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Wine Regions

Península de Setúbal

The region is a prime tourist destination due to its natural landscape.

Península de Setúbal
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It is estimated that the vine culture in the region was introduced by the Tartessos, the first western civilization, around 2000 BC., which used the wine they produced in commercial transactions with others, an indication of how far back the vineyard culture dates in Setúbal.
Information
The Setúbal Peninsula, located south of Lisbon city, is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Tejo and Sado rivers. The climate is temperate Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild but rainy winters. The region is characterized by its abundant nature, clearly visible in places such as the Arrábida Natural Park, the D. Luís Saldanha Marine Park or the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve and also by its built heritage, equally great in diversity and historical value. The symbiosis between the climate and the soil of this region creates the perfect conditions for the production of high quality grapes.
The cultivation of the vineyard is present in the numerous viticulture holdings in the region, from those dominated by the Castelão grape variety to those by the Muscatel variety, one of the fortified wines that holds a top position in the ranking of the Portuguese wines.
The Setúbal region ranges from flat areas, which account for about 80% of the region, characterized by extensive vineyards on sandy soils, to the highest region of the Arrábida mountain range, where vineyards have been planted to take advantage of the rich clay limestone soils existing there. The soft flavours of spices and red berries of the red wines, the floral and fresh aroma of the white wines and the range of tastes of the famous Setúbal Muscatel wine, make the wines of this region, awarded continuously, transport us to a universe of sensations and tradition in a municipality privileged by nature.
The Península de Setúbal wine region comprises two Designations of Origin, Palmela and Setúbal and a Setúbal Peninsula Protected Geographical Indication. The designation Setúbal is allocated to the Moscatel de Setúbal and the Moscatel Roxo wines. Regarding the regional red grape varieties, the Castelão is the most cultivated in the region, commonly known as Periquita, developing best in the sandy and hot soils of Palmela. The Alfrocheiro and Trincadeira variety are also planted. Regarding the white varieties, the dominant grapes are Fernão Pires, Arinto and of course, Muscatel, which when harvested fully ripe, gives rise to one of the oldest and most famous wines in the world, the Moscatel de Setúbal.
Wine Tourism
Wine Tourism
In the Costa Azul route, which corresponds to the Península de Setúbal Wine Region, we can admire, in one same place, the blue tones of the sea and river, the green colour of the mountain and a vast rich landscape, heritage and cuisine. The must see places in this region are the top of the Serra de Arrábida mountain, the white sandy beaches of Sesimbra and Tróia, or the climb to the cliffs of Cape Espichel and Arrábida mountain. In the protected area of the Sado estuary, you will be able to observe a unique species of dolphins in Portugal.
 
 
The Setúbal Wine Route comprises the municipalities of Palmela, Setúbal, Montijo, Alcácer do Sal and Grândola. Its headquarters, the Wine Route House is located in the Largo de S. João in Palmela.
The six paths of the route go through the region and guide the visitors to the most traditional wineries in Setúbal. The first path goes through "Terras de Santiago" (the Lands of Santiago), from the Palmela Castle up to the Chapel of S. Gonçalo, in a journey rich in history, heritage and craftsmanship. The second path takes us "Por Terras da Arrábida" (Through the Lands of Arrábida), where nature and art are combined with wine houses that represent the region. In the third path, "Terras Verdes" (Green Lands), between Palmela and Fernando Pó, you will find the region's golf courses and some of its best wineries. The fourth path, "Por Terras de Colonos, Ferroviários e Antigas Devoções" (Through the Land of the Settlers, Railway People and Ancient Devotions) will take you through churches, shrines and chapels up to Pegões, home to known wines of the region. Close by is the fifth path, dedicated to nature and especially to the local salt beds. Lastly, the sun and the sea meet in the sixth path, which departs from Setúbal towards Comporta, taking you "Por Terras da Baía dos Golfinhos" (Through the Lands of Dolphin Bay), the name given to this last path of the Setúbal Wine Route.
The striking landscape and cultural diversity result in a very diverse gastronomy, a true sanctuary of knowledge and flavours, where the relationship with the sea is expressed everywhere. In Setúbal one can taste the finest fish and seafood dishes in Portugal. Baked fish, fish stew, fried cuttlefish, eel stew or oysters are some of the local specialities.
  • Portugal By Wine - Wine Tourism in Portugal
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