WINERIES

TopTen

1. Quinta do Francês

prac_info Sítio da Dobra, Odelouca • (282) 106 303 • Open mid-Mar–mid-Nov: 10am–1pm & 2–5:30pm Tue–Sun; mid-Nov–mid-Mar: 10am–1pm & 2–5:30pm Mon–Fri • Advance booking for groups • www.quintadofrances.com

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Wines from here (see Quinta do Francês Vineyard) are found in some of the Algarve’s finest restaurants, and have an international reputation. Tastings are hosted in the wine shop where you can buy the flagship, Quinta do Francês Syrah red.

TopTen

Quinta do Francês wine shop

2. Quinta do Barradas

prac_info Sítio da Venda Nova, near Silves • (282) 443 308 • Open 3–6pm Thu–Tue • Advance booking required • www.obarradas.com

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Cultivated by the same team that runs O Barradas restaurant, the vineyard is a complementary venture that has resulted in some fruity and exuberant wines, notably the Quinta do Barradas Selecção. Tours take in the winery and a boutique wine store. The wines produced on the property are, of course, stocked in the restaurant’s cellar.

3. Quinta dos Vales

prac_info Sítio dos Vales, near Estombar • (282) 431 036 • Open 9am–1pm & 2–6pm Mon–Fri (summer: to 7pm daily) • Guided wine tasting and tour: advanced booking required • www.quintadosvales.eu

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One of the region’s leading producers, this verdant estate is renowned for its many award-winning wines, among them the celebrated Marquês dos Vales Grace Touriga-Nacional. Besides the winery, tours take in extensive gardens where colourful and quirky sculpture is exhibited. Visitors can also take part in art workshops. On-site accommodation is available for those wishing to linger.

4. Quinta da Vinha

prac_info Sítio da Vala, near Lagoa • (912) 104 557 • Open 9am–6pm Mon–Fri • Advance booking required • www.josemanuelcabrita.wix.com/quintadavinha

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Despite basic amenities, this winery is worth investigating for its delightfully understated appeal that belies the quality of the wines produced. Visitors can taste three different wines – red, white and rosé – served with a delicious selection of hams, cheeses and smoked sausage. The Cabrita Reserva 2014, an “intense and heavenly” red, is a must-have bottle to take away.

5. Adega do Cantor

prac_info Quinta do Miradouro, Guia • (968) 776 971 • Open 10am–1pm & 2–5pm daily • Guided tours: advance booking required • www.winesvidanova.com

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Sir Cliff Richard is the celebrity name behind the “Winery of the Singer” – the vineyard is on his property near Albufeira. After a tour visitors can taste wines from the Vida Nova and Onda Nova range. An open-air terrace overlooks one of the vineyards.

TopTen

Lovely views at Adega do Cantor

6. Quinta Rosa

prac_info Pinheiro e Garrado, near Silves • (968) 986 393 • Closed Aug • Guided tours only: advance booking required • www.quinta-rosa.nl

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This Dutch-run vineyard is behind the select Uit de Kelders Van Jaap wine label. Utilizing organic farming techniques, the estate produced its first harvest in 2011 and now offers tours, tastings and plenty of amusing anecdotes. Volunteers can help with grape picking in exchange for board and lodging.

7. Quinta João Clara

prac_info Vale de Lousas, near Alcantarilha • (967) 012 444 • Open 11am–5pm Mon–Thu, 10am–5pm Fri–Sun • Advance booking required • www.joaoclara.com

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No fewer than six wines are produced at this family-run vineyard, which occupies land farmed since the 1970s. Well respected in industry circles (the João Clara red is a multi-award winner), the various wines can be tasted as part of a tour of the premises. For added flavour, visitors can request an optional ham and cheese accompaniment.

8. Quinta da Penina

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Part of a large family-run estate just north of Alvor and owned by expert agronomist João Mariano, Quinta da Penina (see Quinta da Penina) is a stalwart of the Algarve’s many established wineries. Tours of this grand estate are conducted for groups of ten or more. Tastings allow a variety of wines to be sampled, representing two separate labels. Mid-range choices include the Foral de Portimão Petit-Verdot red and, for a treat, the elegant and full-flavoured Quinta da Penina Reserva.

9. Monte da Casteleja

prac_info Sargaçal, near Lagos • (912) 417 907 • Open 3–5pm Tue–Thu; Shop: 10am–1pm daily • Advance booking required • www.montecasteleja.com

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The grapes used to produce the highly regarded reds, whites and rosés at this tranquil winery are grown organically here (see Monte da Casteleja Organic Farm and Vineyard). Rustic-style accommodation is also available.

TopTen

Rustic Monte da Casteleja

10. Quinta de Mata Mouros

prac_info Silves • Guided tours only: advance booking required • www.conventodoparaiso.com

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Set in the hills beyond Silves, this relatively new winery has been cultivating a huge vineyard since 2000. The Euphoria red, white and rosé have gathered quite a following over the past two decades.

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