The Most Emblematic Wineries in Douro Valley - Part One

The Douro Valley is one of the most recognized wine regions in the world. Its geography and peculiar characteristics along with centuries-old history filled with facts and mysteries give Douro Valley its aura of the charismatic place to visit, for luxury lovers, nature, and wine lovers alike. If you do are a wine lover Douro Valley Region is in that case a must-visit place any time soon. Wineries and vineyards were sprinkled by along the valley and its man-made slopes that characterize the Douro landscape.

You would probably need months to go through all of the wineries in the Douro, big and small, so to get you started, we've highlighted the best Douro Valley wineries that combine great awarded wines with amazing awarded wine tourism places, along a quintessential country feel. Here's part one of a two-part guide, a spotlight for the wineries you will be discovering in detail on your next vacations.

Quinta do Crasto

Quinta do Crasto is nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape on the right bank of the Douro River between Régua and Pinhão. There are several ways to get there: By road, by rail, by water or by air. – this is the way Quinta do Crasto introduces itself to its guests. Quinta do Crasto offers one of the best views in the Douro region.

It's located on the right bank of the Douro river and it has been the family estate of Leonor and Jorge Roquete for over a century. Its origin dates back to the early 17th century as its first known references are from 1615.

Quinta do Crasto is currently dedicated to the modernization and evolution of the business while respecting the family values and the tradition that distinguishes the Quinta and its wines. One of the greatest distinctions was obtained in 2008. The magazine Wine Spectator - an international benchmark of the sector - distinguished Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2005 as the third-best wine in the world that year.  Quinta do Crasto offers distinguished experiences and a vast range of Wine Tourism activities such as a wine estate guided tours to the vineyards and cellars, Port wine tasting, carefully prepared lavish meals to enjoy with a stunning view.

Quinta Nova

Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo, is one of the oldest wineries in the Douro region, more than 250 years ago, the traditional winery Quinta Nova was harvesting its first grapes. This is more than a wine tourism location; it is part of Portuguese history.

Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo is a place of extreme beauty in the heart of the Douro. Its guided visit to the vineyards is beyond emblematic and the visit to the winery dated from 1764 and the underground cellar will certainly be memorable.

Quinta Nova also has a small traditional winery, called the "The Wine Studio", and this winery has stainless steel vats and wooden barrels of 4 and 2 tons, all with temperature control. This is one of the oldest wineries in the Douro region and it benefits from exceptional conditions for producing Port wine.

For nature and outdoor lovers there is a pedestrian circuit, inf fact, 3 different routes are presented to you all of them through the wine estate, so you can fully feel the environment, see the fauna and flora that populates, and makes the secular Quinta so alive.

Whenever hungry, fear not. You must enjoy dinner at Conceitus restaurant, here the menu appeals to the senses and emotions, in a relaxed and curious way. The ingredients are always fresh and seasonal, cooked with the mastery of a renowned Chef.

Quinta Nova also has a small traditional winery, called the "The Wine Studio", and this winery has stainless steel vats and wooden barrels of 4 and 2 tons, all with temperature control. This is one of the oldest wineries in the Douro region and it benefits from exceptional conditions for producing Port wine and this will be a true delight for the wine connoisseur.

Some of the experiences available include wine and food tasting, winemaker for a day, and one day in the harvest. Let us know your preferences and a dedicated Travel Consultant will plan your time in Portugal attentively.

Quinta das Carvalhas

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic properties in the Douro region and many consider it the Douro quintessential image because it offers unique views over the beautiful Douro landscape. There is nowhere else you can see so much in so little time. The hill on top of which Carvalhas is located - at 550 meters of altitude and from where you can enjoy a view of 360 degrees - is the best place to see the entire property, as well as the Douro Valley itself. Visiting Quinta das Carvalhas you'll have the opportunity to see the Douro from the inside. Here you will find one of the best Douro wine tours - the vintage tour - that takes you on a visit to Quinta das Carvalhas accompanied by an Agricultural Engineer with the explanation of the whole scenario that the Quinta can offer you. The cherry on top of the cake is the wine tasting at the end of the tour that includes a tasting of great wines such as the Douro DOC Red wine, Douro DOC White wine, and Superior Tawny Port Wine.

Quinta da Pacheca

Quinta da Pacheca is one of the oldest estates in the Douro with unforgettable experiences, such as winery-guided tours, wine tasting, food tasting with cheese and homemade jams, courses, among others. The first reference to the Quinta is in a document dated from 1738, where it is called the Pacheca because its owner was then D. Mariana Pacheco Pereira. But it was only in 1903 that D. José Freire de Serpa Pimentel decided to develop his growing interest in enology, acquiring the property to devote himself to the wine production. In June 2012, the majority of the capital was acquired by Maria do Céu Gonçalves and Paulo Pereira, Portuguese entrepreneurs based in France. The Quinta became part of a modern, consistent, and dynamic business group, opening up to a new development cycle.

Quinta de La Rosa

Quinta de la Rosa history is melted with the history of the Douro River bank where it sits. Producing Port, Table wines, Olive oil, and beer this is an eclectic Quinta worth of your attention.

Quinta de la Rosa has undergone a complete refurbishment in its Port and table wine production facilities. This project has been in preparation for about 7 years and the works finally were completed in August 2012. The major improvements were in the new cellar. There, you can find guided tours to the wine estate, wine tasting experiences, and amazing lunch and dinner meals that represent the authentic Portuguese love for food.

If you're having trouble deciding which wine estate to visit, we can help you put together an itinerary created especially for you. By booking with us, you'll work with one a dedicated consultant, who will not only take time to listen to your requests but also discuss different options with you. All of this coupled with knowledge of the country means you'll get the best out of the time you have to spend on your next tour in Portugal.