Quinta da Lapa
A Távora-Varosa sparkling-wine estate (one of the Raposeira group's flagship quintas) producing méthode-traditionnelle espumante from Malvasia Fina and Bical, set in a green valley near Lamego.
Serious Portuguese sparkling from the Távora-Varosa denomination.
For serious Portuguese sparkling from the Távora-Varosa denomination.
What's in the glass
The espumantes are crisp, elegant, and vibrant, showcasing the high-acid potential of the Távora-Varosa terroir. Bright green apple and mineral notes are central to the profile, offering a refreshing, clean finish.
How it came to be
As a key part of the broader Raposeira group, this quinta maintains the tradition of high-quality sparkling wine production in an often-overlooked northern region. It represents the successful industrialization of traditional sparkling methods in the Távora-Varosa valley.
Best for, and who should skip
Travelers who appreciate consistently high-quality sparkling wine and beautiful, manicured valley settings.
Less ideal for: Travelers seeking a high-energy winery tour with frequent departures, or those looking for immediate proximity to the main Douro Valley wine routes rather than the quieter Távora-Varosa DOC.
Skip if: Those seeking small, avant-garde boutique winemaking might find the corporate-led nature of the quinta too standardized.
Tours, tastings & getting there
Located in a lush, green valley, the quinta offers a serene environment for wine tasting. The visitor experience is structured and reliable, reflecting the professional standards of its ownership.
Getting there: 1.5 hr from Porto; near Lamego.
Getting around: The grounds are well-maintained and mostly flat, making them easy to explore on foot.
The estate is accessible by car, though the last mile may be on country roads. Booking in advance is recommended.
When to go
September; spring.
Year-round.
Allow: Half a day
Beyond the tasting room
Tour the cellars and taste the espumante range; pair with a Douro day.
Pair with
Bucho à Moda de Viseu
Stuffed pork stomach slow-braised in the Dão — a hearty, old-table dish of central Portugal.
Chanfana
Goat baked in red wine and garlic — a stone-pot, slow-cooked relic of central Portugal.
Fios de Ovos
Egg yolks spun into golden threads of sugar — the most hypnotic of the convent sweets.
Other wines to explore
Bairrada
A small Atlantic-influenced region between Aveiro and Coimbra, the spiritual home of Baga — a tannic, high-acid red grape that, in good years, makes some of Portugal's longest-lived wines. Sparkling wines (espumante) made by the méthode classique are a Bairrada specialty.
Beira Interior
Portugal's highest, coldest wine region, climbing the eastern slopes of the Serra da Estrela toward the Spanish border. Frost and altitude make for nervy whites and peppery reds from autochthonous grapes few outsiders have heard of — Fonte Cal, Síria, Borba das Moscas.
Casa de Saima
A respected Bairrada producer in Cantanhede, known for balanced Baga reds and sparkling wines, with a welcoming tasting room on a working estate.
Nearby
Where it sits
