The attraction of uncovering hidden treasures in the world of wine is irresistible to curious travelers and oenophiles alike. While the famous vineyards of France, Italy, and California often dominate conversations, there are still places waiting to be discovered—regions rich in history, culture, and exceptional wines that beg to be explored.
In this second installment of our series, we’re thrilled to feature Margo Gabriel, an award-winning food and wine writer who has called Lisbon, Portugal, home for the past four years. With her insider knowledge and deep appreciation for Portuguese wine culture, Margo takes us on a journey through Portugal’s lesser-known wine regions. Join Margo as she shares expert insights from wine professionals and locals who know Portugal’s vinous treasures best. Get ready to pack your bags and add these extraordinary regions to your wine travel itinerary for 2025!

Margo Gabriel – If you’ve been following social media the past few years, you know that Portugal has been catapulted to the top of every travel editor, content creator, and celebrity’s list of Must See destinations. As a food and wine writer based in Lisbon, Portugal for the past 4 years, I have had an inside look at Portuguese art, gastronomy, history and wine culture. So writing about the wine regions that may not be on your radar is a no brainer.
I asked some key people about what regions should be on your next trip to explore Portugal’s rich wine country.
Who better to tell us the best wine regions in Portugal than the Portuguese themselves and a few veteran wine professionals? Let’s dive into their recommendations and get an insider’s look at wine regions worth the tourist treatment in 2025.
Portugal may be small in size but produces exceptional wines. Let’s take a moment to explore the different wine regions Algarve, Alentejo, Azores, Bairrada, Beira Interior, Dão, Douro, Lisboa, Madeira, Setúbal, Trás-os-Montes, Vinho Verdes, Távora-Varosa, and Tejo. Each region boasts its own richness.

Paulo Amado is a culinary godfather, multihyphenate humanist with loads of knowledge to share always over a table with copious portions of delectable food and wine. His generosity is endless. He is the founder of Edições do Gosto, a culinary focused multimedia company in Lisbon and organizes Congresso, an annual gastronomy forward trade show that invites talented chefs and hospitality professionals to convene every September.
And the publisher of Inter Magazine, a culinary publication documenting the intersection of Portuguese culture, history and gastronomy. “Portugal’s wine culture is very old. The oldest alliance between two countries is the one that exists between Portugal and the United Kingdom. The Portuguese produced wines and they (the British) sent fabric or textile to us.” While you can trace the history of wine in Portugal several centuries, it’s remarkable to see the tradition of winemaking from innovative vintners all over the country.
Amado further shares, “The country is very well known for producing some wines with great quality and also we have fortified wines, we have five: Porto, Madeira, Carcavelos, Moscatel, Vinho Licoroso da Ilha do Pico. We have Douro, very well known to produce port wine.” I can confirm – all of them taste just as good as they sound. Amado never misses an opportunity to share the full breadth and depth of Portuguese food and wine culture and its impact on the world. “We have some regions where different wines can come out of this country, not from the Alentejo or Douro. For example, Açores and Madeira by Maçanita, table wines that are deeply related to the terroir expressing specific characteristics of both islands.” And lastly, Amado can not end without mentioning Negra Mole from the Arvad brand in the Algarve region. “Also Dão has a new movement [that is worth paying attention to as well in 2025].”

Ricardo Maniera is a restaurateur and DJ. He is owner of A Viagem Das Horas wine bar with an equally impressive wine list in Lisbon’s Arroios neighborhood. An oenophile in his own right shares where you should explore in Portugal. “I really like white wines from the Lisbon region. I think Trás-os-Montes and Beira Interior are two regions with enormous potential.
Bairrada is a place you shouldn’t skip visiting.” Having spent some time working harvest in Bairrada and sampling wines in Portugal’s wine regions I have a growing list of personal favorites. Joao Pato Duckman by Maria Joao Pato produces an excellent rosé, Romy. Perfect for a warm summer evening while dining alfresco.

Teresa Barros is CEO and Founder of Xpose Consulting, an exclusive, boutique luxury communication agency in Lisbon, Portugal. With a unique understanding of culture, over two decades years of experience in Communication and multiple awards under her belt, Barros works with international premier brands in both partner and CCO capacities applying her eclectic knowledge to creating outstanding projects and experiences and communicating them to the world.
The PR and Comms maven shares her insights with us. “Portugal boasts over 350 grape varieties, which is slightly surreal given the country’s size. This wide diversity shapes the winemaking tradition here, where the focus is less on single-varietal wines and all about the ‘art of the blend.’” Photo credit Isabel Saldanha.
Barros shares “the Lisbon, Tejo and Dão regions stand out as my favorites, offering some rare or rediscovered grape varieties crafted by a new generation of producers and wine makers, some of which bridge the traditional approach, others more innovative approaches and options (natural wines).” With respect to the Dão region, Barros says led by young winemakers and small producers are investing in the region. “This renaissance has been driven by improved viticultural practices, advanced winemaking technologies, and a renewed commitment to quality. Today, Dão is home to some of Portugal’s most important wine companies and numerous independent producers creating exceptional wines.”
Barros happily shares some estates she enjoys. “Domínio do Açor are a very strong team of winemakers, sommeliers, geologists. They’ve gone into so much depth and research of soils really teasing out what’s possible in Dão. Their Jaen is incredible.’
In regards to the Lisbon and Tejo Valley, Barros sees a wave of ingenious vintners. “Young winemakers, unable to afford vineyards in more prestigious areas, saw an opportunity here and brought fresh energy and innovation. They spearheaded a hip, natural wine movement that has revitalized the region, resulting in some truly interesting wines.” Barros’ tips are definitely worth bookmarking if Portugal is a top destination for you in 2025.

Angela McCrae is founder of Uncorked & Cultured and certified wine professional. She shared her expertise with us. “If you’re looking for a destination that provides exceptional beaches with the weather to match and high quality wines, I recommend Algarve located on the most southern tip of Portugal.”
According to McCrae, head South of Lisbon, if you are looking for an “authentic expression from small wineries, where the region has roughly 55 certified producers within 1,400 hectares.”
Whether you are a novice or an oenophile, Portugal’s wine regions have so much to offer. If you are traveling to Portugal in 2025, share this article with the oenophile in your life.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.