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Sipping Portuguese wine in city cellars and bars is a wonderful experience, but wine aficionados will have the time of their lives in the enchanting Douro Valley. Flowing across northern Portugal, the Douro River creates the unique microclimate needed to cultivate fantastic wine.
Read our guide to learn about the best ways to explore the Douro Valley and what to expect during your visit.
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Where Wine Meets Nature
Nature lovers and wine tasters have the best of both worlds in the Douro Valley. The Douro River begins in Northern Spain and flows through the city of Porto before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
This UNESCO-protected area is notable for its green mountainsides that have been terraced over the centuries to grow grapes. The powerful river is surrounded by pastoral farms, small villages, and family-owned vineyards.
Most travelers choose pre-planned tours because this is a rural, agricultural area. Tours will pick you up from Porto by bus or boat. Some choose to take the famously scenic train line called the Linha do Douro. Hikers may choose to rent a car to make reaching the numerous trails and scenic viewpoints easier.
Many quintas (vineyards) are open to the public for tastings and tours. Visit two vineyards, Quinta do Beijo and Quinta do Tedo, with the top-rated Authentic Douro Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise.
Taste the artisan wine surrounded by the family that crafted it and the vines they’ve grown for generations. Enjoy scenic views throughout the day while learning about the interesting history behind this famous wine region.
Wines Made in the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is the oldest wine region in the world, dating back to the late Roman era. It is famous as the birthplace of Port wine. This fortified wine is thick and sweet and was created when British merchants mixed brandy with less stable table wines. Now it’s exported all over the world and a favorite for visitors.
Not a huge fan of fortified wine? Plenty of easy-to-drink table wines are crafted in the area as well, including the red Tinta Roriz and white Rabigato.
Wine Tour in Douro Valley Portugal
Sipping Wine Over Delicious Local Dishes – In addition to its wine, the Douro Valley is known for its delectable cuisine. Traditional Portuguese dishes featuring regional ingredients like bacalhau (cod), creamy sheep cheese, Alheira (pork-free sausages), and cured meats are a culinary delight. Many wineries and local restaurants offer wine and food pairing experiences, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the vineyards, visit historic wineries, and indulge in wine tastings with the Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise.
This tour will pick you up in Porto and take you to the cozy village of Amarante. Stop by the town’s Church and Convent of São Gonçalo with time for coffee before visiting two family wineries in Sabrosa and Pinhão. Enjoy the scenic route home with a full stomach and your new memories.
Float Along the Douro River
The wineries of the region dot the stunning Douro River, making a river cruise a perfect companion to wine tasting. The countryside in this area is large and a boat tour allows you to see a lot in a day, without worrying about your own transportation. Try the highly-rated Wine Venture and Boat Trip in Douro Valley.
Experience the beauty of the Douro Valley on this small-group tour that includes round-trip transport with snacks and drinks, a classic Portuguese lunch, and visits to two wineries for wine tasting. Pass by the charming town of Peso Da Régua before reaching Pinhão, where you’ll indulge in two winery visits, accompanied by a wine expert.
The Douro Valley shouldn’t be missed on your trip to Portugal. Sip on artisan varieties while gaining an appreciation for the tradition that goes with your glass of wine. Boa Viagem!
Read More About Portugal!
A Lisbon Holiday – Where the Ocean Meets a Captivating Capital
Things to Do in Porto – An Enchanting City Break in Portugal
Lagos in Algarve: Portugal’s Breathtaking Southern Coastline
Coastal Beauty and Canals in Aveiro, Portugal
Coimbra Portugal: An Overlooked Gem in Central Portugal
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