The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is one of the world's most distinctive and attractive wine areas. Vines on high slopes are split by the flowing Douro River, which is located 90 minutes east of Porto in northern Portugal. Beginning approximately 1750, valley winemakers invented Port, a sweet red wine fortified with brandy. The barrels were then carried onto boats and transported downriver to Porto for storage and bottling. Then, in the 1960s, the region began to witness some contemporary developments, such as highways connecting Porto and Douro and the production of table wine. Because of these two elements, the Douro Valley is easily accessible to visitors and wine enthusiasts of various tastes.
From Porto, there are three ways to get to the Douro: car, train, or boat. We recommend hiring a car because it is necessary to travel about in the Douro. The train is the next best choice. If you're driving, try not to get distracted by the breathtaking landscape. The roads are narrow, and the incline is high, so you'll need all of your concentration here. The Douro Valley is a 95-mile length that begins at Peso de Regua and finishes at the Spanish border. Grapes begin to grow considerably further west in the Vinho Verde region; because this location is closer to the ocean and much colder than the torrid Douro Valley, you'll find more white wine makers here.
Do yourself a favor and start your journey to the Douro with these nicely balanced and expressive Vinho Verde wines. Tony, the proprietor, is quite charming, and their wines are among our favorites in the valley. They make white wines from their estate and reds from Douro grapes. If time allows, you can even arrange to spend a few nights on the vineyards.
Another little producer that people adore is located a bit further east, towards Peso de Regua, but still in Vinho Verde. The property dates back hundreds of years and even has vines that predate phylloxera! The service is excellent, and the staff will walk you through their light and approachable (though very distinguished) wine list. While you're waiting for your flight, request a walking tour.
Location: Portugal
