José Maria da Fonseca

A family winery founded in 1834 in Azeitão, home of Periquita and the oldest Setúbal moscatels, with guided visits and tastings every day.

Who they are

José Maria da Fonseca is one of Portugal's great wine houses and remains in the hands of the same family, now in its seventh generation. It was founded in 1834 in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, on the Setúbal peninsula, and is the home of the Periquita red and of some of the oldest Setúbal moscatels in existence.

What the visit is like

It starts in the museum room with the company's history, crosses the garden of the former Soares Franco family home, restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, and enters three cellars: the Adega da Mata, where Periquita ages; the Teares Novos one, and the Teares Velhos one, with moscatels more than a hundred years old. It ends with a tasting. There are visits every day, public holidays included, in Portuguese and English, and in Spanish subject to availability. Groups of up to 20 people; it is best to book.

What it costs

Tastings include the guided visit: from €12 for two wines (a red and a 5-year-old Moscatel Roxo), €17.50 for four and €25.50 for six; the "super premium" ones, from €30 to €52, and the special moscatel ones, up to €120. Next door, in the same house, is its restaurant Wine Corner.

What they run

The Geocalia activities run by José Maria da Fonseca, with the prices and terms they publish.

Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change.

Frequently asked questions

Is it open on Sunday?

Yes, every day, public holidays too.

Are there visits in Spanish?

Subject to availability; definitely in Portuguese and English.

How much does the simplest visit cost?

€12 with a tasting of two wines.

Independent company: you book with them, on their terms.

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Is this your company? Write to us to correct or complete the details.