Wine & the River

A tasting at a wine estate full of sculptures, then fish by the Arade river.

An unhurried late afternoon of wine and river. It begins with a tasting at an estate where sculptures stand among the vines and ends at a table in Ferragudo, with fish and the Arade in front of you. The tasting and dinner are paid separately, and your driver does the driving. For couples, and golfers on a day off.

The day, stop by stop

1. 

   1

   Quinta dos Vales

   In Estômbar, near Lagoa, this estate brings together vineyards, a winery and a garden of contemporary sculptures dotted among the vines. You can wander the paths looking at the artworks, see the winery and finish with an outdoor tasting of the estate's wines. It suits anyone who enjoys wine and art in the same place. Book the tasting in advance; it is paid separately. Late afternoon brings softer light over the vines and cooler air for the walk.

2. 

   2

   Ferragudo e Castelo de São João

   Across the Arade river from Portimão, Ferragudo still feels like a fishing village: white houses climbing the slope, boats pulled up on the bank and a waterside square lined with café tables. The São João do Arade fort, set right by the beach, is privately owned, so enjoy it from outside, ideally from the sand. Walk up to the church for a view over the whole estuary. Order grilled fish, or sardines when they are in season.

The essentials

Duration

4 h · Late afternoon

Pick-up

At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.

Included

The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.

Not included

Entrance tickets and meals.

Who it is for

Couples; golfers on a day off.

The route