 Three Portuguese wines with the longest history are actually grown just outside the capital. Proximity to Lisbon, the Atlantic and the Tagus estuary trace the past, present and future of the Bucelas, Colares and Carcavelos winegrowing regions. Being so close to the capital, however, is the biggest threat to these tiny regions as they are constantly under pressure of being swallowed up by urban development.
Vines have been grown in Bucelas for centuries, unusually situated on the fluvial plains bordering the Trancão river and Bemposta tributary, but which lend inimitable character to the wines. Colares, with stunning views over the ocean and Sintra hills is even more unusual. Colares vines are grown in extremely sandy soil, whose branches reach down from the trunks and extend along the ground like giant octopus, giving them a unique appearance. It was this peculiarity that saved Colares from the great phylloxera blight in the 19th century; one that virtually wiped out all the vines across Europe. Finally, there is Carcavelos, with its gentle hills and gentle climate, the cradle of what used to be one of the most famed of Portuguese fortified wines. Time and building development, however, has been reduced viticulture in Carcavelos to a single vineyard.
Proximity to Lisbon, the natural beauty of the Tagus Estuary, fabulous beaches and the bucolic charm of the Sintra hills, make this region an ideal holiday location.
Rota dos Vinhos de Bucelas, Carcavelos e Colares
Câmara Municipal de Loures
Divisão de Actividades Económicas Rua Dr. Manuel de Arriaga, nº4 - 2º
2674-501 Loures
tel.: (+351) 219 826 960
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António Paneiro Pinto
Chão do Prado - Estrada de Santiago
2670-678 Bucelas
tel.: 21 968 05 57
Caves Velhas - Companhia Portuguesa de Vinhos de Marca, Lda.
Rua Prof. Egas Moniz
2670-653 Bucelas
tel.: 21 968 73 30
Francisco Castelo Branco
Quinta da Murta, Apartado 736
2671-601 Bucelas
tel.: 21 968 08 20
Sociedade Agrícola da Quinta da Romeira, SA.
Quinta da Romeira
2670-678 Bucelas
tel.: 21 968 73 80
Fortaleza do Guincho – One of the most acclaimed and award-winning of Portugal’s restaurants, its French-influenced cuisine, sophisticated ambience and breathtaking views are difficult to capture in words. If that were not enough, the wine menu is vast, with over 500 listings to suit all palates and pockets. The price of dining in such opulence is of course high, around €40 to €60 per person.
Estrada do Guincho, Cascais
Open every day
Tel: 00351 214870491
Cimas – Another restaurant with great sea views, and a menu for more sophisticated palates and well-nourished wallets. Very “English”, Cimas is a must for those who love good eating and good wine. Game and seafood are specialties here, with a wine list to do justice to the quality of fare.
Avenida Sabóia, Monte Estoril
Closed Sundays
Tel: 00351 214680413
Colares Velho – One of the few places where you can taste good and rare Colares wines. To accompany these sand-grown wines, try scallops sautéed with sage and bacon, lobster salad with dried mushrooms or skate fried with capers. Finish the repast with chocolate “tears” and Colares “dreams”. Prices between €20 to €35.
Largo Carlos França, Colares
Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday
Tel: 00351 219292406
More suggestions:
Barrete Saloio (Bucelas, 219694004)
O Tibério (Bucelas, 219694086)
Pereira (Cascais, 214831215)
Porto de Santa Maria (Cascais, 214879450)
Adraga (Colares, 219280028)
Os Arcos (Paço d’Arcos, 214433374)
Lawrence’s (Sintra, 219105500)
Curral dos Caprinos (Sintra, 219233113)
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Wine Routes 
