A Tale of Wine and Absolute Luxury

"It's an excess of Nature. A geological poem. A supreme splendor." – These were the words used by Miguel Torga, one of the most influential Portuguese poets and writers of the twentieth century, to describe the Douro Valley, and we couldn’t find a better way to put it. It is here, in this enchanted scenario, that our story – and probably your next adventure – will take place: 1 Day in Douro Valley Wineries Tour – A Tale of Wine and Absolute Luxury, where you will unveil the finest experiences in this Wine Region.

The sun is shining and the breeze is calm. Your private chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel, so you can peacefully start your day and enjoy your ride to Douro Valley. Take a deep breath, because this is what you will see -  Along the lower banks of the Douro there are groves of orange trees. The landscape is covered with brushwood and scrub and, here and there, a coppice of trees alternating with vineyards. The scattered terraces of the Alto Douro landscape configure a remarkable beauty to this region, finding a true symbiosis between man and Nature. The Douro “Quintas” are major landmarks, easily identified by the groups of farm buildings and wineries that surround the main house. Demarcated in 1756, Douro is one of the world’s oldest wine regions and it is no wonder that has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Are we starting big? Or have we saved the best for last? Let us know in the comments section below. Meanwhile, as for your first stop, you will visit the largest "Quinta" in the Douro region, Quinta das Carvalhas – a property of immense beauty and grandiosity. This is one of the most emblematic Douro properties and it is considered, by many, to be the "Douro image" because it allows a view of the most beautiful territory the Douro has to show. You will have a visit to the vineyards accompanied by Quinta’s Agricultural Engineer, Álvaro Martinho. At heart and soul, he is a true Douro local and knows this property like the palm of his hand. He will be happy to lead you on a genuine and personal tour of this "Quinta", giving you a detailed explanation of everything happening here.

Now, it’s time to put your wines where your mouth is – and the tour finishes with a wine tasting of the top Wines of Carvalhas (White, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Nacional & Vinhas Velhas), paired with a platter of cheeses, and finishing with a glass of Port.

You will soon realize that time passes more slowly here. Still, you will be rushing to taste the flavors of Douro. Thus, lunch is waiting for you at Terraçu's Restaurant. It might seem a bit unusual, but this restaurant grounds on the concept in which wines command gastronomy, an appeal that values the flavors of the local gastronomy, using the best that Nature has to offer in each season. This means that apart from excellence, you never know what you are going to get since proposals are different every day, you don’t know the menu, and you literary have no other option besides letting yourself be guided by the inspiration of Chef José Pinto. Nevertheless, what are the chances of getting one of those delicious dishes?

Then, your journey continues to Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo – a place of extreme beauty in the heart of the Douro. You know that it was considered to be "One of the 9 must-see wineries in the world" by American Airlines, but apart from that, you’re most excited to pass through the original winery, founded in 1764, and learn both about the precision of vinification process and the complexity of each harvest, which involves an alliance between traditional and more sophisticated processes.

After an exclusive guided tour through the vines, winery, and underground cellar, it’s time to raise your glass. Therefore, the visit ends with a tasting of 5 wines Quinta Nova at the wine Shop: Grainha Reserve White, Quinta Nova Reserve, Quinta Nova Grand Reserve Referência, Mirabilis Grand Reserve Red, and Quinta Nova Vintage Port – some would call them 5 great reasons to be alive!

It’s time to leave the Douro, knowing that it always be there to welcoming whenever you feel the feverish need to come back. And that would be the end of our story. Sad because it’s over? Don’t be, one post-credits scene is yet to unveil – one very special particularity of this narrative is that you can make it your own, and it can be customized inertly according to your needs and wishes. Tailor-made your luxury tour, make your own story!