Malvasia de Colares, grapes that are unique to the Colares region
Portugal’s Underrated Grapes
The Grapes You’ve Never Heard Of
Portugal has more than 250 native grape varieties. We all know some of the famous names: Touriga Nacional, Alvarinho, Arinto…But what about Rabo de Ovelha, Rufete, Jampal or Fonte Cal?
This tasting is dedicated to the grapes that rarely make the headlines: indigenous Portuguese varieties that are grown in small quantities, sometimes found only in particular regions, and often hidden away as a small component of a traditional field blend. However: some of them make extremely interesting wines.
Discover another side of Portuguese wine
One of the things that makes Portugal such an exciting wine country is its extraordinary diversity of native grape varieties. For generations, vineyards were often planted as mixed field blends rather than neatly separated into individual varieties. Grapes were valued for what they contributed to the final wine rather than for the recognition of their name.
Today, winemakers are increasingly looking again at these lesser-known varieties. Old vineyards are being preserved, forgotten grapes are being identified and some varieties are being given the opportunity to shine on their own.
During this tasting, we'll meet grapes such as Rufete, an elegant red variety associated particularly with Portugal's interior; Jampal, a rare white grape that has found a remarkable home in the Lisboa region; Fonte Cal, a traditional white variety from Beira Interior; and the wonderfully named Rabo de Ovelha — "sheep's tail" — alongside several other Portuguese discoveries.
Why do these grapes matter?
As wine regions face changing climates and producers search for wines with freshness, identity and a genuine connection to place, Portugal's enormous genetic diversity is becoming increasingly valuable.
At the same time, these varieties tell us something about Portuguese wine that international grapes simply can't: why a wine tastes Portuguese, rather than just like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Portugal.
We'll taste the wines side by side, learn a little about where these grapes come from and, most importantly, discover which obscure Portuguese variety deserves a place on your personal favourites list.
What’s included
Guided tasting of 7 Portuguese wines
Selection of vegetarian bites
Tasting handout with information about the grapes, regions and wines
📍 House of Wonders, Cascais, November 28, 16:00–18:30
No previous wine knowledge is needed. Just bring your curiosity — and don't worry, there won't be a test on remembering all the grape names afterwards.
Book your place and discover some of Portugal’s best-kept grape secrets.