The Douro Valley
To imagine that the Douro Valley used to be nothing but rocky mountains is unfathomable. It seems nearly impossible to turn a place covered in rocks to produce endless vineyards of grapes, olive trees and create such spectacular picturesque beauty.
Portugal remains at the top of my well traveled places and now our second home. I am not only charmed by the landscape and architectural beauty but also by the people and their culture that have me convinced, Portugal is beautiful because of them. There is an authenticity that lies beneath their smile. they welcome you as if you were part of their family. After traveling to multiple countries, I have resolved that no culture welcomes you like the Portuguese and no one makes wine like the Portuguese. So when we made our way to the Douro Valley, it was no surprise why this became such a memorable day.
The moment I stepped foot in the Douro Valley, I felt an immediate connection to its undeniable charm. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, this picturesque region is a tapestry of ancient vineyards, terraced hillsides, and the mighty Douro River winding through it all. The Douro Valley has long been renowned for its production of delicious port wine, but it offers so much more than just exceptional libations.
Our introduction to this charming destination was led by wine connoisseur and food enthusiast, Marco Pinto. Every encounter with Marco was a tale told with pride and passion, whether it was about the history of port wine or the centuries-old traditions of winemaking.
Marco went out of his way to receive us at our hotel and make the hour and a half drive to the Douro Valley. Little did we know what surprises awaited us. As he proceeded to explain in depth the history of Port wine, I realized as simple as it sounded, it was so much more. It was the process, the history, the love and care that the winemakers pour into making their wine.
We made our first stop at a wine estate from the 13th century, Quinta de Tourais, owned by winemaker Fernando Coelho. He welcomed us with a warm and gentle smile and graciously invited us into his home. My youngest son who was 7 years old at the time, was awestruck at the endless acres of land, holding his camera in one hand while climbing the orange tree with the other, he began to snap photos.
We drove further down the Valley to the river where we stopped at Michelin starred DOC founded by Chef Rui Paula. We were served an exquisite three course meal and seated overlooking the stunning Douro River. Marco knew Chef Rui Paula quite well and shared his intriguing story. A man from Oporto who was inspired to take his roots combined with his taste for cooking turning it into a success. Amazing food, spectacular views, great company, it was an experience we will never forget.
Marco was full of surprises that day. We licked our plates clean and made our way to the Magnifico Douro pier in Pinhao on the riverfront. He led us into a Rabelo boat, the traditional Portuguese cargo boat that is closely linked to the trade of port wine and doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.
An hour ride along the river with a glass of 40-year-old wine that Marco prepared for us felt surreal and indescribable. The calm waters mirrored the surrounding vineyards, creating a serene atmosphere that was simply mesmerizing. As the boat gently glided downstream, I marveled at the old stone bridges that spanned the river, connecting the villages with a sense of history and unity. It was on this cruise that I truly understood why the Douro Valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site - its natural and cultural landscapes intertwine to form a tapestry of unparalleled beauty.
Of course, no visit to the Douro Valley would be complete without indulging in a tasting of its legendary port wine. Our day in the Douro Valley was topped off with wine tasting at the Quinta do Panascal vineyard in Pinhao where Fonseca Port Wine is still produced in the traditional way. My boys wandered through the vineyards overlooking the Tavora River picking almonds from the tree while my husband and I sipped on a glass of port overlooking the rolling vineyards. It was a moment of pure bliss. Each sip transported us to a world of complex flavors and nuances, revealing the artistry and craftsmanship behind every bottle. It was absolutely heavenly.
The terraced vineyards that cover the slopes of the valley are a sight to behold. Rows upon rows of grapevines stretch as far as the eye can see, adopting a symmetrical pattern that merges with the natural beauty of the landscape. The deep green of the leaves contrasts beautifully against the reddish-brown soil, creating a stunning visual feast. Walking through the vineyards, I could feel the sheer dedication and hard work that goes into nurturing these grapevines, ensuring that each bottle of port wine encapsulates the essence of the Douro Valley.
If you are ever in the area or make plans to go to the Douro Valley, don’t forget to call our friend Marco. Thank you Marco for providing us with a Five Star, family friendly experience and putting together a memorable visit for all of us! Your wealth of knowledge, experience and hospitality made it such a special day for my family.
We gained a friend and had a fabulous time!
