Event Details
Wine tasting in Beja's historic convent
The Convento de São Francisco in Beja is one of Portugal's most significant Gothic monuments; the first records of the convent date back to 1268. Today the building houses the Pousada Convento de Beja, a four star hotel in the heart of the historic centre that offers guests wine tastings featuring Alentejo wines among its activities. Between October and November 2026, a visit coincides with the peak of "Baixo Alentejo, European Wine City 2026", the title the region holds this year.
Highlights
- Wine tastings in the setting of the centuries old convent
- Alentejo wines from grape varieties such as Antão Vaz, Trincadeira, Aragonês and Castelão
- VINIPAX, southern Portugal's major wine fair, from 2 to 5 October in Beja
- World Wine Tourism Day on 8 November in Beja
- Gothic burial chapel (Sala dos Túmulos) inside the convent
- Courtyard, garden and terrace as a backdrop for tastings
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Program
The autumn season opens with VINIPAX, held from 2 to 5 October 2026 as part of the RuralBeja fair, showcasing wines from across the Alentejo and other Portuguese regions. Tastings, expert talks and regional food take centre stage. On 8 November, World Wine Tourism Day follows, with Beja opening wineries, cellars and historic sites, including the Convento de São Francisco, as part of the European Wine City 2026 celebrations. Visitors to the Pousada Convento de Beja can book a wine tasting featuring high altitude Alentejo wines in the historic cloister or garden throughout the autumn season.
Tickets
There is no fixed admission fee for the wine tasting at the Convento de São Francisco; it is booked directly through the Pousada Convento de Beja and priced according to group size and chosen program. Access to VINIPAX and most World Wine Tourism Day events is generally free or requires only free registration; exact conditions are announced by the city of Beja shortly before each date.
Visitor Tips
- Book wine tastings at the Pousada early, as capacity in the historic cloister is limited.
- Combine a visit with VINIPAX in early October or World Wine Tourism Day in early November to enjoy the full autumn program.
- Castelo de Beja and the Museu Rainha D. Leonor are just a few minutes' walk from the convent, making for an easy combined visit.
- Alentejo autumns are mild; bring a light jacket for evening tastings in the garden.
