Our Atlantic Region
When you travel north of Lisbon along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, you enter a richly diverse wine area that stretches from Alcobaça in the north to Torres Vedras farther south. This stretch is part of the Lisbon wine region, a broad wine‑producing area made up of several Denominações de Origem (DOC) and geographic indicators that reflect centuries of local viticulture.
A Coastal Wine Landscape
The landscape here combines gentle hills, rolling countryside and strong Atlantic influence. Cooler breezes from the sea help grapes retain acidity and freshness, which is why many wines from this part of Portugal have bright aromatics and balanced profiles.
To the north, near Alcobaça, vineyards form part of the Encostas d’Aire DOC, while closer to the coast around Torres Vedras you find the Torres Vedras DOC — both falling under the broader Lisboa region.
Grapes That Define the Region
The region’s wines are shaped by a mix of traditional Portuguese grapes — many dating back generations — and a few international varieties.
Portuguese White Grapes:
Arinto – bright acidity, citrus and mineral notes.
Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes) – aromatic, floral and fruity.
Malvasia, Vital, Seara Nova – add texture and perfume to white blends.
Red Grapes
Castelão (Periquita) – fruity with moderate tannins and spice.
Aragonez (Tinta Roriz/Tempranillo) – adds structure and berry flavors.
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Miúda, Camarate, Graciano – help create richer reds.
In Alcobaça and the neighboring Encostas d’Aire area, white wines tend to be light, fresh and lower in alcohol, responding to cooler winds and soils that favor finesse over power.
Styles of Wine You’ll Find in our Atlantic Region
- Fruity, Fresh Whites – Because of the Atlantic influence, many white wines here are crisp, aromatic, and refreshing, making them perfect for seafood and lighter fare.
- Easy‑Drinking Reds – In the heart of Torres Vedras DOC, reds are often medium‑bodied with juicy fruit, smooth tannins, and notes of plum, black currant, chocolate, or sweet spices — a style that pairs well with grilled meats and rustic dishes.
- Regional Variety – The wider Lisboa region also produces rosés, lighter styles and regionally designated wines that don’t carry a DOC label but still capture local character.
Alcobaça to Torres Vedras: Landscape, History & Wine Culture
Alcobaça
Just inland from the coast, Alcobaça sits within the northern part of the Lisboa region and was historically classified as its own wine area before becoming part of the Encostas d’Aire DOC. White wines here are typically pale, aromatic and fresh, while reds are light and approachable.
Torres Vedras
Southward, the Torres Vedras DOC is one of the most significant wine hubs in western Portugal. Its vineyards cover rolling hills that benefit from a temperate Atlantic climate. The DOC produces both red and white wines that express fruit and balance, and while it was once known for high‑volume wines, producers today are increasingly focused on quality and distinct style.
Wine & Food Pairings from the Atlantic Coast
This part of Portugal is also a culinary region shaped by the sea and countryside. Wines here are wonderful with:
Seafood and shellfish, especially with the whites’ bright acidity.
Grilled fish or fresh salads, letting crisp wines shine.
Roasted and grilled meats, matched with the smooth, aromatic reds of Torres Vedras.
A Region Worth Exploring
From traditional vineyards nestled inland around Alcobaça to the Atlantic‑kissed slopes of Torres Vedras, this stretch of Portugal’s wine country offers approachable wines with vibrant character. Whether you’re tasting crisp whites by the seaside or sampling juicy reds with hearty local dishes, this wine corridor is a great place to discover the breadth and personality of Portuguese viticulture.