Luxury In The Vineyards: Quinta da Lapa, Portugal

If your idea of luxury is vineyard views and near total silence that allows time for contemplation, sharing a meal and fine wine with friends, family, or business associates, book a stay at Quinta da Lapa. A boutique wine hotel only 45 minutes north of Lisbon, at Quinta da Lapa you can disconnect and experience a quieter way of life. 

Indulge in walks through vineyard paths. Bicycle to the nearby village of Manique, only two kilometers (1.24 miles) away. In the summer you can fish at the open tank on the property or go for a swim. 

Vineyards Quinta da Lapa
photo by Penny Sadler

A True Portuguese Wine Estate

The vineyards were established in 1733 by a Portuguese nobleman. In 1756, he added a manor house (the current hotel property). Not long after that, the estate was abandoned. Then, in 1989, another Portuguese businessman took over the property with a vision to reclaim it as a quality wine estate. All vineyards were replanted and the manor house, which was damaged in the 1755 earthquake, was restored. The manor house opened to the public in 2011 as a boutique hotel with an event room, winery, and bottling facility.

The House and Rooms

The common areas of the house are open to all guests. A beautiful living room is anchored by a big wood-burning fireplace on one end, and a large comfortable sofa and chairs paired for easy conversation. The windows overlook the vineyards. Warm wood floors, plush rugs, and a mix of modern and Indian-influenced furniture give the common areas an eclectic feel. 

The eleven bedrooms are remarkable in their stark simplicity. The furnishings are minimal and there is no digital anything to distract you from the vineyard views. The bathrooms are spacious and feel luxurious with double sinks set in marble, a combination tub and shower, a bidet, and yes, even the bathroom has vineyard views.

In the dining room, a spectacular Murano glass chandelier overlooks a long table that seats about twenty people.

Quinta da Lapa also has event space and will arrange catering for you. The wine-tasting room is equipped for small groups and has a nice outdoor terrace. The entire house is available to rent and has the perfect amount of space for a small family reunion or wedding.  

Quinta da Lapa by Penny Sadler

Food and Drink

Breakfast is served in the dining room each morning from  9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Fresh fruits, juices, breads, cheese, yogurt, cereal, tea, and coffee are available. You can also book a package that includes dinner at the property. If you need to start your day earlier you only have to ask. I usually have breakfast by 8:00 a.m., especially on days when I am out touring. The kitchen and most everything at the house is overseen by Isabelle, a lovely Portuguese woman.  

Be sure to make time to sample the house wines with winemaker Jorge Ventura. Ventura has been with Quinta da Lapa since the estate opened to the public. He perfected the sparkling wine program, aging in the bottle for two years before it is released.

There are many casual Portuguese eateries in the vicinity. The hours of service vary so you will need to do a bit of planning. The coast is only forty-five minutes away and there are excellent seafood options in places like Ericeira, a very popular surf town.  

Quinta da Lapa

Other things to do

There is no lack of things to do when you tire of soaking up nature and fresh air in the vineyards.

Wine tasting

Quinta da Lapa is situated in Portugal’s Tejo wine region. It straddles the Tagus River and borders the Lisbon wine region in the west. Though relatively unknown to Americans, the wines of Tejo are nonetheless, of excellent quality. Both red and white wines are produced as well as some rosé and sparkling wines. There are about eighty wineries in the Tejo wine region.

Go to the beach

The Atlantic Ocean is only thirty to forty minutes away. Spend the day in the charming town of Ericeira, a world surf reserve area. Another popular beach area is Nazare but there are many places in between.  

Check out ancient villages and architecture

 Óbidos is a charming medieval village only about thirty minutes away from Quinta da Lapa. There’s a medieval castle there and you can climb the ramparts for nice views of the plains. 

Tomar is a lovely town worth touring, bigger than Obidos, it is known for the Covento Christo, a Knights Templar fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

With easy access from Lisbon and so much to offer visitors to the area who seek a unique experience, Quinta da Lapa is a good choice for all types of travelers. 

Wifi and parking are complimentary. 

Rooms rates vary but generally start around $200 per night. You can book a room here, or check out Booking.com rates.