Harvest and Flavors Festivals: 9 must-see places to visit in Portugal this autumn

The end of summer doesn’t mean staying home! If you’re searching for weekend trip ideas or autumn getaways, this article is for you.

Today, we’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in Portugal by car this autumn:

1. Palmela;

2. São João da Pesqueira;

3. Douro;

4. Viseu;

5. Santarém;

6. Torres Vedras;

7. Lisboa;

8. Marvão;

9. Borba.

Each suggestion includes information on the celebrations, with highlights on grape stomping, wine tastings, and food festivals. Keep reading for practical tips on how to get there, car rentals, and wine tourism (valid year-round).

Harvests and autumn festivals in Portugal: what to do?

The grape harvest marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the time when the “fruits” of months of dedication in the vineyards are gathered.

In many of Portugal’s wine regions, this harvest period is celebrated with festivals that honor local traditions and wine culture.

Iconic regions like Douro, Alentejo, and the Setúbal Peninsula become the stage for annual celebrations that attract both locals and tourists.

These festivals are the perfect mix of cultural richness and nature, offering the chance to taste exceptional wines.

Autumn festivals route in Portugal: our recommendations

Harvest festivals and food fairs are excellent opportunities to sample fine wines, cheeses, olive oils, and other traditional Portuguese products.

Here are our suggestions for a delicious autumn in Portugal:

1. Palmela Harvest Festival

Palmela’s Harvest Festival is one of the most traditional in Portugal, celebrating local culture with parades, wine tastings, music performances, and the iconic grape stomping.

Located in the Setúbal Peninsula, this region is known for its Moscatel wine and famous vineyards like Bacalhôa, José Maria da Fonseca, and Casa Ermelinda Freitas.

• How to get there: from Lisbon, take the A2 highway towards Setúbal. The drive takes around 40 minutes.
• When: september.

Image source: Bacalhôa Wine Cellar Museum, open every day except December 25th and January 1st.

2. Grape harvest festival in São João da Pesqueira (Vindouro)

In the heart of the Douro Valley, the Vindouro festival celebrates the harvest with a blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, winery tours, grape stomping, and exhibitions on the history of Port wine.

• How to get there: take the N222, one of the most scenic routes in Portugal, for a drive through the Douro vineyards with their stunning viewpoints.
• When: september.

Tip: If you miss the festival, you can still experience the almond and olive harvests in the following months.

3. Harvest festivals in the Douro

The Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, is the focal point of harvest celebrations in Portugal.

Throughout September and October, many vineyards open their doors for tours, wine tastings, and hands-on experiences like grape stomping.

• How to get there: from Porto, take the A4 and IP4 to reach the Douro region.
• When: september and October.

Tip: If you need to rent a car in northern Portugal, Drivalia has convenient mobility stores to make your trip easier.

4. Wine and harvest festival in Viseu

Also located in the Douro Valley, Viseu’s wine and harvest festival celebrates the wines of the Dão region, with a focus on wine tastings, regional cuisine, and cultural performances.

• How to get there: via the A25, from Porto or Coimbra.
• When: october.

5. National gastronomy festival in Santarém

Moving from the north to the west, Santarém hosts one of Portugal’s largest food festivals.

This festival gathers the country’s top chefs to showcase the diversity of Portuguese cuisine, accompanied by wine tastings from various regions.

• How to get there: easily accessible via the A13 (south) or A1 (north) highways. The event is held in Almeirim, birthplace of the traditional Sopa da Pedra.
• When: october to November.

The traditional Sopa da Pedra, a highlight of the National Gastronomy Festival in Santarém, celebrates the authenticity of Portuguese cuisine

6. Torres Vedras wine festival

The Torres Vedras Wine Festival promotes the wines from the Lisbon region with tastings of local wines and traditional dishes.

It’s the perfect event to learn more about the wine production of this region.

• How to get there: from Lisbon, take the A8 highway to Torres Vedras.
• When: october.

Tip: if you need a car, rent one in Lisbon and make the most of your trip. Visit the local vineyards and other attractions like Mafra and its majestic palace.

7. Wine and flavors fair in Lisbon

This event, held in Lisbon, is one of Portugal’s biggest wine and food fairs, where winemakers and chefs come together to offer tastings and gourmet pairing experiences.

• How to get there: from the north, take the A1. If coming from the south, cross the Vasco da Gama Bridge and head to Parque das Nações.
• When: november.

8. Chestnut and Wine Festival in Marvão

Marvão’s festival celebrates the chestnut harvest, paired with tastings of Alentejo wines. This event offers a unique experience, surrounded by the stunning landscape of the São Mamede mountain range.

• How to get there: take the A6, followed by the N246 from Évora.
• When: november.

Tip: rent a car in the Alentejo and discover new places to explore in Portugal, like Estremoz, Campo Maior, or Crato (home to one of Portugal’s biggest music festivals).

9. Borba wine and vineyard festival

This festival takes place in the town of Borba, between Marvão and Évora. It celebrates Alentejo’s wine traditions with wine tastings, regional product fairs, and cultural performances. It’s one of the biggest wine events in the Alentejo.

• How to get there: take the A6 from Lisbon or the A1 from Porto.
• When: november.

Tip: if your drive takes longer than an hour, consider staying overnight in an Alentejan village for a more relaxed experience.

Wine Tourism: What to Do Year-Round in Portugal

If you arrive in Portugal after the harvest season, there’s still plenty to do in the wine regions.

Even though the harvest may be over, the wine tourism experience remains lively with many activities for visitors.

Here are some suggestions for what you can do after the harvest:

1. Visit wineries and vineyards

Many vineyards in Portugal remain open year-round, offering guided tours where you can learn about winemaking, from fermentation to bottling, and hear the stories behind the wineries.

2. Participate in wine tastings

Wine tastings are always a major tourist attraction in Portugal.

Vineyards offer tastings of various types, from the famous Port wine to the light Vinho Verde, and the robust reds of Alentejo.

Some wine tastings are accompanied by regional cheeses and cured meats, as well as enology workshops.

3. Explore hiking trails

In regions like Douro, Beira Interior, and Alentejo, there are numerous hiking trails passing through vineyards and historic villages—perfect for hiking or cycling.

It’s an excellent opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the vineyard landscapes, especially in autumn when the leaves change color, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for photography!

4. Savor the local cuisine

Portuguese wine regions are also known for their rich gastronomy. Enjoy meals in traditional restaurants or at vineyards that serve regional dishes paired with local wines.

Get Ready to visit Portugal in autumn with Drivalia

The harvest festivals in Portugal capture the essence of autumn, with golden landscapes, vineyards steeped in history, and a festive atmosphere in the air.

Driving through wine regions like Douro, Alentejo, or Setúbal is a relaxing journey. Every stop is enriched by stunning views and the warmth of local hospitality.

Prepare to discover the most authentic corners of the country, where wine is paired with the best regional cuisine and traditions remain alive.

And if you need to rent a car for this trip, rely on Drivalia. We have mobility stores from north to south. Book online, choose the car category, and pick the most convenient location for you.

Autumn is truly a great time to explore! Have you picked your destination yet?