The hills that stretch along the Atlantic coast north of Lisbon are made up of fertile soils, ideal for producing light wines with low alcohol content. Aromatic whites wines are the best known, but there is a great diversity of wines, whether liqueur, table, sparkling or brandy. They were much appreciated during the Napoleonic wars, especially by the Duke of Wellington and his troops, who were particularly fond of the wines from Colares and Bucelas, a wine known in England since the 16th century as “Lisbon Hock”.

Lisbon has internationally recognised charms and is a starting point for going up the coast. We suggest you start in Carcavelos and, on the way to the Colares and Bucelas wine cellars, let yourself be enchanted by the charm of Estoril and Cascais, and by the cultural and romantic landscape of the Serra de Sintra, World Heritage.

The largest vineyard areas are in Arruda dos Vinhos, Alenquer, Torres Vedras and Lourinhã. Take the opportunity to see the Lines of Torres, which defended Lisbon from Napoleon’s attacks, visit the producing farms and end the day with a stroll along the beaches of the West region. In Ericeira, a fishing and surfing village, fresh fish and seafood dishes will have another flavour with Lisbon’s aromatic white wines.

The strong personality of the Atlantic sea and the dramatic outline of the coastline will be the ideal setting to enjoy a good wine from the region.

Further north, let yourself be enchanted by Óbidos, another production area. This literary town, surrounded by walls, was chosen by queens to live in in times gone by. It continues to surprise, now with various bookshops in unlikely places, such as old churches and grocer’s shops, where wine will certainly be a good company to catch up on your reading.