José Maria da Fonseca

Wedding tables laid inside the glass-sided Winter Garden marquee, with woven pendant lights and garden flowers

Lisbon, Portugal

Historic wine house with gardens, barrel cellars and a marquee, Azeitão, near Lisbon

No. 100 · Autumn 2026

The house seen across flower beds and vines under a clear blue sky

Welcome

A timeless wedding venue in Portugal

José Maria da Fonseca is a nineteenth-century family residence at the heart of one of Portugal's most historic family-owned wineries, in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, just south of Lisbon, with gardens, historic cellars and a 500 m² Winter Garden for seated celebrations of 300 to 350 guests.

Located in the charming village of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, just south of Lisbon, José Maria da Fonseca offers a truly distinctive setting for weddings, where Portuguese heritage, timeless elegance and exceptional wine come together to create unforgettable celebrations. Founded in 1834, José Maria da Fonseca is one of Portugal's most historic family-owned wineries, with a legacy spanning seven generations. At the heart of this heritage lies the house, a beautiful nineteenth-century residence that was carefully renovated in 1923 by renowned architect Ernesto Korrodi. Once the family home, the property preserves the warmth and character of a private historic residence, offering couples an intimate and authentic atmosphere in which to celebrate their special day. Surrounded by gardens, historic cellars and the enduring traditions of Portuguese winemaking, the estate provides a romantic backdrop for weddings that combine history, nature and understated sophistication.

We particularly loved that it is a place with history and authenticity, rather than simply a venue designed for events.Francisca & José Maria

A bride and groom standing close among the vines at the estate

The setting

Ceremonies

The gardens are the setting for ceremonies, photographs and drinks receptions. A garden ceremony depends on the weather, so a plan for rain belongs in the first conversation with the events team.

Where: Azeitão, near Lisbon
Setting: Historic wine house with gardens and cellars
Capacity: Winter Garden seats about 300 to 350 guests
Price: From €11,000 plus VAT for venue hire

Guests at dinner in the Winter Garden as the sun sets through the glass walls

The celebration

How the day is held

Up to 350 guests.

Round tables laid for dinner inside the Winter Garden, with the glass walls behind

Winter Garden marquee

A permanent 500 square metre marquee with glass sides, a deck and a covered veranda, for up to 350 guests.

A candlelit table in the old cellar, with oak barrels on both sides

The old wine cellar

Barrels, brick and candlelight for welcome drinks or a dinner among the casks.

The tiled house façade with a bronze statue holding a torch in the foreground

The gardens

Gardens and a vineyard behind the house, for ceremonies, photographs and drinks receptions.

A timber terrace with white sofas and a green balustrade above the vineyard

A black and white striped table with oranges and potted herbs

A table in blue and white patterned linen with white ginger jars and flowers

Rows of dressed tables inside the Winter Garden

At a glance

The facts

Where: Azeitão, near Lisbon
Setting: Historic wine house with gardens and cellars
Capacity: Winter Garden seats about 300 to 350 guests
Price: From €11,000 plus VAT for venue hire
Catering: Your own caterer; external caterers, florists and designers welcome
Wine: Only the estate wines are served
Hours: Exclusive use from 7am; events until 4am
Planner: A wedding planner is required