Portugal Uncorked: Discover Lisboa Weds., 7/8, 5-7pm, complimentary.

Portugal Uncorked: Discover Lisboa

Grand European Wine Tour – Wine Wednesday

Wednesday, July 15th | 5:00–7:00 PM

10% Off All Featured Wines During the Tasting

After beginning our Portuguese journey in the rolling plains of Alentejo, our Grand European Wine Tour heads northwest to Lisboa, one of Portugal’s most exciting and fastest-evolving wine regions. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding the country’s vibrant capital city, Lisboa combines centuries of winemaking history with a new generation of innovative producers who are redefining what Portuguese wine can be.

The cool Atlantic breezes, limestone-rich hills, and diverse microclimates create wines that are energetic, aromatic, and wonderfully food-friendly. While many European wine regions are known for a handful of grapes, Portugal continues to amaze with an extraordinary diversity of native varieties, producing wines that are distinctive, authentic, and unlike anything else in the world.

This week we explore both fresh whites and elegant reds from two producers who represent the future of Portuguese wine while honoring the country’s rich traditions.

The Lisboa Wine Region

Stretching north along Portugal’s Atlantic coastline from Lisbon, the Lisboa region enjoys one of the country’s coolest growing climates. Ocean breezes moderate the warm summer temperatures, preserving acidity and aromatic freshness while extending the growing season.

The region’s varied limestone, clay, and sandy soils provide ideal conditions for producing wines with remarkable balance and minerality. Lisboa has become a center for experimentation, where traditional Portuguese grape varieties are being reimagined through thoughtful farming and minimal-intervention winemaking.

Among the region’s signature grapes are Castelão, one of Portugal’s oldest and most expressive red varieties, producing wines with vibrant red fruit, savory spice, and exceptional versatility. White varieties such as Arinto, Fernão Pires, and Vital thrive in the maritime climate, creating fresh, mineral-driven wines that perfectly complement coastal cuisine.

Featured Producers

Quinta Várzea da Pedra

Located in the Óbidos subregion north of Lisbon, Quinta Várzea da Pedra is a family estate dedicated to showcasing indigenous Portuguese grape varieties through sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. The estate has gained a reputation for producing vibrant, terroir-driven wines that balance freshness with authenticity. Their Nat Cool wines embrace a lighter style of winemaking championed by Dirk Niepoort, emphasizing drinkability, lower alcohol, and pure fruit expression.

Hugo Mendes

Widely regarded as one of Portugal’s most exciting young winemakers, Hugo Mendes has become a leading advocate for forgotten native grape varieties and small-production wines. Working closely with old vineyards throughout the Lisboa region, he crafts wines with minimal manipulation, native yeast fermentations, and a deep respect for site. His philosophy is simple: allow Portugal’s remarkable vineyards and indigenous grapes to tell their own story.

Featured Wines:

Lisboa perfectly captures the modern renaissance of Portuguese wine. Here, ancient indigenous grape varieties meet innovative winemaking, producing wines that are vibrant, food-friendly, and full of personality. These are wines built on freshness rather than power, making them perfect companions for summer entertaining.

2024 Quinta Várzea da Pedra “Nat Cool Branco Leve,” Lisboa             $35.99 $32.39

2024 Quinta Várzea da Pedra Castelão, Lisboa                                        $38.99 $35.09

2024 Hugo Mendes “Pitau” Branco, Lisboa                                              $26.99 $24.29

2023 Hugo Mendes Castelão, I.G. Lisboa                                                  $34.99 $31.39

Why Lisboa?

Lisboa perfectly captures the modern renaissance of Portuguese wine. Here, ancient indigenous grape varieties meet innovative winemaking, producing wines that are vibrant, food-friendly, and full of personality. These are wines built on freshness rather than power, making them perfect companions for summer entertaining.

Whether you’re discovering Portugal for the first time or expanding your appreciation of one of Europe’s most exciting wine countries, this tasting offers a fascinating glimpse into a region that continues to surprise even the most seasoned wine lovers.

Join us as we continue our month-long exploration of Portugal and discover why Lisboa has become one of the country’s most compelling wine destinations.

No Reservations Required

Explore. Taste. Learn.