The Alentejo produces some of Portugal's most popular wines, and the best time to see where they come from is the vindima, the grape harvest. It usually runs from late August to early October, with September at its heart.
What happens during the harvest
The exact dates depend on the weather of each year and on each grape variety: white grapes are picked first, reds later. At the estates, grapes arrive by the trailer-load, the cellars work day and night, and the smell of fermenting must fills the air. Some estates offer harvest experiences, such as picking or foot-treading in traditional stone lagares, which need to be booked well ahead.
How to get there from Lisbon
Évora, the centre of the region, is about 135 km east of Lisbon, around 1h30 by car. A wine day is exactly where a private driver makes sense: nobody in the group has to drive after the tastings.
Our Évora and Alentejo day trip combines the historic centre of Évora with a wine estate. Tell us you would like a harvest experience and we will look for estates that offer one on your date.
Suggested route
- Évora in the morning: the Roman temple, the cathedral and the Chapel of Bones.
- A wine estate for lunch and a tasting during the harvest.
- Monsaraz, the hilltop village above the Alqueva lake, if you want a longer day.
Good to know
- Harvest experiences are limited and depend on the estate. Book early.
- Early September can still be very hot in the Alentejo.
- Tastings and estate visits are paid separately and are not included in our tours.
Frequently asked questions
When is the wine harvest in the Alentejo?
Usually from late August to early October, with September as the busiest month. The exact dates depend on the weather each year.
Can we take part in the harvest?
Some estates offer picking or foot-treading experiences. They are limited and need to be booked in advance.
How far is the Alentejo from Lisbon?
Évora is about 135 km from Lisbon, around 1h30 by car.
Plan your trip to Alentejo Wine Harvest
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
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Sources and official information: Wines of Alentejo. Dates and programmes can change; always check the official sources before you travel.
