Porto and Douro might get most of the attention, but Alentejo, a 1.5-hour drive southwest of Lisbon, is quietly becoming one of the best destinations in Europe for wine travel. Its wines—rich, voluptuous reds and elegantly balanced whites from local grape varietals—are getting better every year; and young winemakers have poured resources into sleek design and cutting-edge technology, turning many of the wineries into destinations unto themselves. Add to that some of the most soulful food in Portugal, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and landscapes that have drawn comparisons to Provence and Tuscany, and it's easy to see why the region is worth a detour on the way to (or from) Lisbon.
From Lisbon, head east to the village of Monforte and check in at the 19-room, boutique Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, meticulously restored from the ruins of Ancient Roman and medieval houses. While the sprawling grounds have a cypress-lined outdoor pool, spa, and wellness center, the main attraction here is the winery. Inaugurated in 2016 and led by award-winning Portuguese winemaker Luís Duarte, it makes just two wines in small batches: a full-bodied red and a fruity white.
http://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-you-should-visit-alentejo-portugals-underrated-wine-region
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