Food and Wine Tours in Portugal 

Bacalhau, or salted cod, is perhaps Portugal’s most iconic food, traditionally said to be prepared in hundreds of different ways. Other favourites include pastéis de nata — Portugal’s famous flaky custard tarts — freshly grilled sardines, and caldo verde, a traditional soup made with finely shredded greens, potatoes and often chouriço. Portuguese cuisine changes considerably from one region to another. In Porto, try the famous francesinha — a hearty meat-filled sandwich covered with melted cheese and a rich tomato and beer-based sauce. The Alentejo is known for its black pork and rustic dishes, Aveiro for ovos moles, while along the coast, exceptionally fresh fish and seafood are never far away. Food is an important part of Portuguese culture — and one of the best ways to discover the country.

Portugal has an extraordinary diversity of wines, produced from hundreds of native grape varieties found throughout the country. Port may be its most internationally recognized wine, but it is only part of the story. The Douro produces exceptional reds and increasingly celebrated whites, while the Minho is home to fresh, aromatic Vinho Verde and Alvarinho. The Alentejo is particularly known for rich, full-bodied reds, while regions such as Dão, Bairrada and the Setúbal Peninsula each have their own distinctive styles. Portugal also produces excellent sparkling wines, rosés, fortified wines and Madeira. One of the pleasures of travelling through Portugal is discovering how dramatically the wines change from one region to another — often using grape varieties you may never have encountered before.

Port wine comes in several styles, each with its own character. The two main families are Ruby and Tawny. Ruby Ports retain their deep colour and rich, fruit-forward flavours, while Tawny Ports spend more time ageing in smaller wooden casks, developing lighter amber tones and more complex notes of nuts, dried fruit, caramel and spice. Within these styles are several different categories. Vintage Port is produced from exceptional harvests and is designed to develop over many years in the bottle, while Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) comes from a single vintage but spends longer ageing before release. Aged Tawnies, commonly labelled 10, 20, 30 or 40 Years, become increasingly complex with extended cask ageing. White Port, made from white grapes, ranges from dry to sweet and is also the base of the popular Port & Tonic. One of the best ways to understand the differences is through a guided Port tasting, where several styles and ages can be tasted side by side.

Vinho Verde is a distinctive Portuguese wine from the lush Minho region in the northwest of the country. Despite its name, which literally means “green wine,” it refers to the wine’s youthful, fresh character rather than its colour. Best known for its crisp, refreshing whites, many Vinho Verdes are light, aromatic and slightly sparkling or “bubbly,” making them especially enjoyable on a warm day. The region also produces more complex, still wines, including excellent Alvarinho from Monção and Melgaço near the Spanish border. Fresh and wonderfully food-friendly, Vinho Verde pairs particularly well with the fish and seafood for which northern Portugal is famous.

Portuguese meals are relaxed, social and centred around good ingredients rather than elaborate presentation. Fresh fish and seafood, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, rice, potatoes, bread, local cheeses and olive oil feature prominently, with dishes and traditions changing considerably from region to region. Lunch is an important part of the day and, particularly on our food and wine experiences, is something to be enjoyed rather than rushed. Meals often begin with bread, olives, local cheeses or other small starters, followed by a main course and something sweet to finish. And save room for dessert — or at least a pastel de nata and an espresso!

The francesinha is one of Porto’s most iconic dishes — a hearty sandwich layered with cured ham, sausage and steak, covered with melted cheese and a rich, slightly spicy tomato and beer-based sauce. It is usually served with French fries and can also be topped with a fried egg. Its name means “little French girl,” and the dish is said to have been inspired by the French croque-monsieur before being transformed into something unmistakably Porto. Rich, indulgent and definitely filling, it’s a local experience worth trying at least once!

A pastel de nata is Portugal’s famous custard tart, made with crisp, flaky pastry filled with a rich, creamy egg custard and baked at a high temperature until the top is beautifully caramelized. The pastry has its roots in Belém, Lisbon, where the famous Pastéis de Belém have been made since 1837 using a closely guarded recipe associated with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. Today, pastéis de nata are found in cafés and pastry shops throughout Portugal and are enjoyed at almost any time of day — with a morning coffee, as an afternoon treat or simply whenever you pass a bakery and can’t resist! They’re especially delicious served slightly warm, traditionally sprinkled with cinnamon and a little powdered sugar. For the best experience, look for a bakery making them fresh throughout the day and enjoy one straight from the oven.

Yes, we recommend booking Port cellar visits and tastings in advance, particularly during the busier months and for more exclusive or premium experiences. As part of our private tours, we work with our preferred Port houses and cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, chosen for the quality of their wines, hospitality and overall experience. Tastings can be tailored to your interests — from an introduction to the different styles of Port to premium selections of aged Tawnies, Vintage Ports and other special wines. We coordinate the reservations and timing as part of your day and can arrange more personal, carefully curated experiences that go beyond the standard cellar tour and tasting.

Not at all. Our wine experiences are designed around you, whether you are discovering Portuguese wine for the first time or are an experienced collector with very specific interests. Our guides and winery hosts make wine approachable and enjoyable, adapting the conversation and tastings to your level of interest. For wine enthusiasts, we can focus more deeply on grape varieties, vintages, production methods and premium wines; for those who simply enjoy a good glass of wine, the experience can be relaxed, fun and focused on discovering what you like. There is no wine knowledge required — just curiosity and a willingness to taste!

Yes. Many of the wineries and Port cellars we visit offer wines for purchase, including bottles and vintages that may be difficult to find outside Portugal. International shipping is available from many producers, although destinations, minimum quantities, costs and import requirements vary. Our guide will be there to assist, helping you explore the available options and coordinating with the winery or cellar should you wish to arrange shipping home. You may also find a special bottle to take home and save for a milestone — a significant birthday or anniversary, a wedding, the birth of a child or grandchild, or a retirement. When the time comes to open it, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the occasion while bringing back memories of your time in Portugal.

Yes. Dietary requirements, food allergies and preferences are something we pay close attention to when planning your experience. As part of the booking process, we ask about any specific needs and ensure these are communicated in advance to the wineries, restaurants and other venues included in your itinerary. Our carefully selected partners are very accommodating, whether for vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free or other specific requirements. This allows us to plan accordingly without compromising the quality of the food and wine experience.