In a country where wine is practically a basic need, finding a good bottle is easy—and not as expensive as you might think—as long as you know where to look. There’s a Portuguese saying that roughly translates to “good wine sells itself.” That may be true, but you still need to know where to go to find the best wine shops in Lisbon.
We’ve put together this list of the 5 best wine shops in Lisbon where you can find all-time favorites or pleasant surprises, regardless of your budget or how much you know about wine.
Garrafeira Estado d’Alma
This place’s motto is “life is too short to drink bad wine,” and we couldn’t agree more. It aims to sell great wine at affordable prices, including wine from Portugal and other countries, as well as occasional off-the-market rarities.
Estado d’Alma welcomes novices with the same courtesy it extends to connoisseurs. If you feel slightly lost among its floor-to-ceiling shelves of wine bottles, the staff will come to your rescue.
Instead of simply asking what you’re looking for, they’ll pose a series of questions to get to know your palate and recommend the right bottle. If you’re new to the wine world, don’t worry; it usually starts with something as simple as “red or white?”
By the Wine
This wine shop, bar, and restaurant in the heart of Chiado only sells wines made by José Maria da Fonseca, Portugal’s oldest producer of table wine (vinho de mesa). At By the Wine, each dish on the menu has a recommended wine pairing that’s available at the store. It’s served by the glass too, if you’re not ready to commit to a bottle.
Not looking to grab a meal here? No problem. Just tell the staff what you have in mind and they’ll choose the right bottle for your palate. You can’t go wrong with Periquita: José Maria da Fonseca’s oldest and most famous brand, available in red or white.
And don’t leave without something for dessert; try the famous Moscatel fortified wine from Setúbal.
So much wine, so little time. Photo credit: Florent Bertiaux
Cave da Estrela
The name of this place is pretty straightforward: cave means “cellar” in Portuguese, and Estrela is the neighborhood where it’s located, near the beautiful Jardim da Estrela park. Cave da Estrela is a quaint and cozy shop selling sustainable wines made from local grape varieties, including Portuguese rosé, reds, whites, orange wine, and more.
The carefully curated selection of bottles reflects a focus on quality over quantity, making this the perfect place to discover something new and entirely one-of-a-kind.
The shop also hosts regular tastings and events: for example, a “block party” in partnership with other bars in the neighborhood, which includes a drink at four different spots.
Pop the Wine
There’s something special about the pairing of art and wine, and Pop the Wine (Rua do Vale de Santo António, 180) certainly knows it. Beyond its primary purpose as a natural wine shop and bar, this place also supports local independent artists through exhibitions and creative events. Located right in the heart of Graça, it’s a space for people to come together and connect over a glass of the good stuff.
Stop by for a glass (or two) or a personal recommendation for a bottle to buy, and browse the eclectic artwork displayed on the walls. You can also sign up for fun events like “Drink & Draw Your Inner Dog” or “Sing & Drink” (both exactly what they sound like). If you’re in the market for local art, look out for regular auctions and “garage sales” at the shop too.
Mercearia dos Açores
For all things Azores—from food and wine to handicrafts—head to Mercearia dos Açores in Lisbon (assuming you can’t make it to the actual islands). Located 900 miles off the coast in the middle of the Atlantic, this Portuguese archipelago boasts a unique climate that begets equally unique wines.
Only three of the 9 volcanic islands are certified wine regions: Graciosa, Terceira (the Biscoitos region), and Pico. The latter is definitely the most famous, thanks in part to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
If you’re looking for a specific wine, Mercearia dos Açores may or may not be able to help; not all Azorean producers export their wines to Lisbon. But if you’re interested in tasting some Portuguese volcanic wines (made from grapes grown in volcanic soil), this is the place to be.
Bonus tip: Supermarkets
Yes, really! Head to the wine section of any supermarket in Lisbon, and you’ll likely find good wine at any price point. When in doubt go for a bottle (not a box) and a real cork (not a plastic one)—unless you’re preparing a pitcher of sangria or need some cheap wine for cooking.
Most of the large supermarket chains are always offering special discounts on wine, whether it’s to clear stock, make way for new launches, or celebrate a special occasion. This means you might be able to find some great VR or DOC wines at reasonable prices. And if you’re on a really tight budget, table wines are usually the cheapest of them all and still surprisingly great.
Update Notice: This post was updated on July 22, 2024.
Craving more wine? Join us on our Bairro Alto Evening Food & Wine Tour for a curated selection of the best bites that Lisbon has to offer. These are perfectly paired with the drinks locals love, including an outstanding selection of regional wines.
