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Portugal’s Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The Douro wines are not widely known, but they are popular in wine tourism.
We loved discovering the best Douro Valley wineries, and we have five fantastic vineyards to share with you.
The best wineries in Douro Valley best are dotted along the Douro River in northern Portugal. Traditional and charming, visiting the wine region is like taking a wonderful step back in time.
Not only does the Douro Valley produce some of the finest, affordable and underrated Portuguese wines, it also offers magical landscapes wine travelers will appreciate.
Our quest for authentic food in Portugal led us to discover delightful Portuguese wines with our meals. Pleasantly surprised by the breath and flavors of the wines, we eagerly explored Portugal’s historic wine region.
Join us as we uncover the hidden secrets of Portugal’s Douro Valley with tours of five exceptional wineries.
Douro Valley Tours of Five Amazing Douro Valley Wineries
The Douro Valley is an exceptionally beautiful, historic wine region.The area is most famous for being the home of Port wines, but over the last few decades, exceptional table wines have emerged. Today, wines from the region are evenly split between Port and table wines.
The grape varietals used are native to Portugal and not commonly grown elsewhere. The climate is very particular and described by locals as “nine months of winter and three months of hell.”
Temperatures can soar above 40°C (104 °F) during the summer months and sometimes even hit 50°C (122 °F). The extreme heat causes the grapes to grow thick skins, which impart unique characteristics to the wines.
The following five wineries offer some of the best wine and port tasting in the Douro Valley. Be sure to include these best vineyards on your Douro Valley tours.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you don’t want to bother with renting a car, consider taking a Douro Valley wine tour. Float down the Douro River in a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat. Stop at two wineries for a sampling of a variety of Portuguese wines. Savor a traditional Douro Valley lunch and enjoy a relaxed, full day of wine tourism when you book your Douro Valley wine tour.
1. Quinta Nova – Exceptional Douro Valley Wine Tour
Quinta Nova, which dates back to 1725, is one of the oldest and most impressive wineries in the Douro area.
Our personal tour started in the vineyards, looking out over the 120 hectares (350 acres) of vines.
The top five Portuguese grape varieties grown at the vineyard are; Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Touriga Roriz, Tinto Cão and Tinta Francisca.
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting their onsite Wine Museum or Museu do Vinho.
This personal collection of the Amorim Family tells the story not only of Quinta Nova, but of wine production in the Douro Valley.
Many of the pieces date back to the 19th century and include fascinating wine making relics. Find ancient tools for picking grapes, old wooden presses for the wines, the old bottling process, and much more.
Following the tour, you will want to eat. Terraçu’s Winery Restaurant at Quinta Nova is a gastronomy restaurant with a focus on local food.
At the time of our visit, which was off-season, the restaurant was closed. Instead, we had petiscos or Portuguese tapas in the tasting room.
Quinta Nova Wine Tasting Tours
Three different wines were offered for the tasting. One white wine, Pomares, and two red wines. One red wine was Quinta Nova Colheita and the second, Quinta Nova Terroir Blend Reserva.
The Pomares was light and refreshing, with fruity aromas – perfect for a hot day. The reds were intense, strong in structure, and with an elegant finish.
Along with the wines we ordered petiscos, an overflowing plate of Portuguese tapas. Included were various cuts of delicious ham, olives, cheese, dried fruit, and bread.
Perfectly paired with robust wine tasting portions along with views of the valley, the experience was unmatched.
Great wines and amazing service, this is one of the best Douro Valley wineries to visit.
Address: 5085-222 Covas do Douro – Portugal
Tours: Book your tour in advance. Tours in English are available.
Price: Douro Valley wine tours priced at €16 euros per person though pricing may increase during the high season.
Hours: Our off-season tour was at 10:00 am. Call ahead for hours and availability
Accommodations: Quinta Nova also offers luxury accommodations at one of the best Douro Valley Relais & Châteaux hotels.
Tip: One of the best wineries Douro Valley offering generous servings of wine. Eat at the restaurant or enjoy petiscos in the Tasting Room.
2. Quinta do Seixo and Casa Ferreirinha Wines – Top Female Wine Producer in the Douro Valley
The wines by Casa Ferreirinha are some of the best in the Douro Valley and should be included in your tour of the region.
Dona Antónia Ferreira, who famously ran Casa Ferreirinha, was a woman much ahead of her time. She achieved one of the biggest fortunes in the country in the 18th century.
Furthermore, she confronted the men who dominated Port wine production and succeeded in producing some of the best Douro Valley wines.
In 1987, Portugal’s biggest wine-producing company, Sogrape, acquired Casa Ferreirinha. The company added Casa Ferreirinha wines to their portfolio of Port wine brands such as Sanderman, Offley, and others.
You can try the distinctive Casa Ferreirinha wines at Quinta do Seixo – Sanderman in the Douro Valley wine region.
Casa Ferreirinha Douro Valley Wine Tasting
Ferreira wines are synonymous with high-quality Portuguese wine. Under the direction of Dona Antónia, these wines are the reference point for exceptional Douro Valley wines.
We tasted two different Ferreirinha red wines and one white wine. We enjoyed the wines and found them elegant and not overpowering.
The reds had wonderful juicy fruit flavors while the white wine was bright with tropical fruit aromas. Rosemary was a huge fan of the wines, particularly the reds.
Beyond the exceptional wine tasting experience, the views overlooking the valley are nothing short of magnificent. This is an experience to be savored.
On your Douro Valley Portugal visit, don’t miss Casa Ferreirinha wines for their historical importance and exquisite flavors.
Address: Valença do Douro, Tabuaço, Douro Valley
Tours: Book your tour in advance and be prepared to relish the astonishing views of the Douro Valley
Price: Tours are priced at €18 euros per person. Ask for the Casa Ferreirinha wine tasting experience
Hours: From November – February, Open from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm. From March to October, Open 10:30 am – 6:30 pm
Tip: Enjoy the award-winning tasting room and try both the port and wine tastings
3. Quinta do Tedo – Organic Douro Valley Wine Tasting
This small boutique winery is the first organic vineyard in the Douro Valley. While it dates back to the 18th century, organic grape growing started in 2007 and 2011 was their first completely organic harvest.
Quinta do Tedo is co-owned by a Frenchman (of the Bouchard family winemaker in Burgundy), his American wife and a Portuguese winemaker.
Traditional winemaking practices are still employed at Quinta do Tedo. The grapes are harvested by hand and some grape stomping is also done by foot.
The vineyard also features a small agrotourism Quinta do Tedo B&B where you can stay and explore the region.
Free bicycles are provided to guests and activities such as hiking, canoeing, and bird watching are available. Located on the hilly slopes around the picturesque Tedo River, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley.
RELATED: 12 Of The Best Things To Do in Porto for Food Lovers
Quinta do Tedo Organic Douro Valley Wine Tastings
We were surprised to find organic Douro Valley wines and were quite eager to try them. Quinta do Tedo offers red wines and port wines.
We tried both table wines and Port wines. The red wine tasting included a Grande Reserva Savedra 2013 and a Douro DOC Reserva 2014.
Both excellent and loved by Rosemary for their intense aromas and fruity flavors.
The Port wines tasting included a range of surprising yet remarkable wines. A Rosé port, the lightest of the port wines kicked off our experience.
This was followed by an 8-year-old Tawny Port. And, finally, a 2011 Quinta do Tedo LBV or late bottle vintage. Both Port wines were delicious and complex, though the late harvest was my favorite.
The Black Wheatear bird on their logo is quite striking. According to the local traditions, the birds would show up to eat the grapes when they are perfectly ripe. So, the bird on the label signifies perfectly ripe grapes.
Address: N-222 M512, Folgosa, Douro Valley
Tours: Tours offered in multiple languages.
Price: Prices range from €14 to €65 per person depending on the wines and port wine tasting selected
Hours: Open all year round, though reservations highly recommended
B&B: Check pricing for your stay at Quinta do Tedo
Tip: In addition to organic Port and wine tasting, Portuguese olive oil tastings are also available.
4. Quinta da Pacheca – Iconic Winery in Douro Valley
Quinta da Pacheca is one of the most well-known wineries in the Douro Valley. The vineyard dates back to 1738 and was the first to bottle wine under its own brand.
Vineyards at Pacheca span over 75 hectares (185 acres). You’ll find the winery, wine bar and wine shop, a luxury hotel, restaurant, and spa onsite.
There’s more to do here besides drink wine. During vineyard tours, guests will learn about local wine production and enjoy the views.
Quinta da Pacheca also offers distinctive culinary experiences such as cooking classes and picnics in the vineyard.
And, in October you can participate in an olive harvest experience and taste a range of exclusive extra virgin olive oil.
Quinta da Pacheca Wine Tasting
The wine tasting experience begins with a 45-minute immersion into the rich history of Pacheca’s wine production and current vineyard and winemaking operations.
After that, guests receive a wine tasting of two table wines and two port wines. These can be paired with cheese for an additional fee.
Taste Quinta da Pacheca’s range of wines, as well as some of their rare Reservas. On your tour, you might even try wines that are wood aged reserves directly out of oak barrels.
Look for bright, fruity white Branco 2010 wines. And a delectable fresh Tinto 2009 red wine.
The port wines tasting includes a range of their Vintage Ports and all you’ll also sample olive oil, and other regional products.
Address: Rua do Relógio do Sol, 261, Cambres, Lamego, Portugal
Tours: Book tours in advance – 45-minute tours offered in English and Portuguese
Price: Tour and tasting is priced at €15 euros per person, or €22 euros for added cheese pairing
Hours: Open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Hotel: Sleep at the Wine House Hotel or inside their giant wine barrel.
Tip: More than a winery, Quinta da Pacheca also offers a spa in the vineyards.
RELATED: Port Tasting in Porto: 6 Of The Best Wine Cellars To Visit
5. Quinta de La Rosa – Wine Expert Favorite Destination
With its stunning location of nearly 1400 acres on the banks of the River Douro, Quinta de la Rosa is highly recommended by wine experts.
Many port houses store and bottle their port wines at Vila Nova da Gaia in Porto. However, Quinta de La Rosa completes the entire wine production process at their estate in the Douro.
Family owned and managed since 1906, the property was renovated in 2017 and is now an idyllic hotel and favorite wine tourism destination.
The hotel has 12 rooms, 4 suites, a pool and incredible views. If you are looking to splurge, there are also two independent houses with private pools available.
Quinta de La Rosa has two restaurants. Don’t miss the contemporary Cozinha da Clara (Clara’s Kitchen) restaurant, an homage to the owner’s grandmother, Claire Feueheerd.
The restaurant offers a few of Claire’s favorite recipes and pairs every dish with their own wines. They also use vegetables from their own garden and source ingredients as locally as possible.
Tim’s Terrace, named after the current owner offers a relaxed, outdoor setting with wood-fired pizzas and gourmet bar food. In addition to wine, La Rosa makes its own craft beer to enjoy with your pizza.
Quinta de La Rosa Wine Tasting
Quinta de la Rosa produces about 300,000 liters of wine yearly, 70% of which is dry wine and 30% is Port fortified wine.
They produce a variety of wines, made possible by growing 20-30 different grape varieties on different vineyards at various altitudes.
They offer a few options for tours, starting with a basic vineyard tour where guests learn about the family estate and how port and wine are made.
And of course you’ll want to add a tasting where you can sample a white and red wine, followed by a tawny and a ruby Port.
One of our favorite wine in Portugal was the Passagem wine, a wine made in partnership with their sister winery Quinta das Bandeiras.
If you have time in your schedule, consider their tour, tasting, and winemaker’s lunch.
Address: Quinta de la Rosa, 5085-215 Covas do Douro, Portugal
Tours: Book ahead for guided tours available in English and Portuguese. Private tours in other languages are also available.
Price: 30-minute tour priced at €10 euros per person; one-hour tour with tasting of four wines priced at €20 euros per person
Hours: Daily tours at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Additional 5:00 pm tour available from April to October
Tip:To avoid driving, you can book a night or a short stay at Quinta de La Rosa. See booking information rooms and rates.
Where to Stay in the Douro Valley – The Best Douro Valley Hotels
Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House in Pinhão
While visiting Quinta Nova, you may want to consider simply staying at the Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House.
Described as “Heaven in the Douro Valley”, you can expect world-class amenities, a restaurant featuring exceptional regional cuisine, and excellent wine pairings.
This is one of the best hotels in the Douro Valley.
Explore the historic sites around the wine hotel as you walk on the ‘walkers trails” or relax by the outdoor swimming pool. Slow down, enjoy the spectacular views and soak in the Douro Valley experience.
Quinta da Pacheca Wine House Hotel in Lamego
If you are looking for a unique experience when you visit Portugal, consider staying the night in a giant wine barrel at the Wine House Hotel at Quinta da Pacheca.
The barrels offer round beds, showers, beautiful views of the rolling vineyards, and a terrace with cozy chairs to enjoy the wine and the view.
If you’d like a bit more space, the hotel also offers traditional rooms that combine classic charm with contemporary interior design.
Enjoy the pool, the restaurant, the wine tasting (complimentary during your stay), and be sure to make time for the spa.
Quinta do Tedo B&B in Folgosa
If you’re visiting Quinta do Tedo for their organic wines, we recommend staying at Quinta do Tedo for a unique experience.
This family run bed and breakfast attached to the Quinta offers wonderful views, overlooking the Tedo River, olive trees and vineyards.
With a bistro offering local fare, you can extend your wine tasting with lunch or dinner. A tasty breakfast is served every morning.
Quinta do Tedo also provides bicycles, canoes and free use of binoculars for bird watching. This Douro Valley hotel is a gem in the valley.
RELATED: 5 of the Best Places to Stay in Porto For Food Lovers
Where to Eat in the Douro Valley
Restaurante Cais da Foz – A Casual Eatery in Pinhão
If you decide not to eat at Quinta Nova, nearby Pinhão town offers some solid options.
From Quinta Nova, we recommend Restaurante Cais da Foz, a casual, no-frills restaurant. A local favorite, you’ll find it located just before the bridge that leads to Pinhão.
The simple menu with local Portuguese foods awaits. Choose from grilled meat, fish or omelet served with homemade fries, rice and salad.
Be sure to have a glass of local wine to accompany your meal. The portion sizes are quite generous. Plan to share or order accordingly.
This local restaurant is a great stop for the wine traveler exploring wineries and port lodges in the region.
Address: EM590, Pinhão, Portugal
Hours: Open everyday; 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Price: About €12 to €15 euros for a main dish (approx $13 to $16 USD)
O Tachinho da Té Restaurant For Regional Portuguese Food in Tabuaço
For our trip to the Douro Valley, we chose to stay in Tabuaço, a small village up in the hills surrounded by the vineyards, a few miles from Pinhão.
Tabuaço offers a couple of options for dinner. We recommend O tachinho da té, a local restaurant serving traditional specialties from the region.
To start, you want to taste the alheira sausages. These smoked traditional sausages from the northern region of Trás-os-Montes are served grilled as an appetizer.
Don’t miss the specialty of the house, roasted veal with marinated rice called Filé de Vitela arroz de grelos com moira.
We loved the veal which was tender and juicy. The soupy rice dish had marinated rapini, a type of broccoli, olive oil, and pieces of Moira, a traditional blood sausage.
Flavorful with wonderful aromas and textures, the house specialties are not to be missed.
Address: R. Conde Ferreira, 5120-400 Tabuaço, Portugal
Hours: Open every day; 9:00 am to 11:30 pm; Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: About €12 to €20 for a main dish (approx $13 to $22 USD)
RELATED: Top 10 Authentic Foods You Want to Delight in Porto
How to Get from Porto to Douro Valley
Located only an hour and a half from Porto, Pinhão is the main town to explore the Douro Valley wines. You can get to Pinhão by boat or cruise, car or by train.
Douro River Cruises – Porto to Douro Valley by Boat
One unique way of exploring the Douro Valley is by cruise. There are many types of Douro river cruises available. You can take a one day tour on a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat and enjoy pure relaxation as you take in the magnificent views.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Explore Douro Valley vineyards on a scenic boat trip along the Douro River. This small group tour takes you on a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat to two wineries in the Douro Valley. You’ll sample a variety of wines and also enjoy lunch with local specialties. A Douro Valley boat tour is a great way to experience the region.
Porto to Douro Valley by Car
Renting a car offers flexibility to explore many of the best vineyards in the Douro Valley. In Portugal, renting a car is quite affordable and straightforward.
We found great deals on car rental rates in Porto and the roads are well maintained.
The only inconvenience is the rental agents who will try to upsell you on anything and everything, particularly a toll pass. You don’t need to take the highway and you won’t have any secondary road tolls. The toll pass is not needed though the agents may insist on it.
Once you get closer to Peso da Régua, the main town before Pinhão, keep in mind that the only option to cross the Douro River is either in Pinhão or Peso da Régua.
Porto to Douro Valley by Train
Taking the Linha do Douro, or Douro Line train, is another picturesque ways to visit Douro Valley wineries.
From the main train stations in Porto you can connect to wineries in the Douro Valley.
The three popular stops along the route are Pinhão, a port-producing town with beautiful Portuguese tiles. Tua, at the confluence of Tua River and Douro. And finally Pocinho, a small easy to navigate village in the heart of the wine region.
Check the train timetable and find prices on Omio for daily departures from São Bento and Campanha stations in Porto.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Between June and October you can take the Historical Douro Valley Train along the Douro River. This is a steam locomotive train with 5 historical carriages that runs from the Régua and Tua wine regions. Enjoy Port wines onboard along with regional singers and entertainment. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Hours, pricing and booking information on Comboios de Portugal website.
In Summary
With rich and bold red wines, the Douro Valley is a magical place to discover native Portuguese grape varieties.
It is quite an amazing experience to taste the results of ancient grapes growing on steep terraced vineyards under harsh conditions.
Douro Valley wines and the wines of Portugal will not leave you indifferent. The wineries, despite the rustic atmospheres, offer intimate world-class visits with tours offered in multiple languages.
While on a wine tour, adopt the local slow pace. Do not rush to the next winery. Instead, take your time and admire the magnificent valley.
Choose to visit just a few of the best Douro Valley wineries. Go for quality over quantity. Not to mention, with the steep and rugged terrain, you will want to drive safely as you make your way to the different wineries.
The charming northern Portuguese villages offer some of the best hotels. Likewise, the regional cuisine is exceptional and a treat for your taste buds.
Wine lovers will fall in love with not only the exquisite Douro wines, but also the magical landscape and incredible, local cuisine.
Have you visited any of the wineries in Douro Valley? Please let us know which ones or your favorite Portuguese wines in the comments below.
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
Your post has prompted me to seek out white wines from Portugal – each of the ones you featured sounds delicious and perfect for me here in South Florida. It’s just tough to find them here! Reds, yes, there are many; whites, not so much. But I shall persevere! Thanks for sharing your notes and beautiful photos.
Thanks Natalie for your feedback on our article and the inspiration it gave you to seek out wines from Portugal. It’s true the red wines are more readily available, but you can also find white Portuguese wines as well. In Florida, check out Total Wines and ask specifically for Vinho Verde. Casal Garcia is a famous brand in the U.S. but there are others. The staff at Total Wines are incredibly helpful and they will guide you to some amazing Portuguese white wines. Do let us know what you think when you find them. Cheers.
Wow what a beautiful place to explore. The Douro valley looks amazing and all that wine!
You had me at wine, LOL. I need to visit Portugal the food and wine have been calling me for a long time. I just need to block out some time to really experience all those wineries. Those Alheria sausages have my name all over them. 🙂
If Portugal has been calling you for a while, it’s time to heed that call 🙂 Yes, the food and wine will not disappoint by any means. When you do eventually go, make sure to plan for plenty of time in northern Portugal. Cheers, Debra.
I very briefly visited Douro Valley in 2012, but my wine palette has grown up a lot since. I’d love to go back and discover it again as a wine lover now. But note to self – don’t go in summer. Getting up over 110 F does indeed sound like hell, so I can see why the locals would say they experience three months of hell.
Portuguese wines continue to get better every year and are winning international awards as well. I think you’d love the wines from the Douro Valley. They are magnificent. And yes, avoid the Summer heat 🙂 Cheers, Jennifer.
We did love our visit to the Douro Valley – for both the landscape and the wines. We were definitely happy we took a car so we could wander at will. We always find it fascinating to see how the grapes are harvested on such terraced lands. We toured mostly the smaller wineries although we do wish we had stopped at Casa Ferreirinha. We thought we would mostly find port wine but were pleasantly surprised with the good red and white wines we too tried. Definitely a spot we went to return to at harvest time.
Agreed, Linda we would have loved to have visited during harvest as well. The Douro Valley is truly magnificent. If you do go back, don’t miss sipping the incredible wines at Casa Ferrierinha 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
The question I have to ask, is that I have tried the Grilled Alheira sausages in the Douro but I didn’t like the wine I had to go with them. It didn’t tasted that well. What wine would you recommend to go with them as I am heading back there after a 10 year break from the region.
Oh wow, sorry to hear you didn’t like the Portuguese wines you tasted. During our wine tours we learned that there have been a lot of improvements made to the wines over the years. I believe that after 10 years you will find the wines much improved. In terms of the best Douro Valley wines, we highly recommend Quinta Nova wines. Making table wines (as opposed to port wines) is their primary focus and they have made the necessary investments to produce superior table wines. Things have changed, go with an open palate. Cheers.
As a Portuguese, I loved this article! You manage to give such detail about our Douro region. Is one of the most beautiful in the country. I’ve done the historical train two years ago and is such a cool experience. Have you been to the Alentejo region? The wine is one of my favorite and the food also really good 😉
Thank you so much Marlene for your feedback. We always love hearing from locals and your comments mean the world to us. Yes, indeed, we have also been to the Alentejo region and the food and wine is spectacular. Portugal is a delicious country that we love as well. Cheers.
Wow the food and wine featured in this region of Northern Portugal looks amazing along with the beautiful landscape. I love road trips so I would definitely enjoy visiting in own timeframe and places of interest I can stop and go as I please.
You are right, Noel. Even though northern Portugal does not feature much for road trips, it is the perfect destination to explore the old historical cities and enjoy incredible Douro Valley wines. Thanks for stopping by.
I think it would love a treat to drive through the Douro Valley even if you aren’t looking to try a bunch of wines. I think my daughter would love it though. I can’t believe the price of a rental car is only 5 Euros! Those rental car people are sneaky though. I’ve been mislead more than one time. I’m usually pretty strong willed though. Good to know you don’t need the toll pass. Driving off of the highway is generally prettier anyway.
You do have to watch the car rental people and it seems like their “upsell” tactics can be found pretty much everywhere. It is truly very beautiful driving off the highway in the Douro Valley and for 5 euros a day for a car, you can’t beat that. Hope you make it to the Douro Valley soon. Cheers.
Oh my gosh, so many interesting facts here. wow, such a stunning place & you photograph it so well. Thanks for the creative post!
Hello Ladies,
I’m planning a trip to Portugal in March by way of Spain. I’m not a big red wine fan, at least what we have in the US. White wines I kinda stick to Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. When I travel I give the areas wines a try. Wines are so different in other countries and better to me. But I love Port’s and that one of the reasons for going to Portugal. I plan to drive from Porto to Douro Valley. So which of the wineries would you recommend on a day trip other than the ones you have mentioned, if you tried anything others.
thanks,
Theresa
Hi Teresa, thank you so much for your feedback on our article. We really enjoyed Portuguese wines and in many cases found them better than most wines we’ve had in the U.S. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit more wineries than the ones we highlighted. Our goal was to travel deeper and visit fewer wineries and spend more time learning about the wines, rather than trying to hit several wineries. The roads are also quite narrow and steep and we didn’t want to be driving between tastings. You’ll have a great time and the beauty of the Douro Valley is breathtaking. Enjoy!!
Douro Valley looks beautiful not only as a wine region but even otherwise, so beautiful! I’d love to take a road trip to this place and I can’t believe you can rent a car for as less as €5 for a day in Porto! I love road trips especially when it is in such scenic places. Also, because I love wines, I have the incentive to try a variety of wines which is another reason I’d love to visit this place. Thanks for the recommendation!
You are most welcome Medha. So glad you enjoyed reading and discovering the Douro Valley through the article. We’d recommend spending a couple of days in the region to get the most out of the experience. Besides, with all the amazing wines, you’ll need to take a break 🙂 Cheers.
Oh my! This is indeed the best ever! Love the view, and the food looks delicious too!
I love wine tasting and Douro Valley looks divine! And that breathtaking vineyard landscape is such a bliss for the eyes! I hope to visit there soon!
If you love wine tastings, then Douro Valley is the place to go. So many delicious and unusual wines you won’t find easily around the world. Hope you get to visit Douro Valley soon.
This looks beautiful!! I would definitely go there if I ever make it to Portugal!!
If your Portugal is on your travels plan Tif, I highly recommend going to the Douro Valley. From the food, wines and natural beauty, it is truly a remarkable region.
I don’t know anything about wines but this place is heaven on Earth. Such abundant beauty and you feel lost in nature.
Well captured, Shilpa. A truly spectacular and beautiful region to visit. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow. They all look and sound wonderful. I don’t drink wine, but I will never pass the opportunity to see vineyards. I love looking at them. Can’t belive car rental is so cheap, was it easy to drive there?
Glad even as a non-wine drinker you can still appreciate the beautiful Douro Valley region. Yes, it was pretty easy driving in the region, though some of the roads were narrow and with twists and turns. It’s easy to get around. Thanks Carmen for stopping by.
Douro Valley in Portugal is so damn gorgeous. I am already in love with it and the best if so many varieties of wine. We will love tasting them all. Car rental is really less and I to feel it will be the best option for sightseeing.
The Douro Valley is incredibly inspiring and a great place to spend time. The beauty of the region and the incredible wines make the perfect match!!
I’d love to visit the organic vineyard where they still use traditional production methods like stomping the grapes by foot! I feel like the wine tastes better when you know the effort that went into it. And wow really, 5 euro to rent a car? Sold.
You are right Carrie, when you know a more about what goes into making wines (or local foods), you have a deeper appreciation for the end product. For a 5 euro rental, you can’t go really go wrong in the Douro Valley!!
Visiting the Douro Valley is on my list for my next trip to Portugal. When I was there we sampled some wonderful Port in Porto, but we didn’t make it into the Valley. I definitely want to make it a priority to stop at Casa Ferreirinha Wines because you know, girl power! Great post!
Thanks so much Paige for your feedback. A trip back to Portugal and to the Douro Valley is certainly a great plan. And totally agree, Casa Ferreirinha Wines are a must!! Thanks for stopping by.
I have always wanted to bike through the Loire Valley but Douro seems like a beautiful alternative, especially when they offer free bikes at the B&B. I would want to avoid the scorching 100 degree weather, but that sounds doable. The small plates and sausages look really good too.
The key to successfully riding through the Douro Valley is going off season 🙂 The reward will be the delicious petiscos plates and fab wines. Let us know if you do end up biking in the Douro Valley!
Like the strong character of Dona Antónia Ferreira who confronted all men winemakers in the Valley. No wonder the wines by Casa Ferreirinha are some of the best in the Douro Valley .
Only exceptional personalities can produce exceptional wines!
You are 100% correct!! Love it. Indeed Casa Ferreirinha wines are some of the best we’ve ever had!! Thanks Milijana
Oh my gosh Douro looks like a slice of heaven! There is a Portuguese wine shop in Munich and I love buying my wine from there, but it is a dream to go to a winery in Portugal. I’m a huge fan of organic wines, so I would definitely be staying at the organic winery. What a great detailed guide!
Thank you Susanna. So glad you enjoyed the article. That’s great that you have a dedicated Portuguese wine shop in Munich. Unfortunately for us in the U.S., the liquor stores or wine shops carry a very limited selection of Douro Valley wines. Yes, Quinta de Tedo is quite amazing for the wines and the experience. Hope you get to Portugal soon.
I was just talking about Porto a couple days ago. Glad to hear Douro Valley is so close and car rental is inexpensive. Thanks for the tip about the toll roads!
That’s perfect timing!! And so glad the tips about the car rental are helpful. Do let us know what you discover when you go. Cheers, Sherianne.
I’m a huge fan of Portugal and the Douro. We don’t know their wines so well in the UK because the production is not that large so much of it is kept for home consumption. Such stunning landscapes, as your article shows! I want to go visit Vintage House in particular
Wonderful! So great to read Fiona that you are already a huge Portugal and Douro Valley fan. So much to discover and enjoy. Glad you liked the article 🙂
We are already a big fan of Portuguese wine (especially the reds) and food but we still haven’t taken a trip along the Douro Valley. We hope to next spring as it’s quite easy to get there from the UK. We could spend a week there exploring the wine areas.
A trip to the Douro Valley is definitively worth it. And you are right, plan for a week if not more 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Your tips on car rental and the toll pass are really helpful. Thank you!
You are most welcome, Annemarie.
I’m not a huge wine fan, but I absolutely love visiting vineyards. These look like some of the most amazing ones that I have seen. I really love all your pictures and this is definitely a trip I would love to take. 😀
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the article, despite not being a wine drinker. The Douro Valley is indeed worth visiting if you get a chance 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve never visited a wine region before. This place looks gorgeous and delicious! I’d love to visit and taste the wine and see how it complements the food.
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed reading about the experience of visiting a wine region. It’s really fun and something worth considering. Hope you have a chance to visit one soon. Thanks for stopping by!
Wowowow! Did someone say wine? My Portuguese friend was always so proud of their wines. He’s invited us over and over to Lisbon and go and explore Portugal with him but we still haven’t gone. 🙁 But when you said prepare for a slow paced wine tasting, I was like, that’s what we need to do in Portugal! Now added to our list which hopefully we can do soon. Very helpful detailed article!
So glad you enjoyed the post Mariann. What are you waiting for?? Take your friend up on the offer and explore Portugal with a local. You will love it! Hope you get there soon! Cheers.
This sounds so lovely. I love wine tasting and didn’t even think about wine tasting in Portugal. I love how affordable renting a car in Portugal is. Also, that charcuterie plate looks amazing!
It’s true that Portugal’s wines are not well known outside of the country. We hope through this article to help spread the word about the amazing local foods and wines. The car rental prices really surprised us, in a good way! Thanks, Candy.
I went to the Douro Valley last fall and fell in love with the food and wine. I agree it is some of the best wine and cuisine in Portugal. This blog really brings me back to exploring the rover valley as well. The train ride is just stunning.
Awesome to read that you loved the Douro Valley as well. Having a car made it easy and very flexible as well. Did you have a favorite Quinta? Thanks Alice for stopping by.
I really want to visit Portugal and although I’m not much of a wine drinker, the scenery looks incredible. So pretty and relaxing. Will definitely keep this place in mind when I go.
There is more than wine in Portugal…don’t let that stop you from visiting soon 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, the undulating curves of the Douro wine region hillsides create a beautiful and dramatic landscape ! I understand why the Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley 🙂 I’m not a huge fan of wine but for sure I won’t miss the stay in Tabuaço to taste the Filé de Vitela arroz de grelos com moira !
Whatever your beverage pleasure, you will find it in Portugal. If wine is not your cup-of-tea, the craft beer scene in Portugal is growing. The Filé de Vitela arroz de grelos com moira in Tabuaço is certainly worth it!!
This post was so informational. I’ve had Portugal on my travel list for a few years now. I don’t drink wine (poor me, allergic to some grape varieties) but I still love to tour wine regions and vineyards – especially if I’m with someone who can sample. You mentioned that car rentals are totally affordable. Was it easy to drive there as well?
Oh that’s bummer that you are allergic to wines. Not to worry, you’ll find so many other local beverages to savor in Portugal. Don’t let that stop you from visiting one of the most beautiful countries out there. To answer your question, driving was easy too, but specifically outside of Lisbon. You don’t need a car in the capital. Thanks, Tess.
Doesn’t it seem like every scene in wine country is gorgeous Claire? I rolled through the South Island of New Zealand last month. Breath-taking. But ditto any region with vineyards, world-wide. Rocking post!
You are so right, wine regions are just gorgeous. What was unique about the Duoro Valley were the steeped terraces and being in the oldest demarcated wine region in the world 🙂 Have not made it to New Zealand yet. Can’t wait to discover the wines there soon. Thanks for stopping by Ryan.
We have not been to Portugal but a Lisbon and Porto stay is in our list. And my husband will surely go on this your. He lives bold intense reds and would love them with those petiscos.
If a Porto stay is on your list, then a don’t miss exploring the amazing Douro Valley wines. Your husband will love them. When are you planning on traveling to Portugal?