Portugal may conjure images of Lisbon’s hilly, winding streets or the brisk Atlantic sea with its bounty of tinned fish. However, it’s unlikely that a stunning valley, adorned with terraced grape vines where port flows generously and a river winds through the mountains, springs to mind.
Just a 90-minute drive from the enchanting city of Porto lies Portugal’s wine culture gem – the Douro Valley. This breathtaking region is a spectacle to behold.
As you ascend through the mountains, the verdant landscape unfurls beneath you, dotted with ancient vineyards and neat terraces where locals hang their laundry out to dry.
Descending the mountain, with the valley rising on either side, the Douro River comes into view, snaking its way through the country down to the Atlantic coast.
The Douro Valley boasts a long history of grape cultivation dating back to the Bronze Age, with archaeological evidence suggesting winemaking in the Valley since Ancient Roman times. Today, it hosts a plethora of exceptional vineyards offering tastings of some of the finest red, white, rose and port wines this beautiful European nation has to offer, reports the Mirror.
Nestled on the hillside in the valley is Quinta de Panascal. This awe-inspiring estate, dating back to the 18th century, holds the title of the most significant within the esteemed Port Wine Company.
During our Sunday afternoon visit, the sun was casting its glow over the river, lighting up the lush landscape as the traditionally planted vineyards stretched out in terraces below us towards the river.
The method of planting the vines ensures that the entire vineyard is bathed in sunlight – and as per the guide who escorted us around the estate, temperatures can soar to over 50 degrees Celcius during the peak of summer.
On the lower slopes, nearer to the river, the still warm air becomes trapped between the steep valley banks and wraps around the grapes. The wines produced here are rich and velvety, while on the upper slopes which ascend up to 400m above sea level, the grapes yield lighter and sharper flavours.
After marvelling at the beautiful terrace, we ventured into the cool storehouse where six glasses of white port awaited our tasting.
Under the expert guidance of our guide, we were taught how to swirl, sniff, sip and appreciate the wine before swallowing it. I’m no wine connoisseur – indeed, I often prefer my personal favourite, cider – but this wine was exceptional.
The tasting comprised four different wines, each offering a unique experience.
The experience is beyond words. It’s a symphony of sweetness, acidity, fruit, caramel and every other flavour you could possibly imagine.
Being educated to truly savour what you’re drinking compels you to take your time and genuinely taste the wine as you understand its creation process, and the labour of love it takes to transform this beloved beverage from grape to glass.
If you’re keen to sample Portugal’s finest, daily flights are available from the UK to Porto. Once in Porto, you have the option to rent a car or take a direct train to the Douro Valley if you prefer a leisurely journey on public transport.
In terms of accommodation, The Vintage House Hotel is a stunning establishment situated right on the riverbank, boasting breathtaking views over the water and featuring its own gourmet restaurant and bar.