Over the past eight years, Portugal has broken its own record for incoming tourists, year after year.
And it’s not hard to see why: beyond the affordable travel and living costs (especially compared to the rest of Europe), Portugal captivates with its charm—its warm, welcoming people and a rich cultural heritage that reflects centuries-old traditions: breathtaking castles and palaces, ancient villages that feel like time capsules, and a bounty of small, family-run producers still honoring the legacy of generations past.
“If nature had a human personality,” my partner mused on our latest trip there,
“Portugal would be the drama queen of the bunch.” And honestly? She nailed it. Towering waves crash along the coast, endless cork oak forests stretch to the horizon, and vine-covered valleys roll on for miles. Everything is big, bold, and beautiful. And me? As I walked through the vineyard rows, the gentle sound of a nearby stream in the background, I knew I’d be back. Back to this wild and dramatic nature, this time with a group of people who, like me, get emotional about wine. Because wine, more than anything, is Portugal’s way of telling its story.
At Quinta das Bágeiras, Mario—the fourth generation of winemakers in his family—welcomed us with a smile and invited us on a tour of the estate. As we wandered through towers of aging bottles, he told me about the local grape varieties, the traditional winemaking methods of the region, and his personal mission: to craft wines that stay true to his family’s heritage, while still meeting the needs of today’s global market.
As the days went on, a whole world of Portuguese wineries unfolded before me — Grand, modern wineries equipped with cutting edge technology alongside humble, traditional ones, where grapes are still pressed by foot.
Fun fact: many young winemakers here can actually taste the difference between mechanical pressing and foot treading—and some choose to blend both methods for the best of both worlds. Most of Portugal’s grape varieties are local and ancient. Each region has its own specialties and winemaking style, which means the range of flavors found in Portuguese wines is as wide and wild as your imagination. And it’s not just the food and drink. Portugal’s rich, layered culture and history offer the perfect backdrop for a truly immersive food and wine journey. That’s the philosophy behind every wine trip I lead in Portugal — seeking the answer to one beautiful question:
If you’re traveling Portugal with a glass of wine in hand… where should you go?
We’ll sip sparkling wines in the Bairrada region, cool aromatic whites in Vinho Verde, indulge in iconic Port dessert wine (where else but Porto?), and explore bold, full-bodied reds in southern Alentejo, where we’ll also discover Portugal’s fascinating cork industry up close. But wine in Portugal doesn’t travel alone. It comes hand in hand with rich local cheeses, unique pastries made from age-old recipes, and hearty, delicious food that nourishes both body and soul.
Portugal is the kind of place you go to with a big appetite, an open heart, and a willingness to slow down and let the experience sweep you away.
