One of the top questions we receive as wine and Port importers is "what are you favorite Douro Valley wineries?". Now that you have a better grasp on the history and the lay of the land in Portugal's Douro Valley, as well as some tips on where to go and how to get there, here are our top spots to wine taste and take in the Douro Valley's stunning vineyard-terraced views and fascinating heritage!
Douro Valley Wineries (Quintas)
The vineyards and wineries where grapes are grown, harvested and fermented into wine are located in Douro Valley are called Quintas. These Quintas are 130 km (a little more than 80 miles), inland, due east from Porto, where Port wine was historically aged in cellars and bottled before shipping abroad.
Quinta's dot the land above the Douro River for miles - here are our top picks to help you navigate Portugal's Douro Valley wine tastings.
A walk through the Vineyards of Quinta Nova
Farah’s favorite Douro Valley wineries for wine tasting:
1. Quinta do Tedo
Since 1992, the Burgundian-California Bouchard Family has poured their hearts into renovating Quinta do Tedo’s 18th-century foundations into a charming winery that produces internationally-acclaimed Ports, Douro DOC wines and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Here, Tedo’s friendly and professional team of locals welcome you to discover a slice of authentic Douro Valley life.
Enjoy various winery tours and tastings, a wine picnic, Bistro Terrace’s dining room, five charming B&B rooms, walking trails, bird-watching and stunning views over the estate’s 34 acres of certified organic vineyards and olive groves.
Located at the confluence of Douro and Tedo Rivers just off the N222 highway (rated one of the world’s best drives!) Quinta do Tedo is a no-brainer pit stop for an easy Douro Valley winery visit!
2. Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora
While Quinta Nova seems like a stone’s throw across the Douro River, the Douro Valley winery and hotel is a windy and beautiful drive from Tedo (45 minutes through Pinhão) or Régua (1 hour through the São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint).
The Amorim Family - important Portuguese cork producers as well as the team behind Quinta da Taboadella in the Dão wine region - have elevated this traditional Quinta into Douro’s first luxury accommodation with spacious, elegant rooms and incredible views.
Quinta Nova’s wine tastings and “Winemaker for a Day'' experience highlight the estate’s award-winning traditional AND innovative Douro DOC wines and a few Ports.
The wine museum and Terraçus molecular cuisine complete Quinta Nova’s comprehensive offer of premium wines, facilities and services that raise the bar and put Douro Valley on the map as a luxury wine destination.
3. Quinta de la Rosa
Pinhão is home to two other Quintas with unique history, wines and tourism experiences that complement Farah’s partners’ mentioned above.
Quinta de la Rosa , just outside the Pinhão town center, is owned by the English Berqvist family, and feels soulful like Quinta do Tedo. In fact, the families have been friends since the late 90s and the “next generation” are active players spearheading innovation at both estates. Enjoy a tour through their winery followed by a wine tasting, book a cocktail hour at their restaurant overlooking the water or book an overnight stay!
4. Quinta do Bomfim
Quinta do Bomfim is the premium vineyard site for one of the larger quality Port producers. Known worldwide, Symington Family Estates of Scottish heritage, is where you can see impressive mechanical treading systems and sustainable developments revolutionizing the centuries-old Port industry.
The estate offers tours in multiple languages, tastings and vineyard walks. The wines and Ports are priced at a premium level.
Bomfirm is a great option for those who are based in or passing through the town of Pinhão, as it sits perched on a hill near the town's center.
5. Quinta de Covela & Quinta da Santa Cristina
If you’re keen to hit two of Portugal’s best wine regions in one day, stop by Quinta de Covela or Quinta da Santa Cristina in Baião (both in Vinho Verde’s most southern subregion) during your stay or on your way to or from Porto.
Both estates are beautiful, family-owned, practice sustainable viticulture and produce award-winning wines made in a different climate and style and with different grape varietals than Douro. Try the bright and refreshing white Avesso varietal!
KNEE DEEP IN PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE DOURO? CHECK OUT OUR OTHER DOURO VALLEY BLOG BLOG POSTS:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Odile Bouchard
Hi! I'm Odile; I am half-French, half-American and grew up between Burgundy, Napa Valley and Tuscany - wine and travel run deep in my veins. My family owns Quinta do Tedo in the Douro Valley, one of Farah Trading Co's favorite producers!
