Portugal's Quinta do Pôpa has been on my list for awhile. Over the years I have interacted with Stéphane Ferreira whose family owns Quinta do Pôpa. Returning spring 2023 to the Douro Valley with my friend Carol was the perfect opportunity for me to visit the Quinta do Pôpa for the first time. Every time I visit the Douro Valley I am immediately struck by its stunning beauty. Terraced vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, along the Douro River and its tributaries. Off we went to Quinta do Pôpa in the heart of the Douro, in the hot and dry region of Cima Corgo, in Adorigo, Tabuaço county.
Off to Quinta do Pôpa
The Quinta de Pôpa story began with the dream of Francisco Ferreira (known as Pôpa) and his maid, Joaquina Ferreira. He married Filomena with whom he had three children. A generation later, his son Zeca fulfilled his father’s dream by, in 2003 buying Quinta do Vidiedo. He named it Quinta do Pôpa as a tribute to his father. Zeca’s hard work for many years resulted in recognition in the Douro region. His friend Luís Pato, a Bairrada oenologist, and a lover of the Douro, offered his technical knowledge to the family. Pato has challenged the third generation Pôpa to expand the dream. Stéphane and his sister, Vanessa are taking leadership in fulfilling that dream.
We were blown away by the views at Quinta do Pôpa, and will the drive up and down, to the tasting room, not so much. For sure, after driving up, we relaxed and took our time. Special thanks to Carol for her excellent driving skills.
Carol, Quinta do Pôpa © Spaswinefood
For sure we posed for a few photos while quickly surveying the vineyards. Vineyards here consist of the noble grape varieties Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cao, Sousao, Malvasia Preta, and large percentage of Touriga Nacional. A property of 30 hectares, 14 of which are under vine, with 4 hectares of old vineyard over 80 years old, and with more than 22 types of vine varieties.
Off to Quinta do Pôpa Tasting Room © Spaswinefood
The views from the tasting room are amazing, especially if you sit outside on the patio.
For lunch we ordered a cheese platter.
We were introduced to each of the wines.
Let's take a closer look at the wines.
The Quinta do Pôpa wines in the tasting included, whites, reds and a vintage port.
This was followed by the reds, 2018 Pôpa Black Edition, 2017 Pôpa Vinhas Velas (Old Vine), and 2017 Pôpa vintage port. I appreciated the overview, and look forward to a more in-depth experience in the future.
While wine tasting we have amazing views!
Because of our timing we almost had the place to ourselves. There was a couple enjoying a picnic lunch.
One could never tires of the views here.
Douro Valley Views © Spaswinefood
Yes, from here you can see the day trippers enjoying the views below.
Before leaving we took another look at the vineyards.
Then checking the road below below heading down.
Special thanks to Carol for her driving skills!
It has been such a pleasure for me to get to know Quinta do Popa over the years. Without a doubt, returning to the Douro Valley was an highlight of my 2023 wine travels in Portugal. For me, besides hanging out with wine enthusiast friends, it was perfect timing to be in the Douro. The Douro Valley wines is a must for wine lovers, especially if the wine lover appreciates learning about port, and other great wines produced in this region. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Portugal and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in Portugal.
Quinta do Pôpa Wines, San Francisco, May 2014
We were among the Californian wine enthusiasts who attended the Annual Grand Tasting of Wines of Portugal in San Francisco l. Our tasting was wines from a family winery, Quinta do Pôpa. Quinta do Pôpa is winery located in the Douro Valley. While the Douro Valley is know for its port Quinta do Pôpa chooses instead to produce quality red, white and rosé wines from the grapes grown in their vineyard.
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| Stephané Ferreira, Quinta do Pôpa, 2014 © Spaswinefood |
We were happy to meet Stephané Ferreira from Quinta do Pôpa. Quinta do Pôpa is located in Tabuaco, Douro Valley. While we had meet Stephané Ferreira before, it was time to take a closer look at Quinta do Pôpa wines. The vinification of Quinta do Pôpa wines is under the direction of the well known oenologist Luís Pato. Quinta do Pôpa offers five tiers of wines (Pôpa, Pôpa Doce, TRePA/PAPO, Preffácio and Contos da Terra. During that re-introduction to Quinta do Pôpa wines at the San Francisco tasting, we tasted three of Pôpa wines, the top tier.
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