Wine is a huge part of the social, economic and cultural history of the Algarve and the Lagoa region is no exception to this rule with it boasting some fantastic DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada) wines from the local area.
In the past the Lagoa area had a very poor reputation for wines but thanks to investment from private companies and the dedication of those involved in the local industry the wine in Lagoa has become some of the best around with the DOC wines being those with the highest grade awarded to wine in Portugal.
There are nine different wineries identified as being in the Lagoa DOC area, some better known than others but all having at least one stand out wine that you would be proud to serve at any occasion.
Perhaps the best known of the wineries in the Lagoa DOC area is the Adega do Cantor, the winery that is partially owned by singer Sir Cliff Richards and located in Guia but there are several others of note with the Quints do Barranco Longo winery near Algoz winning multiple awards.
The beauty of the wines from Quinta do Barranco Longo is that it doesn’t matter if you prefer red or white or even rose – all of the wines from this winery are very good and the winery was also the first in the Algarve to ferment their red wine in 100% oak casks.
Many of the wineries in the Lagoa area started as micro producers and have grown to become producers of considerable amounts of wine, although the export of these wines is very limited and to be able to enjoy these wines at a good price you really need to but them while you are here in Portugal.
The only large winery in the Lagoa area is the UNICA winery located in the heart of Lagoa itself. This is a cooperative winery with farmers bringing grapes from local farms. The winery has now been merged to include the cooperate winery of Lagos also to be one of the largest in the region and although in the past the wines from here had a bad reputation, improvements have been made and the wines have now one many awards also.
Tours and wine tasting sessions take place at most of the wineries in the Lagoa area, so if you would like to learn more about how they are produced or sample some of the wines on offer then contact your local winery to make a booking for a tour or the facilities. This is also probably the best place to buy your wine – direct from where it is made!