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

José Maria da Fonseca

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

5.02 reviews
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Venue highlights
€11,000Starting fromvenue hire
Up to 350Guests300 seated for dinner
30 kmNearest airportin a straight line, Lisbon Humberto Delgado
About José Maria da Fonseca

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.

The house stands in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, a short drive south of Lisbon. José Maria da Fonseca was founded in 1834 and is one of Portugal's historic family-owned wineries, now in its seventh generation. The house is a nineteenth-century residence restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, and it was the Soares Franco family home until the 1970s. Its tiled façade and gardens have long been associated with the winery, and the historic wine cellars sit alongside.

A wedding here can move between garden, cellar and marquee. Ceremonies, photographs and drinks receptions suit the gardens, the old cellar makes a candlelit setting for a welcome or a dinner, and the Winter Garden takes the largest celebrations, seating up to 350. Couples bring their own caterer, florist and designers, and the estate's own wines are served on the day.

José Maria da Fonseca

Gallery

28 photographs
Wedding tables laid inside the glass-sided Winter Garden marquee, with woven pendant lights and garden flowers1 / 28The yellow and white house with its dark tiled roofs, above the vines2 / 28The estate from above, with the green-roofed Winter Garden beside the formal parterre garden3 / 28A bride and groom standing close among the vines at the estate4 / 28Round tables laid for dinner inside the Winter Garden, with the glass walls behind5 / 28The house seen across flower beds and vines under a clear blue sky6 / 28
Wedding tables laid inside the glass-sided Winter Garden marquee, with woven pendant lights and garden flowers+28View Gallery The yellow and white house with its dark tiled roofs, above the vines
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Images courtesy of José Maria da Fonseca

José Maria da Fonseca

The venue on film

7 films
José Maria da Fonseca Institutional Video
Eventos José Maria da Fonseca
Eventos Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca (Tenda)
Eventos Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca (Tenda)
Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca
Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca
Eventos José Maria da Fonseca
At a glance

The Essentials

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

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A timeless wedding venue in Portugal

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.

A timeless wedding venue in Portugal

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.

Ceremonies

A unique setting for every celebration

The estate offers a variety of distinctive spaces, allowing couples and wedding planners to create a celebration that reflects their own style and vision. From elegant garden ceremonies and outdoor cocktail receptions to refined dinners and lively evening celebrations, each part of the estate brings its own character to the occasion.

The gardens provide a beautiful natural setting for ceremonies, photographs and drinks receptions, while the historic buildings and wine cellars add an authentic sense of place. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces allows for different moments throughout the wedding day, creating a seamless and memorable experience for couples and their guests.

A unique setting for every celebration

The Winter Garden: contemporary elegance meets heritage

A standout feature of the estate is the Winter Garden, a sophisticated 500 m² event structure, 20 by 25 metres, designed to bring a contemporary dimension to the historic surroundings. With premium finishes, transparent sides and generous views over the gardens and vineyard landscape, it offers a bright, elegant and versatile setting for larger celebrations.

An adjoining 131 m² deck and a 25-metre covered veranda with views towards Lisbon further extend the space, creating opportunities for outdoor cocktails, welcome receptions and relaxed moments throughout the event. The structure can accommodate a range of wedding concepts, from classic and romantic celebrations to contemporary, design-led events.

Designed with comfort and flexibility in mind, the Winter Garden offers an ideal solution for couples seeking the beauty of an outdoor-inspired wedding with the reassurance of a dedicated event space. It can host seated celebrations for approximately 300 to 350 guests, depending on the event layout and configuration.

A layout of 25 round tables of twelve seats 300 guests, with two bars and a dance floor at the centre. The hire includes a kitchen and staff area beside the marquee, and permanent restrooms that are accessible to wheelchair users.

The Winter Garden: contemporary elegance meets heritage

A personalised wedding experience

José Maria da Fonseca welcomes couples who wish to bring their own vision to life. External caterers, florists and event designers are welcome, allowing wedding planners to collaborate with their preferred creative partners. A dedicated catering preparation area, accessible facilities and event infrastructure help support the smooth delivery of each celebration.

Wine is an essential part of the experience. As a historic Portuguese winery, José Maria da Fonseca offers the opportunity to complement the wedding celebration with its wines, adding a distinctive element of Portuguese culture and hospitality to the occasion.

A personalised wedding experience

An unforgettable destination near Lisbon

Combining historic charm, beautiful gardens, exceptional wines and contemporary event facilities, José Maria da Fonseca is an inspiring destination for couples planning a wedding in Portugal. Its location in Azeitão offers the appeal of an authentic Portuguese setting while remaining within easy reach of Lisbon.

More than a wedding venue, the house is a place where generations of history, family traditions and meaningful moments come together, creating the perfect setting for the beginning of a new chapter.

An unforgettable destination near Lisbon
Wine

Wine and the long table

The house has made wine at Azeitão since 1834, and the wines poured at a wedding are its own. They are bought through your caterer or directly from the winery.

Long tables are laid in the old cellar among the barrels, in the gardens under the trees and inside the Winter Garden. Catering is brought in by your own caterer, who works from the kitchen and staff area beside the marquee.

Wine and the long table
Winter Garden marquee

Winter Garden marquee

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

The old wine cellar

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

The old wine cellar
The gardens

The gardens

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

Deck and veranda

A 131 square metre deck and a 25 metre covered veranda beside the marquee, for cocktails and welcome drinks.

Deck and veranda
A table of your own design

A table of your own design

Your own florists and designers dress the tables, so each wedding takes its own look.

The house at night

The house stands behind the gardens and is lit at night. The building itself is not part of the hire.

The house at night

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

Francisca & José Maria

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José Maria da Fonseca

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Official website

Please mention 5 Star Wedding Directory when contacting José Maria da Fonseca.

José Maria da FonsecaHistoric wine house with gardens, barrel cellars and a marquee, Azeitão, near LisbonJosé Maria da FonsecaNo. 100 · Autumn 2026
The magazineNo. 100 · Autumn 2026

José Maria da Fonseca in our magazine: the setting, the day and the details, page by page. Read it online, or download it on a computer.

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From the EditJosé Maria da Fonseca, a wine house in AzeitãoGardens, old cellars and a glass-sided marquee on a family winery south of Lisbon, hired for the whole night with your own caterer and planner.Read the story
Location

Lisbon

Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)30 km in a straight line
Faro (FAO)191 km in a straight line

José Maria da Fonseca

Rua José Augusto Coelho 11/13, 2925-542 Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Setúbal, Portugal

Things to do nearby

  • Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa2 km in a straight line
  • Convento da Arrábida5 km in a straight line
  • Portinho da Arrábida6 km in a straight line
  • Sesimbra Castle11 km in a straight line
  • Palmela Castle11 km in a straight line

Getting there

  • Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)Airport · 30 km in a straight line
  • Faro (FAO)Airport · 191 km in a straight line

Nearest station

The nearest railway station is Coina, about 8 km from the estate.

Pricing and what to expect

What a wedding here costs

From€11,000Venue hire, plus 23% VAT
Typically includes
  • Exclusive use from 7am to 4am, suppliers out by 6am
  • The 500 m² marquee (20 x 25 m) with a terrace overlooking Lisbon
  • Basic lighting in the marquee, and lighting for the gardens and outdoor areas
  • A kitchen and staff area
  • A noise permit valid until 4am
  • 12 hours of security, with control of vehicles in the car park
  • A dismantling day the following morning, 10am to 2pm
  • Cleaning throughout the event
  • Permanent restrooms, accessible to wheelchair users

Not included: air conditioning, a generator, decoration and catering. Those are arranged with your own chosen partners.

Capacity
  • Seated dinner300

All pricing is indicative and varies by date, guest numbers and requirements.

Get the prices

Reviews

What guests say

5.0 2 reviews
Wedding

Elegance, history and the charm of a Portuguese wine estate

We got married at Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca in Azeitão in late August, and we couldn't have chosen a better place. The estate has several spaces, each with its own character, and the atmosphere kept building throughout the day. We welcomed our guests in the old wine cellar, a really unique setting, full of history and charm. Our cocktail hour was in the two-level garden, surrounded by flowers and next to another beautiful garden full of vines heavy with grapes. Dinner was in the new permanent marquee, an elegant structure with a warm, wooden look and feel, with an unforgettable sunset and the sea in the distance. And of course, we toasted with the estate's own wines throughout the day.

Our guests loved the beautiful façade of the house and the immaculate gardens. On the practical side, everything is taken care of: ample parking, renovated restrooms, and a location right in the heart of Azeitão's historic village.

We can't say enough about the José Maria da Fonseca team. From the very first contact, they were incredibly available and helpful, always quick to answer our questions and happy to adapt to what we wanted. They welcomed us at the estate several times in the months leading up to the wedding, which made planning so much easier and gave us complete peace of mind. On the day itself, they were there coordinating every detail, so we could simply relax and enjoy it.

We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a wedding with elegance, history and the charm of a Portuguese wine estate.

Teresa and TomásLate August · Casa-Museu José Maria da Fonseca
More reviews
Wedding

A very natural and relaxed wedding

We chose Casa-Museu José Maria da Fonseca primarily for its setting and the character of the venue. The combination of the house, gardens and wine cellars creates several different atmospheres throughout the day, each with its own unique identity.

We particularly loved that it is a place with history and authenticity, rather than simply a venue designed for events. This gave our wedding a very natural and relaxed atmosphere, which was exactly what we were looking for.

The team was always incredibly helpful and flexible, both during the planning process and on the day itself, and everything worked seamlessly throughout the venue.

We couldn't have been happier with our choice. It was simply perfect!

Francisca & José MariaMost recent wedding · Casa-Museu José Maria da Fonseca
Read all 2 reviews → Write a review
Frequently asked questions

José Maria da Fonseca

Where is José Maria da Fonseca?

The estate is in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, south of Lisbon. The address is Rua José Augusto Coelho 11/13, 2925-542 Azeitão.

How many guests can it hold?

The Winter Garden holds up to 350 guests. A layout of 25 round tables of twelve seats 300 guests, with two bars and a dance floor at the centre. The exact number depends on the layout you choose.

Is catering provided?

No. Catering is not part of the hire. You bring your own caterer, and external caterers, florists and event designers are all welcome. A dedicated catering preparation area, the kitchen and staff area, is beside the marquee.

What does it cost to hire the estate for a wedding?

Wedding venue hire starts at €11,000 plus 23% VAT, valid until 30 December 2027. It covers exclusive use of the marquee and grounds, lighting, security, cleaning and restrooms. Catering, flowers, decoration, air conditioning and a generator are arranged separately.

Can we bring our own wine?

All wine served at the event must be from José Maria da Fonseca. It can be bought through your caterer or directly from the winery, and it is charged on consignment.

Until what time can a wedding run?

Events run until 4am, and guests leave by 4am. Suppliers have until 6am to clear the site.

What is the nearest station?

Coina station is about 8 km from the estate.

Do we need a wedding planner?

Yes. A wedding planner is required to oversee the whole process, and the venue asks for the names of all suppliers.

Is the manor house part of the hire?

No. The hire covers the outdoor areas, the cellars and guest parking. The manor house building and the wine shop are not included.

How is the date secured?

A date can be held for fifteen business days by email. It is confirmed with a payment of 50% of the total, and the other 50% is due 90 days before the event. The 50% deposit is not refundable, and cancelling less than 90 days before means the full fee is kept.

What is not allowed?

Confetti, pyrotechnics, fire and similar items are not permitted.

Can the marquee be cooled or heated?

Air conditioning and a heat pump are available as extras, quoted separately.