How a Small Vineyard / Winery Near Lisbon Is Redefining Wine Tourism
Just half an hour from Lisbon, there’s a place where the rhythm slows down, the air smells of eucalyptus and rosemary, and the wine tells a story of land, patience, and care. Welcome to Quinta das Murgas, a small vineyard tucked into the rolling hills of Bucelas, and a place that’s quietly changing how people experience wine.
Not Just a Tasting —
An Experience
At Murgas, wine tasting isn’t rushed or scripted. You’re not handed a glass, rattled off a list of flavours, and shown to the door. Instead, you’re welcomed like an old friend. The visit begins with a walk through the vines, where you’ll probably run into a few of the horses that roam freely. You’ll learn how the land is worked by hand, how the grapes are grown with as little interference as possible, and how every bottle reflects the year it came from, sun, wind, rain, and all.
And then comes the tasting. Outdoors, under the shade of cork oaks, with views that stretch across the valley. Wines are poured slowly, stories are shared, and food from nearby producers is brought to the table. There’s no pressure to move on to the next thing. This is the thing.
A Different Kind of Winemaking
Quinta das Murgas isn’t a big operation. It’s small by design. The focus here isn’t on volume or trends it’s on making honest wine that respects the land. From crisp Arintos to more unusual styles like skin-contact whites (orange wine), everything is made in small batches, with care and intention.
The vines grow without irrigation, the harvest is done by hand, and there’s a deep respect for nature throughout the process. The property is run with a deep respect for nature from the way the vineyard is farmed without irrigation to the simple, thoughtful way tastings are hosted: honest wine, local food, and slow, meaningful moments.
Why It Sticks With You
Visitors often say the same thing after spending an afternoon at Murgas:
“It felt like we were let in on a secret.”
And that’s really what it is. It’s not a commercial tour. There’s no gift shop, no shuttle buses, no gimmicks. Just a peaceful spot on the edge of Lisbon, where you can reconnect , with nature, with wine, and maybe even with yourself.
If you’re looking for something more grounded, more real, and definitely more memorable, Quinta das Murgas is worth the detour.
