A Four-Day Journey Through Douro Valley's Wines
Portugal's Douro Valley is more than just a wine region; it's an enchanting paradise where nature's beauty meets the magic of winemaking. Let me take you on a thrilling four-day journey that captured my heart and made me want to go back and do it all again.
Day 1
Our adventure began at the illustrious Quinta do Vallado Winery, a place where centuries-old tradition meets modern comfort. Amidst the rustic charm of the vineyard, we tasted an array of exquisite wines, each narrating its own unique tale. The Field Blend and Touriga Nacional stood out, earning high praise from our group for their complex characters and sublime tastes.
Later, our palates danced at the renowned Castas & Pratos restaurant. The Murganheira Rose Bruto 2014 and Costa Boal Superior 2016 perfectly complemented the gourmet dishes. The Costa Boal was a delightful discovery, recommended by the sommelier, offering tremendous value and a delightful taste.
Costa Boal bottle of wine
Day 2
On day two, we embarked on an awe-inspiring boat ride down the Douro River, capturing mesmerizing views of wineries along the riverbanks. Lunch at Toca da Raposa restaurant was a joy, where we sampled Entre as Casas white and red wines. Their authenticity and taste beautifully encapsulated the essence of this family-run winery.
Quinta S Luiz Winery was our next stop. This place left an indelible mark not just for its dazzling array of wines, including the Kopke Tawny Reserva and their aged ports, but also for the enriching conversation with our guide about the nuances of winemaking. The Tawny 30 and Burmester 1985 were the shining stars of the tasting.
Wine tasting at Kopke, Douro Valley
The evening led us to Quinta da Pacheca restaurant, where the Branco Reserva stole the spotlight, reminding us of the stellar reputation of the region's wines. We were also looking forward to our tasting the next day.
Day 3
Day three began with a fascinating tour of the Douro Museum, a treasure trove of the region's rich history, which sparked our curiosity and love for the region even more. Quinta da Pacheca winery later unfolded its wonders. Each wine sampled, particularly the Tinta Roriz, was a testament to the winery's commitment to quality and tradition and a great candidate for ageing.
The evening brought us to the innovative Aneto & Table restaurant. The concept was fantastic, all wines from their vineyards with a paring suggestion with each dish, and the Riesling + Arinto blend was a phenomenal find, beautifully echoing the essence of Douro's white wines.
Final day
Our final day at the Quinta do Tedo winery the love child of an American woman and a French man, was a celebration of the best of Douro and probably the best views over the river. We revelled in their small-batch wines, crafted with love and care. The Reserva was a treat and secured a special place in our wine collections.
We concluded our epic journey back at Aneto & Table, where the Pinot Noir paired wonderfully with the pasta, bringing a comforting end to our gastronomic adventure.
With its breathtaking landscapes, affordable wines, and mouthwatering cuisine, the Douro Valley was a dream come true for a wine enthusiast like me. This was an unforgettable, soul-enriching journey that I can't wait to embark on again. Until then, cheers to great wine, memorable experiences, and the anticipation of the next wine adventure!
Wine barrels at a winery