The Casa Museu facade with its tiled panels and yellow trim, José Maria da Fonseca Casa Museu
Lisbon · Country house

José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum

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

Venue highlights
€84Starting fromper guest
Up to 350Guests300 seated for dinner
30 kmNearest airportLisbon Humberto Delgado
About José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum

José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum 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 celebrations of 300 to 350 guests.

About José Maria da Fonseca Casa Museu

The Casa Museu stands in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, within the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, a short drive south of Lisbon. José Maria da Fonseca was founded in 1834 and is one of Portugal's historic family-owned wine houses, now in its seventh generation. The house was built in the 19th century, restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, and was the Soares Franco family home until the 1970s. Its tiled facade and gardens have long been associated with the company, and the historic wine cellars sit alongside it.

A wedding here can move between garden, cellar and marquee. Ceremonies, photographs and drinks receptions suit the gardens, while the 18th century Teares Novos cellar, lined with mahogany barrels, makes a candlelit setting for dinner. A permanent marquee in the Castelinho Garden takes the largest celebrations. The estate's events team provides catering, décor and other services, and the house's own wines can be served on the day, so that a wedding carries a distinctive piece of Portuguese hospitality.

At a glance

The Essentials

Where
Azeitão, near Lisbon
Setting
Historic wine house with gardens and cellars
Capacity
Marquee up to 350 guests
Price
From 84 euros per guest plus VAT for a lunch or dinner menu
Catering
In-house menus, or your own caterer
Wine
Wines of the house available

A timeless wedding venue in Portugal

Located in the charming village of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, just south of Lisbon, José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum 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 Casa-Museum, 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

Innovation and tradition

José Maria da Fonseca has been involved in winemaking since 1834, the result of the shared passion of a family that has known how to preserve and project the memory and prestige of its founder. It is currently the oldest producer of table wine and Moscatel de Setúbal in Portugal.

From nearly 650 hectares of vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery come wines that combine the experience accumulated throughout its history with the most advanced winemaking techniques.

Innovation and tradition

A unique setting for every celebration

The Casa-Museum 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 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 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.

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 Casa-Museum 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 Casa-Museum 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
Teares Novos cellar

Teares Novos cellar

An 18th century cellar of mahogany barrels, with space for up to 200 guests from April to October.

Mata Garden

A garden with a fountain, holding 150 at round tables or 350 standing for cocktails.

Mata Garden
Winter Garden marquee

Winter Garden marquee

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

Formal gardens

Parterre gardens in front of the house provide settings for photographs and drinks.

Formal gardens
The people

Who you will plan it with

The Fonseca family
Family stories

The Fonseca family

From the Foundation cycle, through Brazil, Rosé, Strategic Markets, to the present day. A family history spanning almost two centuries, across seven generations. Wines over 100 years old, some of the most emblematic in Portugal.

Enquire about your wedding at

José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum

Share a few details about your wedding at José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum and your enquiry will be passed on to them. A reply cannot be promised, and no time can be given for it.

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Official website

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

Location

Lisbon

Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)30 km
Faro (FAO)191 km

José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum

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

Things to do nearby

  • Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa2 km · our pick for a quiet afternoon
  • Convento da Arrábida5 km · our pick for the morning after
  • Portinho da Arrábida6 km · our pick for a day by the sea
  • Sesimbra Castle11 km · our pick for a seaside lunch
  • Palmela Castle11 km · our pick for sightseeing with family

Getting there

  • Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)Airport · 30 km
  • Faro (FAO)Airport · 191 km

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€84

Lunch or dinner menu with welcome cocktail, wines, coffee and a private tour of the Casa Museu, 4 hours of service, per guest plus VAT, minimum 30 guests. Prices valid until 31 December 2026.

Typically includes

Welcome cocktail with two wines and six appetisers One or two courses with a selection of Premium wines, about half a bottle per guest Coffee or tea Venue hire for groups of 30 or more Private guided tour of the Casa Museu

Not included: VAT, Super Premium wines (12 euros per guest plus VAT) and extra hours (200 euros per hour plus VAT).

Capacity
  • Seated dinner300

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

Get the prices

Reviews

What guests say

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Frequently asked questions

José Maria da Fonseca Casa-Museum

Where is the Casa Museu?

The Casa Museu is in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, south of Lisbon. The address is Rua José Augusto Coelho 11/13, 2925-542 Azeitão.

How many guests can it hold?

The permanent marquee holds up to 350 guests. The Teares Novos cellar holds 200, the Mata Garden 150 at round tables or 350 standing, and the Bassaqueira cellar 120.

Is catering provided?

Yes. The events team offers cocktail, plated lunch and dinner and buffet menus, and external caterers, florists and event designers are also welcome.

What does a lunch or dinner menu cost?

Menus start at 84 euros per guest plus VAT for a starter, a main course and dessert, and include a welcome cocktail, wines and a private tour of the Casa Museu. Venue hire is included for 30 guests or more.

Can the estate wines be served?

Yes. The menus include a selection of Premium wines from José Maria da Fonseca, and Super Premium wines are available for a supplement.

Until what time can a wedding run?

Music is permitted until 2am on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of holidays, and until midnight on other days.

How is a date secured?

A date can be held provisionally for two weeks on written request, and is confirmed with a payment of 30 per cent of the event total.

What is the nearest station?

Coina station is about 8 km from the estate.