6 Best Sights in Estremadura and the Ribatejo, Portugal

The prestigious Casa Cadaval winery on the Herdade de Muge estate, between Benavente and Almeirim. has belonged to the Alvares Pereira Melo family since 1648. It produces red, white, and rosé wines under the Casa Cadaval, Marquesa de Cadaval, and Padre Pedro labels, using native grape varieties and some international ones, such as Pinot Noir. The store is open every day, but you must book ahead by phone or email  [email protected] for a wine tasting, a ride out on a Lusitano horse, or a more extensive tour of the estate, in all cases followed by lunch.

One of the region's best small winemakers, Encosta da Quinta is known above all for a prize-winning organic red that goes by the earthy name of Humus. To arrange a visit to the estate outside of town (parts of which date back to the 16th century), ending with a tasting with five organic wines—a combination of whites, rosés, or reds, according to visitors' preference—and regional cheeses, all for €30, email  [email protected] well in advance.

A relative newcomer to the Portuguese wine scene, ODE has already made a name for itself with wines made following organic and regenerative principles, its various monovarietals being of particular note. Tours of the winery may be booked via the website for Wednesday through Sunday; they conclude with a tasting with five wines (€20) or with lunch with wine pairing (for an extra €45) in the excellent Cellar Door restaurant, which serves unusual Japanese-style dishes and which is open to all comers. 

This 6,900-acre farm and winery encompasses a vineyard established in 1723 by the Marquês de Alorna, a viceroy of Portuguese India. It is known particularly for its ripe, floral whites. There's a shop right outside the entrance where you can purchase the wines and other regional products such as honey, jams, olive oil, and sausages. There are no regular tours of the winery, but if you call a day or two ahead or email  [email protected], they may be able to arrange a visit and tasting (from €30 for two whites and one red).

For the gastronome in you, spend a day wining and dining at this 1,630-acre estate; 346 acres are vineyards. The quinta has been owned by the same family for more than 200 years and used to be one of largest royal falconry grounds in the country. The winery produces red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, as well as olive oil under numerous labels which include Capoeira, Terra de Lobos, and their flagship Casal Branco. They use native grape varieties such as Castelão for reds and Fernão Pires for whites, as well as international ones like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Call ahead for a guided tour of the cellar ending with a tasting of five wines (€35), or for lunch or dinner in the small restaurant. The shop stocks the estate's wines and olive oil, as well as homemade jams, cheeses, and traditional sausages.

This family-owned winemaker, founded in the late 19th century, is one of the companies best prepared to receive visitors, with regular tours throughout the week to the main estate near Bombarral, south of Óbidos. You'll take in not only the wine presses and cellars but a magnificent antique distillery where aguardentes are still made. The tasting (€40) features five wines, and you may also combine it with lunch (for €40 extra). There are shorter tours to the equally charming Quinta das Cerejeiras, on the edge of Bombarral, which also has a wine store. In all cases, book in advance via  [email protected].