Each time I return to the scenic Douro Valley is a great opportunity to explore its quintas. For those who want a more authentic Douro Valley experience if you stay at a quinta, you will most likely get quality time. Given there are over 200 quintas in the Douro there is no way to experience all of them however, besides staying at a quinta, you can also do wine tastings, and/or dine at others. I have so enjoyed all my Douro Valley quinta experiences.
In case you are wondering What is a Quinta? Historically quintas were family owned estates that included farm homes, surrounded by large plots of land, intended for both income and family consumption. These farms usually rented out one-fifth of its property. Fifth is quintus in Latin hence, they became known as quintas. Over time, and with more modern cultivation practices, many of Portugal’s traditional quintas disappeared. Many of the estates were wine-producing. In fact today many of Portugal’s wines are still produced at quintas, with the labels bearing their name. Moreover, Douro's port vineyards there is a Quinta Classification system that grades the quality potential of vineyards.
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. During my 2023 Douro visit I stayed at two quintas, Qunita do Portal and Quinta Manhãs Douro, and visited Quinta de la Rosa's Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, and Quinta do Pôpa. Over the years my Douro wine travels have included Quinta Do Panascal, Quinta Do Seixo, Senhora Do Rosário and others. What follows are a few highlights:
1. Qunita do Portal
Qunita do Portal was my doorway to this very special wine region. October 2012 this was where we (John and I) were first introduced to the Douro Valley. Returning in 2023 meant we (Carol & I) could experience the vineyards in the spring time.
Spring time also meant the grapes were just starting to bud.
Spring Time Vines, Quinta do Portal © Spaswinefood
Besides observing the vineyard we loved taking in the views.
We took advantage of posing in the vineyard.
Carol, Quinta do Portal © Spaswinefood
We so enjoyed those vineyard walks.
We had the most fabulous breakfasts, toured the winery, and of course dined at the restaurant.
Some how we managed to have two fantastic dinners at the restaurant during our stay.
Yes, we toured the winery to find out what the latest wine suggestions were.
Touring Quinta do Portal © Spaswinefood
2. 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.
Douro offers many excellent dining options. For sure our drives through the Douro Valley included a few culinary explorations along the way. Let's take a peek at one of culinary outings at a quinta last May. One of the highlights of our culinary outings took us to Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, Quinta de la Rosa. Given it is located on the scenic Douro River it offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding hills.
3. Culinary Explorations at Cozinha da Clara Restaurante
Sitting by the window at Quinta de la Rosa's Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, we are about to discover one of the best dining spots in the Douro Valley. Quinta de la Rosa, with around 1,400 acres, is one of Douro's most famous estates with great views and river-facing location. Let's take a peek at our culinary outing to Quinta de la Rosa.
Douro Views by the River, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Our Douro Valley travels took us to Cozinha da Clara Restaurante at Quinta de la Rosa. This quinta is one of the Douro's most famous estates. In fact it has an amazing restaurant, located right on the Douro River with fabulous views. It provides an idyllic backdrop for dining.
Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood
We found parking was a bit difficult to find there however, we managed to secure a spot nearby. For those without a car you can stroll along the river from the village of Pinhão. It is about a 15-20 minute walk.
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 Restaurante © Spaswinefood
We sure loved those riverside views while dining. During lunch a few tourist boats went by our dining spot.
Tourist Boat & River Views © Spaswinefood
After adjusting to the beauty of this fabulous setting, we were ready for a wine flight.
While their menu features Portuguese traditional foods I managed to navigate it to find good vegetarian options. Needless to say, we enjoy our lunch that day.
Sitting there, enjoying the views with a most delicious lunch at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant was beyond awesome. I certainly enjoyed Quinta de la Rosa wines. Yes, if you wish, you certainly can finish the meal with a glass of their port wine.
Taking In the River Views, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood
For us taking in those views, over lunch was pure delight.
Cloud Reflections, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Dining at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant was a very special culinary treat. After lunch we would continue on our way back to our accommodations at Quinta Manhas Douro.
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. Vanessa, his sister is also winemaker. Returning spring 2023 to the Douro Valley was the perfect opportunity for me to visit the Quinta do Pôpa for the first time. Every time I return to 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. This description fits perfectly for 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. While wine tasting we had 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
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| Quevedo, Douro Valley 2016 © 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 |
"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 Tawny and Ruby Port © Spaswinefood |
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| Swimmers, Douro Valley 2016 © Spaswinefood |
Ruta do Vinho do Porto, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood
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