Wine lovers often head to Bordeaux, France, or Tuscany, Italy, for their wine-tasting vacations, but those in the know (and river cruisers, too) have been sneaking off to Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley — the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
How Far is the Douro Valley From Porto, Portugal?
Here, sweeping terraced hills frame either side of the Douro River as it flows from Spain in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and “cultural candscape,” the Douro Valley is conveniently located less than two hours by car from Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, and is also accessible by train or boat.
Where to Stay in the Douro Valley: Quinta Da Corte
For a classic Portuguese experience, visitors should check into a refurbished “quinta” (rural estate). These properties are typically located on large plots of farmland that serve as a canvas for the countless vineyards that contribute to this region’s allure.
If seeking an alternative to the popular Six Senses Douro Valley, consider Quinta Da Corte, which is located near the small town of Pinhao in the heart of the Douro Valley. Quinta Da Corte is a wine estate that dates back to the 19th century, but is a relative newcomer to the hospitality scene.
Quinta DaCorte, located near Pinhao, is a wine estate that dates back to the 19th century.
Credit: 2022 Dorey PoderCompleted in 2018, the once-dilapidated estate underwent extensive renovations by Pierre Yovanovitch, a French architect and interior designer who infused the quinta with simple, but bespoke furnishings and artwork that blend harmoniously with the restful environment.
The quinta’s designer details are on display throughout the intimate retreat, which includes eight well-appointed guestrooms spread across “La Casa” (the main house) and two adjacent living quarters, a terraced vineyard with walking trails and an infinity pool and lounge area that overlooks the rolling hills of the valley.
The communal kitchen, with decorative tilework adorning the walls, is the heartbeat of the main house. Here, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, as well as homecooked dinners (for an additional cost) prepared by the quinta’s chef.
A suite living room at Quinta Da Corte
Credit: 2022 Dorey PoderA short walk from the guesthouse is a newly built tasting room and wine cellar featuring large scenic windows and delicately arched white-washed walls where hotel guests can join a guided tour and tasting (included in their booking).
What to Do in the Douro Valley
As hard as it may be for guests to leave Quinta Da Corte’s welcoming embrace, the Douro Valley is filled with activities that demand equal attention and admiration.
Not to be missed are the numerous miradouros — or viewpoints — that offer expansive perspectives of the Douro River and its surrounding areas. Miradouro de Casal de Loivos is the most easily reachable viewpoint from Pinhao and delivers the quintessential postcard (or Instagram) shot, while Miradouro do Ujo requires a moderate drive to reach, but rewards visitors with an architecturally impressive observation deck and rugged views of the forested hills surrounding this portion of the river.
Sailing the Douro River
For those eager to sail the Douro but not via a river cruise, tour boat operator Anima Durius — a recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2021 — offers a variety of sailing options with a fleet of three boats and private tours that range from an hour to full-day excursions. Paulo, the hospitable captain and owner, is always nearby to share his knowledge about the region — or refill an empty glass of wine with a bottle from his family-owned vineyard, Quinta dos Pocos.
The writer sailed along the Douro River with tour boat operator Anima Durius.
Credit: 2022 Dorey PoderWhat to Eat and Drink in the Douro Valley
Whether your clients are venturing to the Douro Valley for a quick visit or a leisurely stay, they will undoubtedly be on the lookout for top-notch cuisine and libations that are representative of the region.
The designer kitchen at Quinta Da Corte
Credit: 2022 Dorey PoderFortunately, there is no shortage of wineries for oenophiles to indulge in. At Quinta do Seixo, guests can opt for a laidback picnic amid the vines, or a brief tour of the grounds followed by a tasting and explanation of the valley’s most ubiquitous product, port wine.
Typically available in three styles — ruby, tawny and white — port is a fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley and characterized by a sweeter flavor and a higher alcohol content, which is a result of adding spirits during the fermentation process. (Drinkers, be warned: Port goes down easily, but can sneak up on even the most seasoned connoisseurs.)
If visiting during harvest season, between September and October, travelers should head to Quinta Da Roeda to participate in the old tradition of grape treading, which requires guests to stomp grapes with their feet in “lagares” (granite tanks).
And for memorable dining, check out Cozinha da Clara (Clara’s Kitchen) in Quinta de la Rosa, which has emerged as a hotspot for local cuisine in modern digs along the river. The menu, from chef Pedro Cardoso, often changes based on the day’s freshest ingredients, but visitors can expect classic Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod) served with La Rosa’s own olive oil, as well as Iberian black pork and 24-hour confit suckling pig belly.
