Subscribe to newsletter
 
Subscribe Newsletter

Wine Regions

Tejo

The Tejo region, previously designated as Ribatejo, stretches along the Tejo river, in a vast plain that goes from Lisbon to the Zêzere river.

Tejo
Back
Its fertile soils and the Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures all year long, provide the ideal conditions for the vineyard plantation. Due to the low production costs, this fertile region is known for producing high quality white and red wines and at an extremely competitive price.
Information
The reputation of the Tejo wines dates back prior to the foundation of the nation. D. Afonso Henriques in 1170 mentioned the Ribatejo wines in the charter of Santarém. The Tejo wines are also referred to in the Portuguese literature, as, for example, by Gil Vicente, who mentioned the Ribatejo wines in his work "Pranto de Maria Parda".
The Tejo region is divided into six sub-regions: Almeirim, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Coruche, Santarém and Tomar. Tomar is the coldest region and Coruche the hottest, with a landscape which resembles Alentejo. 
In this region we can find three distinct production areas: Charneca, Bairro and Campo. Charneca is located on the left riverside of Tejo river, with sandy and fertile soils. Bairro is located between Vale do Tejo and Porto de Mós, with clay-limestone soils, the ideal terroir for the red grape varieties. Campo is in the adjoining vast plains of Tejo river. This is an excellent area for the production of white wines. The legislation allows for the plantation of several national and international grape varieties in this region. Therefore, the traditional white grape varieties, such as Arinto, Fernão Pires, Tália, Trincadeira das Pratas and Vital are added to the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Regarding the traditional red grape varieties, those added are the Castelão and Trincadeira, the Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Independently of the PDO or Regional designation, the Tejo terroir is perceived in any of its wines. The white wines are fruity, velvety and smooth, whereas the red ones are young, aromatic and with smooth tannins. In this region, liquors and sparkling wines are also produced.
Wine Tourism
Wine Tourism
The Tejo region, land of castles, monasteries and churches, has the river running through the land, giving rise to landscapes of a rare natural beauty. In this place the vast plains are covered with the cultivation of vegetables, vineyards and by horse breeding. It is a land full of traditions, where culture is characterized by the costumes and the strongly rhythmic dances, portraying in the songs and dances, the life in the countryside and the richness of its plains. The fairs and festivals related to agriculture, vineyard, and stud farm show that Ribatejo culture is closely linked to the farmland activities.
The Tejo Wine Route is a cultural and gastronomic route, with the wine in a prominent place. 
The gothic city of Santarém and the Convent of Christ in Tomar are two of the most beautiful and emblematic monuments of this region. The Aire and Candeeiros Mountains embellish the landscape and invite us for hikes and open air activities. In the riverside areas, the varinos boat tours in Tejo allow visitors to observe and admire the magnificent natural reserve of Tejo estuary, the Castle of Almourol, built on a little islet, and the picturesque village of Constância. In this region it is also possible to see a multitude of impressive castles, monasteries and churches, deep signs of a History full of milestones.
The gastronomic variety of the Tejo region makes us embark on a journey of flavours and traditions. The Lezírias do Ribatejo and the large estates of Vale do Tejo give rise to meat from pure bred, which the folk knowledge very early displayed on the table. Other influences came from Alentejo, where the bread stews and migas (cornbread dish) are just one example. The most typical dishes of this region are the stone soup, lamb stew, meat with juniper, magusto with cod (magusto consists of Portuguese cabbage, cornbread, and cowpeas), shad stew, and the famous delicatessen of Ribatejo. Among the sweets, the most appreciated are the celestes (made with almond and eggs), arrepiados (made with almond), pampilhos (made with wheat flour and soft eggs) and fogaças (sweet bread).
  • Portugal By Wine - Wine Tourism in Portugal
Reference currency
The prices shown are merely informative and do not link to Portugal By Wine