🍷 The Oldest Wineries in Portugal – A Journey Through Time and Taste

Step Into Centuries of Wine Heritage with Portugal Magik Private Tours

Portugal is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, with traditions dating back over 2,000 years. From the rugged terraced slopes of the Douro Valley to the sun-kissed plains of Alentejo, Portugal’s wine legacy is not just about taste—it’s about history, resilience, and soul.

In this featured article, we explore some of the oldest wineries in Portugal, where age-old techniques meet modern refinement. These estates are not just producers—they are guardians of heritage, many of them family-run for generations, offering exclusive wine experiences in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe.

🏞️ 1. Real Companhia Velha (Royal Oporto Wine Company)

📍 Vila Nova de Gaia, Douro Valley
🗓️ Established in 1756

Founded under royal charter by King José I of Portugal, Real Companhia Velha is Portugal’s oldest active wine company. It played a pivotal role in regulating Douro Valley wine production and was instrumental in creating the world’s first demarcated wine region.

Why Visit:

Historic aging cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
Access to ancient Douro vineyards
Private tastings of rare vintage Ports and Douro wines

💡 Pair with a full-day Douro River valley tour and private boat cruise.

🍇 2. Quinta do Vallado

📍 Peso da Régua, Douro Valley
🗓️ Established in 1716

One of the oldest estates in the Douro, Quinta do Vallado was once owned by the legendary Dona Antónia Ferreira, a pioneer of Port wine. Today, it’s both a respected producer and a stylish wine hotel blending heritage with contemporary elegance.

Why Visit:

Tours of gravity-fed wine cellars
Boutique hotel experience surrounded by vines
Tasting of both Port and exceptional dry wines

💡 Ideal for a relaxing overnight stay in the heart of wine country.

🏰 3. José Maria da Fonseca

📍 Azeitão, Setúbal Region (near Lisbon)
🗓️ Established in 1834

Still family-owned after seven generations, JMF is one of Portugal’s oldest continuously operating wine producers, famous for its Moscatel de Setúbal, red blends, and beautiful manor house cellar tour.

Why Visit:

Guided tours of the stunning Periquita wine cellars
Tasting of aged Moscatel wines, some over 20 years old
Historic estate with traditional tilework and gardens

💡 Perfect half-day luxury escape from Lisbon.

🍷 4. Quinta da Bacalhôa

📍 Azeitão, Setúbal Region
🗓️ Estate origins date to the 15th century

A true gem, Quinta da Bacalhôa is not only one of the oldest estates in Portugal, but also one of the most beautiful. The 15th-century palace is surrounded by vineyards, gardens, and tile-covered walls, offering a fusion of art, wine, and history.

Why Visit:

Private guided tours of the palace and wine cellars
Tasting of Bacalhôa’s elegant Moscatel and red wines
Admire the vast art collection and Renaissance gardens

💡 Ideal for couples or small groups interested in art, architecture, and wine.

🍾 5. Quinta do Crasto

📍 Douro Valley
🗓️ Documented winemaking since 1615

This 400-year-old estate, perched high above the Douro River, combines deep tradition with cutting-edge viticulture. Known for their award-winning red wines and vintage Ports, Quinta do Crasto is a family-run icon of excellence.

Why Visit:

Incredible hilltop views of the Douro River
Private tastings and vineyard tours
Infinity pool and wine-pairing lunches available

💡 A highlight on any Douro Valley luxury itinerary.

🍷 6. Herdade do Esporão

📍 Reguengos de Monsaraz, Alentejo
🗓️ Historical roots back to 1267, wine production officially since 1973

Though modern in operation, the land of Esporão has been cultivated for centuries. Today, it’s one of Alentejo’s premier wineries, blending organic farming, contemporary architecture, and award-winning wines in a vast countryside estate.

Why Visit:

Olive oil and wine tastings with estate-grown products
Gourmet restaurant and vineyard picnic experiences
On-site art installations and ancient medieval tower

💡 Perfect stop during a full-day Alentejo exploration.

🌄 7. Adega José de Sousa

📍 Reguengos de Monsaraz, Alentejo
🗓️ Established in 1878

Owned by José Maria da Fonseca, this winery still uses Roman-style amphorae clay pots (“talhas”) for fermenting wine—a method dating back over 2,000 years.

Why Visit:

See rare amphora winemaking in action
Explore ancient cellars and modern facilities
Taste their deep, earthy red wines known for character and authenticity

💡 An unforgettable cultural and wine heritage experience.

Discover Portugal’s Oldest Wineries with Portugal Magik Private Tours

Step into centuries of history and tradition with a private luxury wine tour, designed just for you. At Portugal Magik Private Tours, we specialize in creating exclusive wine experiences, from Lisbon to the Douro, Setúbal to Alentejo, with: