Experience the rich flavors of São Martinho at Quinta da Aveleda with a traditional wine lunch and a free guided tour through historic gardens. Discover the authentic tastes and stories of northern Portugal in an unforgettable 2.5-hour celebration.
Experience the rich flavors of São Martinho at Quinta da Aveleda with a traditional wine lunch and a free guided tour through historic gardens. Discover the authentic tastes and stories of northern Portugal in an unforgettable 2.5-hour celebration.
Book with Quinta da Aveleda
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Quinta da Aveleda · Penafiel, Porto
Set in the lush vineyards and historic gardens of Quinta da Aveleda, located in Penafiel within Portugal’s Porto district, the Almoço de São Martinho offers visitors an authentic taste of Portuguese tradition combined with scenic outdoor charm. This seasonal experience invites guests to celebrate the festive spirit of São Martinho, a cherished cultural date in Portugal, through a 2.5-hour leisurely wine lunch and an exclusive guided tour of the estate’s historic grounds. Quinta da Aveleda is renowned in the region not only for its beautifully maintained gardens and picturesque vineyards but also its commitment to blending gastronomic excellence with cultural heritage, making this event a must for travelers seeking genuine local flavors and experiences.
The lunch unfolds against the backdrop of sprawling vineyards, offering panoramic views that enhance the tranquil ambiance. Diners are treated to an artfully curated menu, starting with crisp Aveleda Loureiro and Alvarinho wines paired with traditional Caldo Verde soup and Broa de Milho (cornbread). The appetizer course showcases a selection of regional cheeses and cured meats alongside a delicate puff pastry filled with alheira sausage, apple, and spinach. For the main course, the experience highlights Rojões—a hearty pork dish slow-cooked with chestnuts—paired beautifully with rice and sautéed grelos (wild greens), accompanied by Arco d’Aguieira red wine, a local favorite.
Dessert lovers savor the “Pêra bêbeda,” a traditional soaked pear dessert paired with a 10-year-old Tawny Port, rounding out a meal that celebrates the autumn harvest and local viticulture. A complimentary coffee and mini São Martinho sweet tart complete the culinary journey.
What sets this experience apart is the inclusion of a free guided tour of Quinta da Aveleda’s historic gardens, which begins concurrently with the lunch. This walk through centuries-old estate grounds reveals captivating stories of the region’s winemaking heritage and exquisite garden design, providing context to the sensory feast.
Located just a short drive from the city of Penafiel, the estate is easily accessible, making it perfect for visitors who want to combine cultural immersion with outdoor enjoyment. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a food lover, or a traveler eager to soak up regional customs, this event offers a unique, intimate glimpse into Portugal’s seasonal traditions and rural lifestyle, all framed within the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Portugal’s wine country.
Yes, all participants receive complimentary access to the guided tour of Quinta da Aveleda’s historic gardens as part of the event.
Yes, children can join with a special priced lunch option, making it a family-friendly activity.
Please contact the organizers in advance to discuss any dietary restrictions or allergies so they can make suitable arrangements.
Yes, there is guest parking available on-site for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely, there is an opportunity to buy wines from the estate’s collection during your visit.
The São Martinho lunch is a seasonal celebration held annually around November, coinciding with traditional festivities.
Quinta da Aveleda is a historic estate located in Penafiel, Porto, at the heart of Portugal’s Vinhos Verdes region. The property offers a range of visitor experiences that showcase local viticulture, gardens, and gastronomy. Guests can join guided tours such as Visita às Vinhas, a 45-minute vineyard walk focused on Vinhos Verdes grape varieties and winemaking process, and Visita aos Jardins, which explores the estate’s romantic gardens and historical corners. Other offerings include structured wine tastings (Provas de Vinho: Clássica and Provas de Vinho: Premium), group tasting options (Provas de Grupos), and themed activities like the Escape Garden outdoor game and the Quizz “Prova que sabes” sensory challenge. Quinta da Aveleda also hosts hands-on workshops such as Oficina do Vinho, where participants blend, label, and bottle wine, and Oficina do Pão. Dining experiences range from picnics with three curated basket choices to several fixed-menu lunches (Menu Aveleda, Menu Quinta Vale D. Maria, Do Vinho Verde ao Douro) and seasonal events like Almoço de São Martinho. Educational formats include the Minicurso Vínico and VIN-DIM´ART!, designed to explain Portuguese wine regions and traditions. The estate emphasizes accessible, family-friendly experiences suitable for couples, families, and groups. Located in Penafiel near Porto, Quinta da Aveleda connects visitors to the landscape of Vinhos Verdes through guided tours, tastings, workshops, and curated meals. Many experiences include optional garden or vineyard strolls, and visitors may conclude visits with tastings or a bottle to take home when available through workshop activities and tastings for a lasting memory.
Book with Quinta da Aveleda