Lisbon to Setúbal: Private Wine Tasting & Family Lunch Tour

Summary

Setúbal wine cellars tasting with family lunch from Lisbon

You’ll cross into Setúbal for private tastings at historic cellars with your guide, sample local cheeses and breads, then settle into a family-run restaurant for lunch if you choose. Expect laughter, new flavors, and quiet moments between vines—a tour that lingers long after you’re back in Lisbon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—our day in the Setúbal Wine Region started with me nearly leaving my sunglasses in the car. Our guide, João, just grinned and handed them back before we even made it over the 25th of April Bridge. He’d clearly done this before. The city faded behind us and suddenly the air smelled different—salty but also green, if that makes sense. I kept watching the light flicker through cork trees as we drove toward Arrábida, trying to remember if I’d ever seen hills this soft and pale.

The first stop was José Maria da Fonseca, which João said is basically a legend here (seven generations, which is wild). Inside, it felt cool and musty—like old wood and something sweet hiding under the dust. We tasted their Moscatel; I tried to pick out the apricot notes like João suggested but mostly just tasted sunshine and a bit of burn. At Quinta de Alcube later, it was quieter—just birds outside and a couple of workers laughing near the barrels. The cheese they served was so creamy it almost slid off my fork. I’m still not sure what made it taste so different from what we get at home.

We could’ve squeezed in another winery but honestly, by then we were hungry enough to skip straight to lunch in Palmela village. The restaurant looked like someone’s living room—lace curtains, mismatched plates, a woman who smiled every time she walked past our table. I ordered fish (João recommended it) and there was this olive oil on the table that tasted peppery and green at once. Everyone ate slowly except me—I think I finished first without realizing it. It was one of those meals where you keep thinking about how simple things can taste so good when you’re somewhere new.

On the way back to Lisbon I dozed off for a bit while João talked softly about how each winery in Setúbal has its own “personality.” He said you can tell by the way people pour or even how they laugh during tastings. That stuck with me more than any wine fact did. If you’re after a private wine tour from Lisbon that doesn’t feel rushed or showy—just real people sharing what they love—I’d say this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private wine tasting in Setúbal region

• Travel from Lisbon to Setúbal Wine Region
• Visit José Maria da Fonseca winery
• Taste wines at José Maria da Fonseca
• Visit Quinta de Alcube winery
• Taste wines at Quinta de Alcube
• Visit Setúbal regional Mother House winery
• Taste wines from multiple Setúbal wineries
• Optionally visit Adega Cooperativa de Palmela winery
• Optionally enjoy full lunch in Palmela village

Top questions

How long does the private wine tour from Lisbon to Setúbal last?

This is a full-day tour starting with morning pickup from Lisbon and returning in the evening.

Are lunch and wine tastings included in the Setúbal wine tour?

Yes, depending on your option: either three wineries or two wineries plus a full lunch are included along with all tastings.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Setúbal wine tasting tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in Lisbon are included.

Can infants or small children join this private wine tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are available on request.

Which wineries are visited on this day trip from Lisbon?

The selection varies by availability but always includes José Maria da Fonseca; others may include Quinta de Alcube or Adega Cooperativa de Palmela.

Is there an option for a private lunch on this Setúbal wine day trip?

Yes, you can choose an option with a full traditional lunch at a family-owned restaurant in Palmela village.

Are entry fees to wineries included in the price?

All entrance fees to selected wineries are covered as part of your booking.

What should I wear for the Setúbal wine region tour?

The dress code is smart casual; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around cellars.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Lisbon by private vehicle with your guide, entry fees for all selected wineries in Setúbal (with 7–10 tastings), traditional cheese breads or other regional snacks depending on your choice, plus an optional full lunch at a family-run restaurant before returning comfortably to your accommodation in Lisbon.