Routes

TERRITORY

The Douro is a unique territory with a landscape sculpted by the hands of man. Hard work turned the soil of austere ravines that accompany the Douro River vineyards into rows extending the steep slopes of the Alto Douro Wine Region, which produces the famous Port wine. It is the oldest wine demarcated region the world, classified as World Heritage Site. The Douro River flows through this area, running between the rocky mountains. In the southern region, between Távora and Varosa rivers, the Cistercian monks left a valuable legacy. In this area of vineyards some of the best national sparkling wines are born.

WINES

This region produces the wines "Port" and "Douro”. Of all, the fortified Port wine is the most sublime. These are wines with a great richness and intensity of aromas, persistent, high alcohol content, wide range of sweetness and colors. The Douro red wines are produced from grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão. The white wines come from Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Gouveio or Rabigato. In "Cistercian vineyards" in the demarcated region of Távora-Varosa, elegant and refined sparkling wines arise.

EXPERIENCES

The basements and cellars keep and give for tasting the excellence of the wines of the region. The harvest enlivens every year in September the entire Douro valley. Cruises on the Douro make it even more impressive the slopes where the vineyards follow the winding course of the river. The historic center of Porto or the Archaeological Park of Vale do Côa, both classified as World Heritage Site. The Douro Museum in Peso da Régua. The Chapel of São Pedro of Balsemão in Lamego or the ruins of Panóias in Vila Real. With all this historical, cultural and landscape wealth, it is hard to choose the starting point for this trip.