Wine Tasting in Ericeira: I’ve Done it, So is it Worth it?

Are you hoping to do some wine tasting in Ericeira? Don’t miss out!

Ericeira is an incredible place to visit if you’re into renting a surfboard going down to one of the many beaches and riding the waves. But it’s also one of the best places to enjoy some incredible fish and seafood in the local restaurants. And as you do, you wash it all down with some local wine, right?

I lived in Ericeira for many year and alway loved the interesting places to eat, as well as the fun local places you can buy wine. It is so worth it to visit the local wineries in September while they are collecting the grapes. Always so much fun, especially at Quinta da Santana!

Look no further than the independent regional wine producers scattered throughout the area to get a taste of what there is on offer along the Portuguese coast. From small, family-owned businesses to some of the larger, best wineries in Portugal, I think it wonderful how there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

This isn’t one of the best wine regions in the country, but the wine produced in the area definitely has it’s own character because of the sea and is worth a try. Here the wine tasting is more about the authenticity of it all, and not so much the quality of the wine.

Quinta da Santana is and has always been my favorite place to go watch the Portuguese wine making process and it also has an incredible wine tasting experience. So I’ve written an article to make sure you know what to expect.

If you’d like to see more than just one producer in a day, or if you’re not staying in Ericeira there are also organized wine tours that visit several different wineries, making it easy for you.

You can even do it as a bike tour! Read on for more on the best options regardless of your group’s preferences.

Quinta da Santana, the Best Wine Tasting in Ericeira

This vineyard is located about a 20 minute drive inland from Ericeira. It offers one of the most authentic experiences since it is a traditional family vineyard bought by a large family of 8 many years ago.

The wine-producing segment has been kept up by James, the owner, and now his wife and her team orchestrate fabulous weddings held among the vines each summer.

Wine tastings here allow you a glimpse of times past in the small regional villages of this part of Portugal. The guided visit takes you through the vines where you’ll probably meet the heard of sheep grazing under the orange trees.

Next, you will be taken to the winery and shown the process the grapes go through. You get to see a few different buildings, which is all part of the charm since this is one of the oldest farmed peices of land in the area which is still operational.

All that charm means that Quinta da Santana is very frequently booked up for weddings during the summer, but once September comes around they are generally more available for wine tastings and tours.

It’s worth calling around to see if they have a day available during your time in the area- it’s really that good! I was also lucky enough to be offered a 10% discount on their bottle shop for the readers of the blog, so fill in the fields below to get your voucher.

Quinta de Santana offers different types of tastings, differing by number and type of wine, whether food is included or not and how exclusive, or private your tour is.

Prices range from 25 to 150 Euros. Click here to view the Quinta de Santana wine tasting menu.

Bookings should be made online, and the date confirmed after purchase. Tastings take place at 11:00 am or 3 pm, depending on availability.

Other Great Wineries near Ericeira

If Quinta da Santana isn’t available while you’re in town, you may want to try one of these wineries. There are several excellent independent wine producers all within a 20 minute drive from Ericeira.

I actually took a few days to visit them all a few weeks ago and had a great time! Generally, wine tastings take about 1 hour, but can take up to 2 hours if a vineyard visit is included. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be received by the owner or the wine technician himself!

Manzwine

This winery is a newer addition to the region. Bought by a Brazilian about 20 years ago, several dilapidated and abandoned buildings with vines on the land were rehabilitated, and renovated to create the structure we can visit today.

A modern application of existing techniques created some prize-winning wines and some surprisingly delicious variations on old-world grapes which were thought to have disappeared.

A visit will take you through the wine museum, show you the winery and its modern installations, and then to watch a video about the history of the region and the buildings which were rehabilitated to make this project possible.

Here wine tastings go from 20 to 40 Euros, depending on how many wines are included in the visit and whether finger food is included in the experience. Bookings can be made online.

I was also offered a discount for my readers here! If you’ll be heading to Manzwine you won’t want to miss out on their bottleshop, so fill in the form below to get your voucher.

Ramilo Wines

If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience with a personal touch, Ramilo is the place to go. This family-owned business has been passed down through the generations, and today they still grow their own grapes in the beautiful hills around Ericeira as well as further south near Sintra.

When I stopped here for a visit I was warmly received by Joao, the chief winemaker, who was driving a grape-laden tractor in from the fields. We sat at the beautiful stone slab table where wine tastings take place, and enjoyed the view of the vineyard while we chatted.

Wine tastings here are done from Monday to Friday at 2 pm, include 4 different wines and cost 30 Euros per person. If you want to add on some regional tapas dishes, that will set you back an extra 10 Euros per head.

Make sure to reserve ahead of time by emailing or calling since they are not always at the shop. Here’s another discount I snagged for you guys!

Adega Mae

Adega Mae is a much larger wine producer slightly north of Ericeira in Torres Vedras, about a 30 minutes drive from Ericeira. It has very modern installations and incredible architecture which works to highlight the beautiful views of the rolling hills covered in rows of grape vines.

Here you can do a wine tasting, or have brunch with wine pairing. For larger groups, lunch or dinner are available as well. Wine tastings start at 15 Euros and up and bookings can be made online.

You can also try being a winemaker for a day, where you get to create your own wine and go through the entire wine-making process. It’s a great way to learn more about wine and get creative. The wine-tasting experience is an unforgettable one, as you will be able to taste the wine straight from the barrels, learning more about wine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Haja Cortezia Wines

If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience in Ericeira that will transport you to the heart of Portugal, then you’ll want to try Haja Cortezia Wines. This small family business close to Sao Juliao beach offers wine tastings in their wine cellar, as well as vineyard tours.

They also serve exquisite dinners with wine pairings, making it the perfect spot for an immersive wine-centric experience. With a minimum of 4 people, wine tastings can include 3 or 4 wines.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience some of the excellent local wine and a vineyard tour at one of Ericeira’s newest wine producers.

Organized Wine Tours 

Wine Tasting Bike tour

This wine-tasting bike tour is an amazing way to see the beautiful surroundings of Ericeira while sampling some of the local wine. If you only have time for one tour, do this one!

The tour starts in Ericeira and takes you through the countryside to Manzwine winery, where you’ll stop for a few sips of their wine. You’ll be received by Bruno and Marco and will also get the chance to try some of the local food.

The tour includes top-quality bikes and helmets and a picnic of local delicacies halfway through, so you can recharge your energy levels to continue wine tasting. It’s also an ideal activity for families with children above 8 years of age since the winery has special drinks just for them.

Renting a bike is a great way to visit this area. This tour is one of my favorites and a must-do for any wine lover visiting Ericeira.

✅ Click here to book the Wine Tasting Bike Tour.

Vintage Countryside Gastronomic Tour

The Vintage Countryside Gastronomic Tour was so much fun and the perfect way to relax and take in the beautiful Portuguese countryside. The tour starts in Sintra, and begins with a short hike to a hidden waterfall, followed by wine tastings and a really nice organic picnic.

I loved the stunning views of the seaside town of Ericeira from our little white car! And the picnic of local wine and food was the cherry on the whole experience for me. If you’re into rural landscapes like me and enjoy authenticity off the beaten path, this tour will definitely do it for you. I especially liked meeting Diogo and Rita- they made the whole day so much more special. Don’t miss out on meeting this wonderful couple and having them show you around rural Portugal!

The tour lasts 4 and a half hours and can be done with two people in a Citroen 2cv or more in a VW classic van. This tour is weather dependent and should not be missed!

✅ Click to book the Vintage Countryside Gastronomic Tour.

Ericeira and Mafra’s Wonder- Rural Beach and Wine Tour

Although this tour is more expensive, it is a good deal if you’ve got a larger group since the price goes down as the group size increases.

It includes entrance to Mafra’s Palace, Aldeia Jose Franco’s miniature village, the traditional Portuguese Aldeia da Mata Pequena, a walking tour and lunch in Ericeira, and a wine tasting at Manzwine.

It is an 8 hour, full day tour with hotel pickup anywhere between Ericeira/Sintra and Lisbon. I haven’t done this tour myself, but it is very well rated by those that have done it.

✅ Click here to book the Rural Beach and Wine Tour.

Yearly Wine Tasting Event in Ericeira

This year, one of the coworking studios in Ericeira village started an annual event which quickly became very popular! The festival, combining regional wine tasting and jazz, food trucks and an urban market had an excellent turnout at over 600 people.

The event takes place in June in a large private villa close to Ericeira’s center and costs just 12 Euro per head. A great time was had by all so be sure to join next year if you are in town in June!

Wine Tasting in Ericeira: The Wrap Up

Portugal is known for its wine, and what could be a better way to experience the wine culture of this area than by doing wine tastings in Ericeira? There are a number of different wine tasting opportunities in the area, from small family businesses to larger organized tours. Whether you’re looking for a full-day tour or just a few hours of fun, Ericeira has something for everyone when it comes to wine tasting!