Just 25 kilometres from Lisbon, you can plan a convenient and unforgettable wine tourism experience in Bucelas, a gem of the Lisbon wine region.
Renowned for its unique white wine, primarily made from the Arinto grape variety, this village offers beautiful landscapes, excellent wines, and distinctive cuisine with a Cape Verdean twist. It’s a destination where wine tourism blends into an irresistible invitation to slow down and enjoy the stunning scenery, gastronomy, and Bucelas Arinto – the prince of Portuguese wines, of course!
In this article, we suggest a one-day itinerary in Bucelas that includes three memorable experiences: a visit to Quinta das Murgas, lunch at the Chão do Prado Restaurant, and a visit to the Bucelas Wine and Vineyard Museum for a grand finale.
First Stop: Quinta das Murgas – Where Wine Has Soul and the Land Has Memory
We began our day at the enchanting Quinta das Murgas, a property that has remained in the same family for generations, today cared for by João França, inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, Sérgio Geraldes Barba. It’s precisely this continuity that lends it a special aura, as if the memory of the place were carefully preserved in every stone wall and in the stories shared by our guide Mauro Bandeiras.
This estate maintains a strong connection to the region’s agricultural past. It has evolved over time, following the rhythms of the vineyard and rural life, without ever losing its identity. Today, it is managed with passion and dedication by the new generation, who have successfully blended tradition and innovation to transform the estate into a welcoming and sustainable wine tourism destination.
Upon arrival, we were embraced by a serene atmosphere, where nature coexists harmoniously with the estate’s activities. The visit begins with a walk through the vineyards that stretch over gentle hills, flanked by olive trees. The landscape is dotted with ancient dry-stone walls and paths leading to the most picturesque corners of the estate and breathtaking views.
One feature that sets Quinta das Murgas apart is the presence of live animals that inhabit the estate. Along the way, we encountered beautiful and gentle competition horses, curious goats, elegant deer, and even friendly llamas, all living in an environment of freedom and well-being. The estate also functions as a small animal sanctuary, where respect for living beings is evident. Most of the animals were born here and are all lovingly cared for – creating a unique environment, especially captivating for younger visitors or nature lovers.
The visit culminates in a wine tasting, held in an imposing yet cosy dining room, where each bottle opened is a tribute to the land that bore it. We sampled some of the estate’s most iconic wines: the Arinto – white, fresh and mineral – and an elegant red, accompanied by local products such as aged cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, homemade bread, and olive oil. A simple yet carefully crafted pairing to showcase the best that Bucelas has to offer.
In addition to regular visits, Quinta das Murgas offers customised experiences throughout the year, including outdoor picnics among the vines, participatory harvest programmes, wine dinners, and even team-building activities.
If you’re interested, you can book each experience by clicking on this link
Prova de vinhos vertical com visita á Quinta.
Prova de vinhos + visita à quinta em veículo
Prova de vinhos + Passeio a Cavalo
Prova de vinhos + Piquenique
For those wishing to prolong the experience and immerse themselves further in this idyllic setting, the estate also offers rural accommodation with all comforts – ideal for a quiet getaway as a couple or with family. The lodgings, available on platforms such as Booking, offer a cosy and authentic atmosphere, where the sounds of nature replace the noise of the city.
Second Stop: Chão do Prado Restaurant – Flavours That Delight and an Inspiring Family Story
Next, located near the vineyards and perfectly integrated into the rural landscape, we headed to Chão do Prado Restaurant. In a welcoming setting with rustic decor and open views over the fields, we found a distinctive cuisine.
Chão do Prado is the dream come true of a couple, Soraia and João, who, having recently returned from Cape Verde in autumn 2013, took on the challenge of reopening the restaurant. They were inspired by local gastronomic tradition and their desire to create something that combined nature and hospitality. They restored an old building overlooking the Bucelas fields and brought the place to life.
The aim was to create a space that reflected the best of the region. The name “Chão do Prado” refers precisely to the fertile, green land in which it is located, where they intend for every meal to also be a moment of contemplation and pleasure in all senses.
Lunch was memorable. We began with simple but delicious starters, such as wheat bread with aromatic olive oil. The highlight was, undoubtedly, the “Bacalhau à Chão do Prado”: flaked cod loin, served on a bed of caramelised onion, sautéed turnip greens, and chickpeas, topped with crunchy cornbread and oven-gratinated. A creative and comforting interpretation of a classic Portuguese dish, perfectly accompanied by a local Arinto white wine.
The wine list gives priority to local producers, including lesser-known labels that are well worth discovering. The service is friendly and attentive, contributing to a relaxed and flavoursome experience.
Third Stop: Bucelas Wine and Vineyard Museum – A Journey Through History
To conclude our itinerary, we visited the Bucelas Wine and Vineyard Museum, located in the village centre. Housed in a former primary school building, the museum is small but extremely rich in content and meaning. Here, we learned about the evolution of wine production in Bucelas, from Roman times to the present day, including the fame the region’s wines gained at the English court in the 19th century.
With a well-organised collection and clear museography, the museum offers a chronological journey explaining agricultural practices, the tools used, the vineyard cycles, and winemaking techniques. A particularly interesting section is dedicated to the Arinto grape – queen of the region – and the unique characteristics of Bucelas’ terroir, with its clay-limestone soils and Atlantic microclimate.
It is also a living space, with temporary exhibitions, workshops, guided tastings, and cultural events that keep the museum connected to both the community and visitors. A must-visit stop to put everything you see and taste throughout the day into context.
An Itinerary to Awaken the Senses
This one-day itinerary in Bucelas is a sensory and emotional journey into Portuguese wine tradition. From the authenticity of Quinta das Murgas, an outstanding lunch at Chão do Prado, to the historical richness of the Wine and Vineyard Museum, each stop offers a different facet of this very special region.
Ideal for lovers of wine, culture, and gastronomy, Bucelas is the perfect destination for those seeking a wine tourism experience close to Lisbon, yet far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And for those wishing to extend the enchantment, Quinta das Murgas invites you to stay – with wine, silence, and stars as your companions.
