Updated: December 9, 2024

 

Dreaming of owning a vineyard in the sunny Mediterranean? Well, you’ll certainly be able to find a vineyard for sale in Portugal that can cater to this desire. The Portuguese climate makes for some of the best wines in the world. Indeed, many winemakers from California are opting for Portuguese grape varieties for their vineyards.

So, where can vineyards for sale in Portugal be found? From the Douro Valley in the north of the country to the Alentejo closer to the south, Portugal has an array of optimum locations to own a winery. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the history of wine in the country. Following this, we will delve into some of the most desirable locations for vineyards in Portugal.

If you are interested in discovering a lovely farm, you’ll find many options. You can check out our article for more info: Best Places to Find Farms for Sale in Portugal.

As vines grow best in sunny climates, vineyards are normally found in areas where you can soak up the sunshine. Vineyards are usually incredibly beautiful properties that provide something a little different and a bit more special than other types of properties. Furthermore, if you are looking for a place of luxury and a suitable challenge, then maybe you can fulfill your younger dream and make owning a vineyard your new reality.

For other types of luxury homes, you can check out our article: What are the Main Types of Luxury Properties in Portugal? Whether you are looking for a beautiful mansion or waterfront property, there are many options up and down the country.

How much does a Portuguese vineyard cost?

The price of purchasing a vineyard in Portugal will inevitably vary, depending on the size of the vineyard, in addition to the winemaking equipment.

In 2017, Sir Cliff Richard put his vineyard in the Algarve up for sale for around €87.2 million euros. Today, you may also be in a bidding war as there has been increased international demand for Portuguese vineyards. When it comes to luxury properties, owning a vineyard may just top the list.

However, a farmyard with land suitable for growing wines can cost you a more modest €400,000. For an existing vineyard, with the equipment and premises, this will cost you upwards of €1 million. If you are interested in discovering a lovely farm, you’ll find many options. You can check out our article for more info: Best Places to Find Farms for Sale in Portugal.

As vines grow best in sunny climates, vineyards are normally incredibly beautiful properties, and they provide something a little different and a bit more special to other types of property in Portugal. Furthermore, if you are looking for a place of luxury and a suitable challenge, then maybe you can fulfill your younger dream and make owning a vineyard your new reality.

For other types of luxury homes, you can check out our article: What are the Main Types of Luxury Properties in Portugal? Whether you are looking for a beautiful mansion or waterfront property, there are many options up and down the country.

Investment Potential of Owning a Portuguese Vineyard

Given Portugal’s strong association with wine, coupled with the many excellent wine regions in the country, achieving a favorable return on investment through marketing and export sales is a real possibility. However, it will obviously take some years before you begin to generate a profit. With this said the current high demand for vineyards in Portugal suggests that this is a highly desirable venture. If you are looking to buy a vineyard, the value of the property is likely to increase in the future, making it a lucrative investment in the long term.

Seek Expert Assistance

If you are considering buying a property in Portugal, it is a good idea to seek expert advice that can help you with these matters, particularly if you are considering purchasing a property such as a vineyard. They will be able to assist you with licensing, legal aspects, and other practicalities of owning a vineyard.

Find out how a real estate professional can streamline your property buying process!

Click Here Arrow Icon

History of Wine in Portugal

Portugal and vinho (wine) go hand in hand, with wine being very much part of the fabric of the country. As such, many families have small plots of land where they grow various grape varieties, fruits, and other produce. However, in the past decades, the EU revolutionized the winemaking process, upgrading the trellising system. Nonetheless, in many of the smaller villages, the traditional process of grape growing remains very much alive.

The first winemakers of Portugal

Wine is very much part of Portugal’s proud history. Wine in the country goes back a long way, to 2000 BC. The Tatressians cultivated wine for the first time in the Tejo and Sado valleys. Following this, the Phonecians seized the trade from the Tatressians around the 10th Century BC, including its wine, and it’s believed that they brought new grape varieties with them. Up until this time, wine cultivation in Portugal was very much concentrated in the south of the country.

The Greeks, Celts, and Romans spread winemaking in Portugal further North. From the 7th Century, the Greeks roamed the Iberian peninsula and brought the varieties of vineyards that they cultivated. These “Iberians” became one people with the Celts, ancestors of the Lusitanian – the Celtiberian – when they arrived in the 6th Century, bringing with them new techniques to winemaking.

The warrior expansion of Rome led to them finally securing the peninsula for themselves. They renamed the area Lustiana after Lusus, the son of Bachus, the Roman God of wine.

The expansion of the Roman Empire is very significant for modernizing wine cultivation in the country. They were responsible for bringing in new techniques and grape varieties. As wine consumption in Rome increased, its own production mechanisms were not sufficient to meet the increased demand. As a result, wine was frequently sent from the Iberian peninsula to cater to this demand in Rome.

England and Portugal’s trade ties

England and Portugal have long had a close relationship, with Portuguese wines shipped to England for the first time in the 12th Century. Trade continued with the popularity of Port wine in England at the start of the 18th Century.

Modern day wine in Portugal

Portugal’s ascension to the EU in 1986 opened the doors to grants, financing, winemaking techniques, and facilities. This enabled the wine trade in Portugal to trade with the rest of Europe. Today, Portugal is home to unique grape varieties that continue to reflect Portugal’s proud history as a long-standing winemaker. Wines from the Alentejo, Douro, and Vinho Verde regions are internationally recognized as being amongst some of the best in the world.

The Best Locations to Find the Best Vineyards in Portugal

Portugal has the perfect climate for making wine and many scenic wine regions. As such, from the north to the south of the country, there are many beautiful vineyards.

Note that there may be Portuguese vineyards for sale that are not in the following regions. For example, you can get sparkling wines from Bairrada, just north of Coimbra, which are excellent. Bairrada produces 60 percent of all sparkling wines in the country. You’ll also find exceptional wines on the islands, such as Madeira wine from the Madeira islands.

Douro

The Douro region in north Portugal is perhaps the most well-known area for wines in the country. The famous River Douro, the third-largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, rushes through it, running all the way from the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city.

The Douro Valley is also a UNESCO World Heritage site but is perhaps best known as being the home to some of the finest red and white wines. Alongside this, the region is the home to Port, extremely favored by the British. Indeed, buying a vineyard in the Douro Valley places you in the very heart of Portuguese winemaking. Here, you have the perfect soil for a truly unique wine.

There is a key aging process in selected wooden casks in the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, overlooking the traditional charm of Porto City. Owning a vineyard close to here would be a very special experience. This is also where you’ll find Port wine, the delicious fortified wine that is well-known across the globe.

You can check out our article for more information on this stunning area of Portugal: Complete Douro Real Estate Guide.

Dão

The Dão region is located just south of the esteemed Douro Valley and is renowned as one of the chief-making regions for Portuguese wines. The name derives from the Dão River, along which most of the vineyards in the area are located.

Perhaps best known for its deep red wines made from Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional, you can also produce excellent white wine here, such as Encruzado, arguably Portugal’s finest white grape variety.

Alentejo

The Alentejo has previously been nominated as the best wine region to visit in the world by USA Today. The region occupies over one-third of continental Portugal. As such, the Alentejo is one of the most significant areas for wine production.

The warm, dry climate of the Alentejo is perfect for crafting wines. Although not as well known as the Douro in the north, there is now considerable international recognition of Alentejo wines.

If you were to enter any supermarket or wine shop in Portugal and purchase an Alentejo wine, it is extremely difficult to be disappointed.

You can read more about this delightful region in our article: Alentejo Portugal Real Estate Guide.

Vinho Verde

This is Portugal’s famous “green wine,” which is cultivated in the Minho province, to the north of Porto and bordering Spain. The modern-day Vinho Verde region stretches to adjacent areas of the south, as designated in 1908, and the old province was dissolved in 1976. However you define the boundaries, the incredible wines in this region speak for themselves.

Vinho Verde is not a grape variety but is a DOC (protected designated area of origin for wine production). This is a young wine, and it is released three to six months after the grapes are harvested, and the wine is consumed soon after bottling.

The Algarve

The Algarve is a very desirable location for expats. Outside the tourist areas, you have lush, fertile land that is perfect for cultivating wine.

Indeed, in the past decades, the Algarve region has exploded with new vineyards, and they are now amongst the best in the world. As an example, Sir Cliff Richard used to own a vineyard just north of Albufeira in the sunny south. With a hot climate, this area is also a good wine-making region and has many hectares dedicated to the craft. Finding a vineyard for sale in Portugal’s Algarve would make any wine-lover extremely happy.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, providing foreign buyers with expert assistance to guide them through their property-buying journey. Based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, we offer local insights into the Portuguese real estate market to ensure our clients get the best deal possible and can be confident in their investment. To date, we have helped hundreds of individuals successfully purchase property in Portugal.

Take a look at our guide to buying property in the Portugal to kickstart your journey!

Click Here Arrow Icon

Frequently Asked Questions about Where to Find Vineyards for Sale in Portugal

There are many wine regions where you can find Portugal vineyards for sale and a quick search for “winery for sale Portugal” will provide you with a brief overview. In the south, you have the Alentejo, and in the North, you have the Douro and Dão regions. In particular, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage and is a top location to secure a vineyard. You also have wines in Portugal hailing from Lisbon and Setúbal. 

Not just an incredible location to soak up the sunshine and enjoy stunning seascapes of the Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve also has many vineyards.

Each of these distinct areas has vineyards, but the wines produced vary considerably. For example, wine grown primarily in the Douro region is often full-bodied, while Alentejo wines are known as being more fruity.

Define your requirement and do a quick online search based on these, for example, “small vineyards for sale in Portugal,” cheap vineyards for sale in Portugal,” or Luxury vineyards for sale in Portugal.” However, this will just provide you with a glance at what is on offer.  As such, we recommend seeking independent advice on the practicalities. This can include impartial advice on the price, the process of how you will need to buy the rights from someone else to be able to have a vineyard, plus legal and licensing guidance. You will also want to ensure that you are conveniently located close to supermarkets, restaurants, and other amenities. 

It is also worth speaking with an expert in wine production, who can provide you with some advice on the wine regions in Portugal and what area may be best suited to your tastes and requirements. You will find many grape types in Portugal, such as Touriga Nacional, Castelão, and the Baja grape. The Baga grape is a red grape variety used to produce the red wines of Portugal’s Bairrada region.

Luxury homes don’t get much better than owning a vineyard. As wine is synonymous with Portugal, it is fairly straightforward to generate a good rate of return on investment, with some marketing and export sales. Additionally, increased demand for vineyards in Portugal at the moment indicates that this is a much sought-after endeavor. Therefore, each of these factors indicates that both vineyards and the wine estates of Portugal are good investments. 

This will largely depend on your tastes, as Portugal has excellent red wines, white wines, green wines, fortified wines, and sparkling wines. Some of the best fortified wines are Port wine from the Douro Valley and Madeira from the Madeira islands. If you are looking for red wines, the Douro, Alentejo, and Dão regions are excellent. And, for something lighter, a Vinho Verde (green wine) should be your go-to, perfect for long summer evenings.

You will find many grape types in Portugal, such as Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Baja grapes.

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying vineyards in Portugal. Legal requirements for buying a vineyard in Portugal typically include proof of identity, getting a tax number, and complying with land regulations. We highly recommend working with legal experts to navigate local laws and regulations effectively.

To find vineyards for sale in Portugal, utilize online real estate platforms. However, online portals can only get you so far, particularly as the Portuguese real estate market is fragmented, and there is no one place to find all available properties. We recommend that you engage with local real estate agents or buyers agents to assist you with your search and you can also attend vineyard auctions or networking events within the industry.

Key factors when choosing a vineyard in Portugal include location, soil quality, grape varieties, climate suitability, water availability, infrastructure, market demand, and potential for expansion or diversification.

The cost to buy a vineyard in Portugal varies widely based on location, size, quality, and facilities. Land suitable for growing wines can cost you around €400,000. For an existing vineyard, with the equipment and premises, this will cost you upwards of €1 million. 

Vineyards for sale in Portugal encompass diverse options, from small family-run estates to large commercial wineries. Consider your investment goals, resources, and desired level of involvement in wine production.

Popular wine regions in Portugal for buying vineyards include Douro Valley, Alentejo, and Dão. Each region offers unique terroir, grape varieties, and market opportunities.

Foreigners can buy vineyards in Portugal without restrictions, enjoying the same property rights as locals.

Assessing the value of a vineyard property in Portugal involves evaluating factors like land quality, vineyard condition, production history, market demand, comparable sales, potential for improvement, and future profitability projections.

Financing options for purchasing a vineyard in Portugal may include bank loans, mortgage financing, or private investors. There are more than 15 banks in Portugal that provide mortgage options to foreigners. You will need to determine which option is best suited to your personal needs.

Foreigners purchasing property in Portugal will need to be mindful of various taxes, both during the acquisition process and on an ongoing basis. Property taxes that you will need to pay upfront include Property Purchase Tax, also known as Property Transfer Tax (IMT), and Stamp Duty, while annual taxes will include Municipal Property Tax (IMI) and AIMI. Additionally, Capital Gains Tax should be considered should you choose to sell the property.

The best regions to buy a vineyard in Portugal are Douro, Alentejo, Dão, and Vinho Verde. Each offers unique terroirs, renowned wine production, and varying price points. You will also find vineyards in other areas of Portugal, such as the Algarve.

Common grape varieties in Portuguese vineyards include Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Baga grapes, and Trincadeira for reds and Alvarinho, Arinto, and Fernão Pires for white wines. These indigenous grapes contribute to Portugal’s diverse wine profile.

For vineyard owners in Portugal, we recommend speaking with seasoned professionals to determine if you can secure any tax benefits, as you may be able to secure agricultural subsidies.

There are no restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing property in Portugal. Foreign investors can buy a vineyard in Portugal by obtaining a fiscal number, opening a local bank account, and working with a reputable real estate agent or buyer’s agent to pinpoint the perfect property. When you have agreed to the price with the seller, you can then move forward with the purchase. We recommend seeking legal assistance to ensure compliance with all regulations.

The purchasing process involves finding the perfect property negotiating the price with the seller, conducting thorough due diligence on both the seller and the property, signing a promissory contract, and then the final deed sighing can be completed. Legal and financial advice is crucial for a smooth buying process, as is working with real estate professionals to guide you through the buying process.

Annual maintenance costs for a vineyard in Portugal range from €5,000 to €40,000+ per hectare, covering labor, equipment, pesticides, and irrigation. Costs vary based on vineyard size and management practices. In the first few years of getting set up, management costs will likely be much higher.

Yes, you can produce wine commercially with a newly purchased vineyard in Portugal. Ensure compliance with local regulations, obtain necessary licenses, and invest in winemaking equipment and expertise.

Return on investment in a Portuguese vineyard typically takes 5 to 10 years, depending on factors such as vineyard location, grape quality, market conditions, and management efficiency. Over the past 120 years, wine has given investors an 8.5 percent historical annual return on their investment

Transferring ownership of a vineyard in Portugal involves negotiating with the seller, conducting due diligence, securing financing, drafting a promissory contract (CPCV), and finalizing the sale with a public deed signed before a notary. Legal and financial advisors are essential for a smooth transaction, alongside working with a reputable real estate agent who can help you with securing your perfect property.

It’s important to note that real estate agents in Portugal work on behalf of the seller and will get a higher commission for a higher sale. As such, it can be beneficial to work with buyer’s agents who work solely on behalf of the buyer, ensuring your needs are met and there is no conflict of interest.

Returns on investment for owning a vineyard in Portugal can be significant, especially in renowned wine regions. Income can come from wine sales, agritourism, and land appreciation. ROI depends on vineyard quality, management, market conditions, and branding efforts.

To ensure the quality of the soil in a Portuguese vineyard, conduct a thorough soil analysis to check for nutrients, pH levels, and organic matter. Engage an agronomist to provide recommendations for soil improvement and sustainable vineyard management practices.

Common challenges faced by vineyard owners in Portugal include unpredictable weather, pest and disease management, labor shortages, and market competition. Adapting to climate change and maintaining sustainable practices are also ongoing concerns for vineyard operators.

Yes, many vineyards in Portugal include residential properties, such as villas, allowing owners to live on-site. These residences range from rustic farmhouses to modern villas, providing the convenience of managing the vineyard closely while enjoying the scenic beauty of the estate.

To market your wine in Portugal, develop a strong brand identity, utilize social media and digital marketing, participate in wine fairs and competitions, and establish distribution channels locally and internationally. Partnering with wine tourism operators can also enhance visibility.

To manage a vineyard remotely, hire a reliable local vineyard manager, use vineyard management software for real-time monitoring, and establish clear communication channels. Regular visits, having a local partner that you trust, and collaborating with local experts and advisors are crucial to ensure effective oversight.