After a most wonderful Douro Valley visit we (Carol and I) traveled onto the Dão wine country, a mountainous region (400-700 meters high) in the Center of Portugal. It was a rainy morning as we left Quinta Manhãs Douro, Provesende, in Alto Douro and headed towards Viseu. Despite it being a rainy day we decided to do some wine country explorations on our way to Quinta Madre de Agua in Gouveia for the night. Next day, we would head for Aveiro on the coast, passing though more Dão wine country along the way.
Off to Portugal's Dão Wine Region
This post will share our first glimpse of Dão wine region as we traveled there from the Douro Valley.
We awoke that morning in Quinta Manhãs Douro, Provesende to discover a misty morning.
After breakfast we left. Soon we were passing by Vilarinho de São Romão. Right from the start we encountered mist filled valleys with rain along the way. Still, we were excited to explore what awaited us in the Dão.
Grey Sky and Vineyards © Spaswinefood
We paid careful attention to the road signs indicating we were on our way. We planned for our first explorations to be in around Viseu.
Paço dos Cunhas, Santar
Since our plans included a stop at Paço dos Cunhas, and so off we went. Located in the Santar village it has been producing wine for over 400 years. It uses certified organic agriculture. For many generations it has been a producer of olive oil, fruit and wine, a major supplier to Oporto's marketplace.
Paço dos Cunhas (16km from Viseu), a beautiful 17th century building, is a Global Wines enterprise renovation, completed by Portuguese architect Pedro Mateus. Besides its restaurant, Paço dos Cunhas de Santar offers wine workshops, show-cooking activities, and wine cellar visits. These days it is positioned to become one of the best wine tourism projects in Portugal.
After arriving in the parking lot we were excited about the possibility of having lunch here. Before entering we took in the vineyard views.
When we did manage to get inside the restaurant reservations were filled for that day for an event. I did manage to get their wine list, and pick up a few bottles to taste later.
Although a little disappointed that we could not have lunch there we continued on our way.
Silgueiros Wine Trail
Silgueiros was nearby we headed out to check out the Silgueiros wine trail before traveling onto our accommodations for the night.
After a few missed turns, along the driving route we arrived at the entrance to Quinta de Lemos.
We continued on down the driveway towards Qunita de Lemos, passing vineyards along the way.
We arrived at parking lot at Quinta do Lemos.
Parking Lot, Quinta de Lemos © Spaswinefood
Even we did not find that it was opened we loved the opportunity to view Qunita de Lemos.
Quinta Madre de Agua
After a rainy day's drive, it was onto our hotel that we booked for the night. We headed towards Gouveia where we stayed at Quinta Madre de Agua. Quinta Madre de Água, Gouveia, near Vinhó village, is a few minutes from Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela. We had booked it based on a suggestion by, plus it got good reviews. We were about to discover a wine hotel, with a restaurant and a wine cellar. We were not disappointed.
That evening after checkin we ate dinner at their restaurant.
For our main course Carol and I ordered the following:
The second wine was a Madre de Agua, Encruzado, Dão DOC 2018.
Both of the wines served were very delicious.
For sure it was a most delightful dinner after our rainy day adventure through Dão wine country. We had come to a good place because they produced some of the best Dão wines, with unique aromas and flavors.
Yes, we ordered dessert.
Chocolate for Dessert, Quinta Madre de Agua Restaurant © Spaswinefood
It was a lovely dinner it was after a long day's drive in the rain. We were so glad to have come to such a relaxing place after a long day.
Next morning, before leaving Quinta Madre de Aqua, we would explore its vineyards.
Quinta Madre de Agua Wine Hotel © Spaswinefood
Despite the rain it was a great intro to the Dão. Our travels along the Dão wine trails would continue the next morning. Visiting Quinta Madre de Agua visit was indeed a highlight of our Dão wine travels. 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 look forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in Portugal.
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