramisco reds and Malvasia whites, offering a sensory immersion into the Colares terroir.
- Private events and personalised experiences, such as wine dinners, corporate meetings, and exclusive celebrations.
- On-site wine shop, offering limited editions and historical bottles.
Although the winery does not have its own restaurant or accommodation, it partners with local businesses to provide gastronomic and lodging experiences in the area.
Viúva Gomes offers an authentic wine tourism experience deeply connected to tradition and terroir, ideal for those seeking rare wines with strong identity and breathtaking natural scenery.
4. Monte Cascas (Vinhedos de Colares)
Monte Cascas is responsible for vineyards in the historic Colares region, located about 40 km northwest of Lisbon, on the Atlantic-facing slopes between Sintra and the ocean. The easy access from the capital makes it an excellent option for a wine getaway, enhanced by stunning landscapes.
Monte Cascas focuses on preserving native grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques, with special attention to the Colares DOC — one of Portugal’s rarest and oldest appellations. The region’s sandy-soil vineyards are resistant to phylloxera and feature Ramisco (red) and Malvasia de Colares (white) grapes. Monte Cascas plays a key role in revitalising the area’s wines, producing authentic wines that reflect the terroir.
Wine tourism and experiences:
- Guided tours of the vineyards and winery: Explore centuries-old vines growing in sandy soils, followed by a visit to the cellars where the wines age in oak barrels.
- Wine tastings featuring Colares wines and those from other Monte Cascas regions, showcasing native varieties and Atlantic wine characteristics.
- Private events, both social and corporate, held in scenic settings overlooking the vineyards and sea.
Monte Cascas in Colares offers a unique wine tourism experience, combining tradition, landscape, and authentic wines, just a short trip from Lisbon.
From Lisbon, Colares is around a 40-minute drive, also accessible by train to Sintra followed by local transport. The itinerary is perfect for a romantic day trip or weekend escape, complemented by attractions like Sintra village, Adraga and Azenhas do Mar beaches, and historic palaces.
5. Osório & Gonçalves – Vinhos Infinitude
Owned by the Osório de Vasconcelos Jardim Gonçalves family, the Infinitude project was born at Quinta da Azenha, a bucolic site at the northern foothills of the Sintra Mountains, in Galamares.
The atmosphere of this place and the memory of generations of winemakers in Madeira and the Douro inspired the desire to develop a serious wine project rooted in Sintra. Thus, Infinitude Wines emerged — inspired by the Sintra Mountains and the misty days when time seems to stand still.
In the spring of 2000, the first vineyard was planted amidst the estate’s beautiful gardens. The soils here are clay-based, locally known as chão rijo. This north-facing parcel, with “anti-sun” exposure but protected from winds by surrounding woods, offers excellent ripening and freshness-retaining conditions. The grape varieties are given time to develop rich aromatic compounds while preserving acidity and avoiding excessive sugar. The project began with Pinot Noir and Merlot — an original and unorthodox choice. The vines are managed extensively, with minimal intervention.
The Infinitude project was carefully developed and formally launched with its first wines in 2017. Their excellent reception encouraged further growth in capacity and variety.
The project has since expanded beyond Quinta da Azenha to include new plots, such as a 1-hectare sandy-soil vineyard that will produce DOC Colares Infinitude wines.
Infinitude wines aim to reflect the character of the places they come from — elegant, complex, age-worthy, and expressive of their terroir. Like life, wine is a living work, always evolving. Infinitude is a tribute from one family to its roots, and an invitation to either contemplation or celebration.
Wine tourism and experiences:
- Guided vineyard tours (advance booking required)
- Events
- Parking available
6. Quinta de San Michel
Quinta de San Michel is located in the village of Janas, part of the Sintra municipality and within the historic Colares wine region. Just 20 minutes west of Lisbon and five minutes from the beach.
The estate was created to breathe new life into the region. Its vineyards lie between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. With 2 hectares of land, the producer has a clear mission — to rejuvenate the region by cultivating traditional grape varieties and, naturally, producing high-quality wine. Quinta de San Michel focuses on growing the classic Malvasia and Arinto varieties.
Wine tourism and experiences:
- Guided tours and wine tastings (advance booking required)
- Parking available
7. Adegas Beira Mar
The village of Azenhas do Mar once hosted some of the oldest private wine cellars producing Colares Wine. Among them were those owned by Luís Augusto and Manuel José Collares, who, as far back as 1848, were already producing and selling their own wines.
In 1899, João António and Hermegildo Bernardino da Silva — remembered locally as the Chitas family — acquired some of these cellars and founded the firm Collares Chitas. In 1900, António Bernardino da Silva Chitas established Adega Beira Mar, which continues to sell Colares Wine today.
Wine tourism and experiences:
- Guided tours (advance booking required)
- Wine shop
- Parking available
8. Caves Visconde de Salreu
Driven by the success of Colares wines, in 1921 the Viscount of Salreu built a large wine cellar complex in Banzão, designed by the architect Norte Júnior.
The building, inspired by vernacular architecture, extends in two parallel wings forming a striking ensemble. The imposing façade greets travellers along the road from Colares to Praia das Maçãs. Today, the property is owned by António Bernardino Paulo da Silva.
Wine tourism and experiences:
Guided tours of the winery and vineyard (advance booking required)
9. Haja Cortezia Wines
Haja Cortezia Wines is a family project run by Luís and Teresa, located in the northernmost part of the Colares wine region, in the village of Cortesia.
They stand out for their proximity to the sea and the resulting climatic conditions. Their vineyard work is demanding, using ancestral methods and creating wines tailored to the field — the so-called field blend. They believe this is the best way to honour the tradition and history of the true Atlantic terroir.
In addition to old family vineyards, they’ve planted Malvasia de Colares and Ramisco on own-rootstock in sandy soils, as well as Alvarinho and Pinot Noir. The ambition of Haja Cortezia Wines is to continue developing their vineyard, winery, and wine tourism — all while maintaining the identity of a local business rooted in land, sea, and wine culture. Their slogan: “Tradition and soul by the sea.”
Wine tourism and experiences:
- Guided tours of the winery and vineyard (advance booking required)
- Wine tastings (advance booking required)
- Events
- Parking available
10. Ramilo Wines
In 2013, brothers Pedro and Nuno Ramilo, encouraged by their father, decided to embrace their four-generation family tradition in winemaking.
They didn’t want to be just another wine producer with good but generic wines. They believed their future lay in their roots — hidden in the slopes of the Lizandro River and the sands of Colares, among ancient vineyard terraces and old stone walls. They rehabilitated family estates, preserved old vines, and planted new ones. Today, they are on the brink of becoming the largest private producer in the Colares region.
Wine tourism and experiences:
- Guided tours and tastings (advance booking required)
- Events
- Parking available
From Lisbon, Colares is a 40-minute drive, with easy access also via train to Sintra and then local transport.
Choose your preferred winery for a romantic escape, and combine it with other attractions such as Sintra village, Adraga and Azenhas do Mar beaches, and the area’s historic palaces. Without a doubt, it will be an unforgettable experience!
www.viuvagomes.com
www.heldercunha.com
www.hajacorteziawines.pt
www.quintasanmichel.pt
www.adegasbeiramar.com
www.ramilowines.com
