Visiting the José Maria da Fonseca Winery

Founded in 1834, the José Maria da Fonseca Winery is more than a place of production. It is a living chapter of Portuguese heritage, where generations of the same family have preserved traditions while quietly shaping the country’s wine identity.

Walking through the cellars, you can feel the patience that defines this place. Oak barrels line the rooms, some holding wines that have rested for decades, developing character slowly, without urgency. 

This is the birthplace of Periquita, Portugal’s first bottled red wine. It is also where Moscatel de Setúbal ages slowly, becoming rich and layered over time. The experience here is unhurried. It invites you to understand how climate, soil, and time come together and how wine in Portugal is deeply tied to family, land, and celebration.

A visit here offers more than a tasting. It is a moment to pause, listen to the stories behind the labels, and experience a tradition quietly refined for nearly two centuries. It sets a beautiful tone for the journey ahead, grounding the experience in authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deeper appreciation for the regions we continue to explore.