Tour Tip: Bacalhôa Winery - History, Art and Wines in one place
- Patrícia Rosas
- há 14 horas
- 3 min de leitura
If you are looking for a different tour from Lisbon, we have an unmissable tip: the Bacalhôa Winery, in Azeitão. Just 40 minutes from the Portuguese capital, this is the kind of place that surprises, a mixture of art, culture, nature and award-winning wines.
A walk between art and history
As soon as we arrived, we were already delighted with the scenery! The entrance is marked by impressive sculptures, such as the iconic giant blue dog, which is almost a symbol of space, and an olive tree with more than 2,000 years, one of the oldest in Portugal.
Every corner of Bacalhôa seems to tell a story, the contrast between the modern design of the galleries and the wine tradition creates a unique atmosphere. We visited the Bacalhôa Museum, which houses a fascinating art collection, with African, Asian and contemporary pieces. Walking between the works and the wine barrels was like taking a trip back in time.
The tasting experience
After the guided tour, we had the opportunity to participate in the tasting of wines and muscatels from the Setúbal region, which are recognised worldwide. The team was super attentive, explaining every detail of the production process and the characteristics of the wines. Even those who are not great knowledgable end up falling in love with the care and the story behind each glass.
What makes Bacalhôa so special?
In addition to wines, Bacalhôa is a true open-air gallery. We discovered that the Bacalhôa Palace keeps Portuguese tiles from the 15th and 16th centuries and gardens inspired by different parts of the world. There is also a Japanese garden with a Kaki tree descending from the one that survived the Nagasaki bomb, a symbol of resistance and peace.
Another point that enchanted us was the commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Bacalhôa adopts practises of water, soil and local communities preservation, showing that it is possible to unite tradition, art and responsibility.
Ideal tour for the whole family
We did the tour with a child and we can confirm: it is totally suitable for families! Children up to 12 years old have free admission and loved exploring the sculptures and gardens. The space is large, safe and full of visual stimuli. Even the part of the tastings is conducted in a quiet and respectful way, while adults enjoy the wines, the little ones have fun with the art and the environment.
Our tip is to bring water, a snack and enjoy the outdoor space calmly. Every detail yields beautiful photos and special family moments.
♿ Accessibility
Bacalhôa offers good accessibility conditions in its main areas. There are ramps and easy access to the museum and the store, although, because it is a historical place, some parts have uneven floor. We recommend warning about specific needs when booking, the staff is very helpful and prepared to help.
📍 Practical information
Location: National Road 10, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão (Setúbal Peninsula)
Opening hours: every day, usually from 10am to 6:30pm
Guided tours: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm
Values:
Museum Cellar: €6
Bacalhôa Palace: €12
Combined package: €15
Free for children up to 12 years old
(We recommend confirming on the official website www.bacalhoa.pt before the visit.)
🚗 How to get there
Leaving Lisbon, just cross the 25 de Abril Bridge and follow the road towards Setúbal or Sesimbra. The journey takes about 40 minutes by car. Those who prefer, can opt for organised tours or private transfers, which leave the capital daily and already include transportation to Azeitão.
📸 Tips from Lisbon Tips
Set aside a few hours to enjoy the ride calmly. Bacalhôa is the kind of place where we lose track of time, between wines, sculptures, gardens and good conversations. Don't forget the camera (or the well-charged cell phone!), because every angle yields an incredible photo.
And before you leave, stop by the winery store. There we find exclusive labels and charming souvenirs that take a little piece of the experience with us.
✨ In summary: visiting Bacalhôa is much more than getting to know a winery, it is living an immersion in the art, history and flavours of Portugal. A tour that is worth every minute and that we heartily recommend!