Getting to the Douro Valley, is a must for wine lovers, who will soon discover that there is much to explore. From discovering quintas, wines, the culinary scene, to spectacular drives through the Douro, a multifaceted approach is needed to reveal its charms. Returning spring 2023 allowed me the opportunity to return to places I visited earlier (October 2012, July 2016), plus explore new ones. Visitors are immediately struck by the stunning beauty of the oldest demarcated and regulated wine region in the world. This wine region was defined in 1756, and made a UNESCO World Heritage in 2001. Its terraced vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, along the Douro River and its tributaries. The valley runs along the Douro River, from Spain to Porto (Oporto), on the Atlantic coast. For me, besides hanging out with my wine enthusiast friends, the Douro is one of the most amazing wine regions. What follows are a few insights into what this wine region has to offer.
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| Travels in the Douro © Spaswinefood |
That May day we so enjoyed the views as we descended into Pinhão.
We decided to stop and have a picnic lunch before checking into our hotel room at Quinta do Portal.
Douro Valley Quintas
You will discover that the physical layout of the Douro Valley does not permit visiting many quintas in one day. In case you are wondering a Douro quinta is typically a wine producing estate, which can be a winery or a vineyard.
Douro is home to over 200 quintas. Douro Valley quintas are so much fun to discover. Most visitors to Portugal are likely to visit the port lodges in Porto (Oporto), and take a day trip to the Douro Valley. For those who want more authentic Douro Valley experience if you select to stay at a quinta, you will most likely get quality time. Let me note that Quinta do Portal was my doorway to this very special wine region. October 2012 Quinta do Portal was where I was first introduced to the Douro Valley. This was followed by a summer visit to the Douro in 2016. Returning in 2023 meant experiencing the valley's vineyards in the spring time. We stayed at two quintas during our recent visit, Quinta do Portal and Quinta Manhas Douro.
Quinta do Portal
Spring time meant the grapes were just starting to bud.
Spring Time Vines, Quinta do Portal © Spaswinefood
Besides observing the vineyard we loved taking in the surrounding views.
Of course we took advantage of posing in the vineyard.
Carol, Quinta do Portal © Spaswinefood
We so enjoyed the vineyard in the late evening.
We had the most fabulous breakfasts, toured the winery, and of course dined at the restaurant.
Some how we managed to have two dinners at the restaurant during our stay.
When we toured the winery we discovered what the latest wine suggestions were.
Touring Quinta do Portal Winery © Spaswinefood
Following Quinta do Portal our second accommodation was at Quinta Manhas Douro.
Quinta Manhas Douro
Before leaving the Douro Valley we stayed at Quinta Manhas Douro. The Quinta is located not far from Pinhão, one of the main tourist destinations of the Douro region.
Quinta Manhas Douro © Spaswinefood
Quinta Manhãs Douro is located in Provesende, a small village in Sabrosa Municipality, on the Aldeias Vinhateiras route. It is in the heart of Alto Douro Vinhateiro, UNESCO World Heritage.
Views from Quinta Manhas Douro © Spaswinefood
High in the Douro Valley, the tiny village of Provesende, gave us an impressive view of the valley, and a snapshot into vintage Portugal of yesterday.
Given there are over 200 quintas there is no way to experience all of them however, besides staying at a quinta, you can also do a wine tasting, or dine at others.
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.
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.
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.
The Quinta do Pôpa wines in the tasting included, whites, reds and a 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.
One could never tires of the views here.
Douro Valley Views from Quinta do Pôpa © Spaswinefood
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| Quevedo, Douro Valley 2016 © Spaswinefood |
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| Tasting Quevedo and Covela Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Coeval Rosé 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Tasting Covela Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Covela Edição Nacional Avesso 2013 © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch © Spaswinefood |
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| Douro Valley Lunch © Spaswinefood |
It was a stellar lunch with excellent wines. Besides the excellent Covela wines there was also some amazing Quevedo wines. One of the wines I tasted was Cláudia's wine. Here is how Quevedo described Cláudia's wine:
"Claudia’s wine is an expression of what Claudia, the winemaker together with Teresa, love most on each harvest. Claudia’s wine is a blend of grapes from different plots. They don’t follow the some (sic same) recipe every harvest as the vines don’t produce the same grapes every year. One thing we can assure, all our grapes are hand picked and treated as small treasures."
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| Quevedo Cláudia's 2013 © Spaswinefood |
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| Quevedo 30 Year Old White Port © Spaswinefood |
Overall amongst the wines I tasted it was hard not to fall in love with Covela's Rosé and Quevedo's 30 Year Old White Port.
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| Covela Rosé 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Quevedo 30 Year Old White Port © Spaswinefood |
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| Quevedo, Colheita 1996, 1997 and 2000 © Spaswinefood |
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| Quevedo 40 Year Old Tawny Port © Spaswinefood |
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| Quevedo Tawny and Ruby Port © Spaswinefood |
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| Swimmers, Douro Valley 2016 © Spaswinefood |
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| Douro Valley Time, 2016 © Spaswinefood |
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| Douro Valley Vineyards, 2016 © Spaswinefood |
Douro offers many excellent dining options. Let's take a peek at one of culinary outings at a quinta last May.
Culinary Explorations
For sure we enjoyed those drives through the Douro Valley, which included a few culinary explorations along the way. One of the highlights of our culinary explorations took us to Cozinha da Clara Restaurant at Quinta de la Rosa.
Cozinha da Clara Restaurant
Our spring time travels took us to Cozinha da Clara Restaurant at Quinta de la Rosa. Quinta de la Rosa, with around 1,400 acres, is one of Douro's most famous estates because of its views and river-facing location. It has an amazing restaurant, located right on the Douro River with fabulous views.
Cozinha da Clara Restaurant, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood
It was here we had the most fabulous lunch with a wine flight of course.
We were most fortunately it was late May. Not only were we lucky, to get a table but, we got one overlooking the river.
By the River, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We sure loved those riverside views while dining.
Tourist Boat & River Views © Spaswinefood
After adjusting to the setting, we were ready for a wine flight.
Sitting there, enjoying the views with a delicious lunch at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant was beyond awesome.
Views to the Back, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Taking in those views, over lunch was pure delight.
Douro Views by the River, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Cloud Reflections, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Dining at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant was a very special treat. After lunch we would continue on our way back to our accommodations at Quinta Manhas Douro.
Whenever you are in the beautiful Douro Valley one naturally has to pose for a picture, even if you are not into selfies. After all, who can resist such stunning backdrops for a pose.
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| Hello Douro, Right Pose, 2016 © Spaswinefood |
A Few More Highlights
During our 2023 Douro Valley visit we ventured out and explored along the wine route.
Ruta do Vinho do Porto, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood
Those daily drives would always took us through Pinhão.
We so enjoyed viewing both sides of the river as we explored the Douro.
I never tire of making discoveries in the Douro.
Might I say, for this wine enthusiast, no trip to Portugal is complete, without at least a trip to the Douro. I am happy to say that my recent adventures in Portugal included the Douro Valley. Without a doubt, returning to the Douro Valley was an highlight. The Douro Valley wines is a must for wine lovers, especially if the wine lover appreciates learning about port and the other great wines produced in this region. It takes time to discover the Douro Valley's many charms. 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.
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| Hello Douro, Left Pose © Spaswinefood |
Special thanks to Carol for her driving skills!
#spaswinefood travels in Portugal 
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| View from Taylor's Port Lodge © Spaswinefood |
