Arrábida Wine Tour with Food Tasting & Sesimbra Castle Views

Summary

Setúbal Peninsula Wine Experience & Local Flavors Day Trip

You’ll cross Lisbon’s iconic bridge, snack on market-fresh cheese in Setúbal, sip local wines among vineyards, watch artisans craft tiles by hand, and take in wild ocean views from Sesimbra Castle—all in one relaxed day led by folks who know every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

The morning kicked off with us rolling over the 25th of April Bridge—always a bit of a thrill, especially if you catch that salty breeze coming off the river. Our guide, Sofia, pointed out the faded red paint and how locals still call it “the Portuguese Golden Gate.” It’s a quick way to leave Lisbon behind and get into the quieter rhythm of the Setúbal Peninsula.

First stop: Livramento Market in Setúbal. The place buzzes with chatter and clinking crates. I wandered past stalls stacked with glistening sardines and fat olives, but what really got me was the smell—fresh bread mingling with briny oysters. We tried Azeitão cheese right at a vendor’s counter; it’s creamy, just a bit tangy, and honestly melts if you hold it too long. Sofia handed us little toothpicks for tasting—no fuss, just good food.

Driving into Arrábida Natural Park felt like slipping into another world. The hills are thick with pine and wild herbs—you’ll catch whiffs of rosemary if you crack your window. We stopped at a viewpoint where the Atlantic just sprawls out below, all blue and white-capped. There’s usually a breeze up there; I had to hold my hat down while snapping photos.

The first winery visit was either José Maria da Fonseca or Bacalhôa (ours was Bacalhôa). The estate is part vineyard, part art gallery—tiles everywhere, even in the cellars. Our local host poured three wines: one crisp white, a bold red, and Moscatel de Setúbal—a sweet finish that lingers. She explained how the region’s clay soils make these grapes so distinctive. If you’re curious about wine but not an expert (like me), they keep it friendly.

Lunch wasn’t included but our guide steered us to a family-run spot in Azeitão village. I went for grilled sea bass—simple, fresh—and swapped bites with others at our table who ordered bacalhau à brás. The owner came by to chat about his grandmother’s recipes; you could tell he was proud.

After lunch we popped into Azulejos de Azeitão—a tile studio tucked behind an old stone wall. You can watch artisans pressing clay by hand and painting those classic blue-and-white patterns. The air smells faintly of glaze and kiln smoke; my fingers got dusty just picking up a sample tile.

The afternoon brought us to Quinta do Piloto (sometimes they swap for Catralvos). This place feels more rustic—old barrels stacked high and sunlight filtering through tiny cellar windows. We tasted their Moscatel alongside pumpkin jam on crusty bread; never thought I’d like that combo but here we are.

Last stop: Sesimbra Castle perched above the town. Walking along the battlements gives you sweeping views of the Atlantic—you might spot fishing boats heading back in if you’re lucky with timing. The nearby Saint Maria church is worth ducking inside for its baroque tiles alone; even if churches aren’t your thing, these patterns are something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrábida Wine Tour and Tastings

• Pass by 25 April Bridge
• Visit Livramento Market for cheese and oysters
• Sightseeing at Arrábida Natural Park viewpoints
• Wine tasting at José Maria da Fonseca winery
• Tour and tasting at Quinta da Bacalhoa winery
• Lunch at local restaurant (not included)
• Visit Azulejos de Azeitão tile studio
• Tour Quinta do Piloto winery
• Taste Azeitão cheese and local jams with wines
• Visit Sesimbra medieval castle and Saint Maria church (optional)
• Pass by Cristo Rei statue

Top questions

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, lunch isn’t included but our guide recommends great local restaurants where you can order what you like.

Which wineries will we visit?

You’ll visit two wineries—usually Bacalhôa or José Maria da Fonseca in the morning and Quinta do Piloto or Catralvos in the afternoon. Let us know if you have a preference!

How much walking is involved?

There’s some light walking at markets, castles, and wineries but nothing too strenuous—suitable for most fitness levels.

Are tastings included?

Yes! Cheese tasting at Livramento Market plus several wine tastings at each winery are all part of the experience.

What’s included

This full-day trip covers hotel pickup/drop-off around Lisbon, private transport (minivan or car), all guided visits to wineries (with tastings), cheese sampling at Setúbal market, entrance to monuments like Sesimbra Castle (optional church visit), plus an expert local guide throughout your journey.