2-Hour Winery Tour: Discover the Joana da Cana Legend

2 Hours Round trip from Winery Vinhos Franco Easy pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Walk through the vineyards while hearing the authentic legend of Joana da Cana
02 Go behind the scenes in the cellar to understand the winery's production philosophy
03 Taste three Joana da Cana wines - White, Rosé, and Red - in a guided session
04 Enjoy a regional board of local artisanal cheeses and charcuterie with the tasting
05 Spend dedicated Q&A time with the winemaker and access bottles at the cellar door

Step into a boutique family estate in Portugal's Tejo wine region for an intimate 2-hour experience that blends local winemaking with the intriguing legend of Joana da Cana. Stroll through the vineyards as your host shares the history of the estate and the tale behind its name, a story of local inheritance and character that still shapes the land today. Go behind the scenes in the cellar to learn about fermentation and blending choices, following the journey from grape to bottle. Finish with a relaxed, guided tasting of three Joana da Cana wines - White, Rosé, and Red - paired with a board of regional cheeses and charcuterie, then enjoy time for a Q&A with the winemaker and exclusive cellar-door access to purchase your favorite bottles directly from the source.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Languages English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Welcome, Joana da Cana Legend, Cellar Visit and Tasting

Decades ago, a local woman named Joana inherited this land from her wealthy yet notoriously stern godmother. Known locally as "Joana atraganada" (the handful goddaughter), she suffered because her godmother wasn't shy about using a wooden cane (cana) to keep young Joana in line. Joana inherited the land, but the nickname stuck forever: Joana da Cana. Today, the winery preserves this heritage, crafting wines that honor the memory and character of this land.

00:00 - 00:20 | Welcome & The Legend in the Vineyard
Meet at the estate for an introduction to the Tejo wine region. Walk through the vines and learn the legend of Joana and her godmother while observing the grape varieties up close.
00:20 - 00:50 | Behind the Scenes: Cellar & Production
Enjoy a guided walk through the production area. Discover the winemaking decisions, fermentation techniques, and blending philosophy behind the bottles.
00:50 - 01:40 | Guided Tasting of 3 Joana da Cana Wines
Take part in a relaxed, expert-led tasting paired with a board of regional cheeses and charcuterie:
- Joana da Cana White: An aromatic, crisp blend of Fernão Pires, Arinto, and Moscatel.
- Joana da Cana Rosé: A vibrant, gastronomic single-varietal Caladoc with lively fruit notes.
- Joana da Cana Red: A bold, structured blend of Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
01:40 - 02:00 | Cellar Door & Departure
Wrap up with a Q&A session with the winemaker and exclusive access to purchase bottles directly from the cellar.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

100% Private Experience: Exclusive 2-hour tour reserved solely for your private group (2 to 6 people maximum).
Guided Vineyard & Cellar Tour: Walk through the vineyards and production areas with insights into our winemaking methods, Tejo terroir, and local heritage.
Storytelling Session: The authentic local story behind the legend of "Joana da Cana."
Guided Wine Tasting: Expert-led tasting of 3 full-sized pours of Joana da Cana wines:
- Joana da Cana White (Fernão Pires, Arinto, Moscatel)
- Joana da Cana Rosé (Caladoc)
- Joana da Cana Red (Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Food Pairing: A generous regional board of local artisanal cheeses and charcuterie served alongside the wines.
Direct Winemaker Q&A: Dedicated time to ask questions, chat about enology, and receive personalized recommendations.
Cellar-Door Access: Opportunity to purchase exclusive bottles directly from the winery.

What's Not Included

Transportation to and from the winery (guests can arrive using their own vehicle, or transfer services can be arranged upon request for an additional fee).
Full meals beyond the provided cheese and charcuterie pairing board.
Gratuities.

What to bring

Comfortable Footwear: Flat, closed-toe walking shoes or boots for walking through the vineyard and cellar floor. High heels or flip-flops are not recommended.
Light Jacket or Layer: Cellars maintain a naturally cool temperature year-round, so a sweater or light jacket will keep you comfortable during the production tour.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen for the outdoor vineyard portion of the visit.
ID / Proof of Age: A valid government-issued photo ID showing you are 18+ to participate in the wine tasting.
Camera / Phone: Photos are fully permitted and encouraged in both the vineyards and cellar areas.
Payment Method: Credit card or cash if you plan to purchase bottles at the cellar door to take home.

Know before you go

100% Private Group: This experience is completely private for your party (minimum 2, maximum 6 guests). No strangers will join your group.
Duration & Punctuality: The tour lasts exactly 2 hours. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled start time to ensure a seamless experience.
Dietary Requirements: The wine tasting includes a regional board of local cheeses and charcuterie. Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free alternatives are available if requested at least 48 hours in advance.
Footwear & Attire: Part of the tour takes place in the vineyards and cellar production area. Comfortable, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended. Cellars can remain cool year-round, so bringing a light layer is advisable.
Transportation: Guests typically arrive using their own vehicle. Private round-trip transfer to the winery can be arranged prior to your visit for an additional fee.
Minimum Drinking Age: Wine tastings are strictly reserved for guests aged 18 and older. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available for younger guests or designated drivers.

Logistics