Wine routes

Portugal is a big wine producer that is getting more and more popular all around the world. The wine history started when the Romans first brought the traditions to the country.

Im in this text concentrating about the areas around where we have houses for rent but there are other big regions to learn about. Maybe most famous abroad is Wine from Porto, Port wine. Here are also Vinho Verde, the white wine that is made of red grapes just that the peel that makes the red wine red is removed.

One can visit wine houses and gardens and by wine directly from the producer. Most of the them one has to pre book. If you are just a little interested maybe its enough to visit ViniPortugal in Lisbon centre where you can try wine for free, read more under.

Vimeiro area

Oeste Rota do Vinho, The eastern wine region or Estremadura the area around Vimeiro is called.

This is a region with long history of wine. The climate is mild, a lot of sun and the sea near by makes the area perfect. The international grapes are used as Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Within one day's excursion you find about 20 different wineyards. Óbidos, Torres Vedras and Alenquer are the different routes in this area called.

Region around Lisbon

Near Lisbon still one can find a few wineyards with some of the oldest wines. The areas are divided into Carcavelos, Bucelas and Colares. The fact that they are so near the capital makes them always to be under pressure. Bucelas has a white acid dry and young wine. Colares that is placed by the foot of the mountain Sintra the viticulture's are growing on extremely sand ground that gives very characteristic taste.

In the middle of Lisbon at Praça da Comércio ViniPortugal made a room to market the pourtugese wine. Entrance and testing is for free. Rolling weekly schedule for the different areas. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11.00-19-00.

Useful links:

Good site with information in English of the different regions. Maps and phone numbers. www.viniportugal.pt

Link to Loures home page where you find adresses and numbers to wine yards around Lisbon. Only Portuguese.

www.cm-loures.pt

A page where all wineyards in Oeste Rota do Vinho around Vimeiro are collected.