DominguesTraveling through Douro Valley without visiting some of its best wineries is a sin. And if your visit is at harvest time, then it’s a mortal sin!
In my opinion, any visitor to Douro Valley should try to learn as much as possible about Port wine production process or about the region’s fabulous table wines, even in the case of not being a wine fan.
After all, it is the wine production that most characterizes that region, and not the monuments that are spread throughout it. Douro Valley is, above all, wine and landscape, and its best wineries have several wine tourism programs available to visitors.
I have already visited some of the best Douro Valley wineries, but not all the ones I will write about in this article. In any case, for each of them I will leave links to their official websites, where you can learn more about the experiences they offer and how to book each activity.
But first, do you know the difference between Port Wine Cellars and Wineries? 😉
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
Douro Valley Wineries vs Port Wine Cellars
I ask if you know the difference between Port Wine Cellars and Douro Valley Wineries because many people confuse the two terms, and even think that they have already visited the wineries, when in reality what they visited were the Port Wine Cellars. Or vice versa.
In the wine production process, the cellars appear last, for the maturation of the wine. The Cellars are those places that you can find in Vila Nova de Gaia to visit. In the old days, barrels of Port wine were transported to Gaia in Rabelo boats that are now available to tourists on river cruises.
Douro Valley Wineries, in turn, are called “Quintas do Douro” in Portuguese, and are located next to the vineyards where the grapes are harvested and then processed. Here, the entire winemaking process takes place until maturation in the cellars, such as treading the grapes or even fermentation.
In Douro Valley you will mainly find vineyards and wineries. Next to Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia there are cellars. This article is only about the wineries and vineyards, which in my opinion are much more interesting.
Note that in Douro Valley there are also cellars, but the best ones to visit are for sure located in Vila Nova de Gaia! 😉 Check my article about the best things to do in Porto if you want to know more about them.
Port Wine Production Process
Very briefly, because I am not an expert, and because it will be much more interesting to see the process directly at Douro Valley Wineries, I highlight the following steps:
- Harvest – done directly in the vineyards of “Quintas do Douro”. The bunches of grapes are collected.
- Selection, cleaning of the bunches and destemming of the grape, to remove the frame of the bunch.
- Stomping the grapes in the wineries (traditional method with the feet), or crushing them with pressing machines. The aim is to release the juice and pulp of the grapes from the skin.
- Wine fermentation controlled by the winemaker.
- Wine maturation with transport to the Port Wine Cellars.
- Only then is the wine bottled for sale.
Pombaline Landmarks in Douro Demarcated Region
When visiting the best Douro Valley Wineries and Vineyards, pay attention to the Pombaline landmarks that, as the name implies, were installed by the Marquis of Pombal in the mid-18th century to delimit what would be the first demarcated wine region in the world. They are very important landmarks, some of which are still very visible in the properties you will visit.
Douro Valley Tours with Get Your Guide, Viator and Civitatis
I also leave you some suggestions for tours and activities in Douro Valley with Get Your Guide, Viator or Civitatis. Some of them are from Porto, others are directly from Peso da Régua or Pinhão. Don’t forget to do your own research, as other possibilities may arise at different times of the year.
Douro Valley with Get Your Guide: 1 - Douro Valley Tour from Porto 2 - Vineyards Tour from Porto with Lunch 3 - From Porto: Régua and Douro Valley Scenic Cruise 4 - Douro Valley: Winery Tour at Quinta do Tedo and Tastings 5 - Lamego: Quinta da Portela de Baixo Winery Tour and Tasting 6 - Pinhão: Quinta do Bomfim Visit and Tasting 7 - Pinhão: 2-Hour Rabelo Boat Tour with Audio Guide 8 - From Pinhão: Private Yacht Cruise along the Douro River
Douro Valley with Viator: 1 - Authentic Douro Wine Tour including lunch 2 - Wine Venture and Boat Trip in Douro Valley 3 - Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Cruise 4 - Douro Valley Wine Tour with a Visit to Three Vineyards
Douro Valley with Civitatis: 1 - Douro Valley Wine Tasting and Tour from Porto 2 - Douro Region Full day Tour from Porto 3 - Régua Day Cruise from Porto 4 - 1 Day Cruise to Pinhão from Porto
The Best 19 Douro Valley Wineries and Vineyards (“Quintas do Douro”)
In this article I will tell you about the 19 Best Douro Valley Wineries and Vineyards, so you will have many options to choose from. They are spread across many municipalities of Douro Valley, however, Pinhão can be considered a central location and a good starting point to discover them.
Map | Best Douro Valley Wineries and Vineyards
1. Quinta da Pacheca (Winery in Lamego)
Quinta da Pacheca is located in the village of Cambres, in Lamego. In total, it has around 75 hectares of vineyards classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its history dates back to the 16th century when its vineyards were owned by the Monasteries of Salzedas and São João de Tarouca, but its name is due to Dona Mariana Pacheco Pereira, a woman who in the past managed the complete “quinta” alone.
Quinta da Pacheca focuses on the production of Port Wines, but also Douro DOC Wines. From 1995 it opened its doors to visitors for wine tourism programs. It promotes different types of guided tours, wine tastings and even grape harvest experiences upon reservation.
- Coordinates: 41.155001, -7.796083
- Sleep at Quinta da Pacheca
- Link to Quinta da Pacheca Website
2. Quinta do Vallado (Winery in Peso da Régua)
Quinta do Vallado dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. It is located near the mouth of river Corgo, a tributary of Douro river, and today belongs to the descendants of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, dedicated to the production of port wine. In addition to the approximately 65 hectares of vineyards in Peso da Régua region, Quinta do Vallado has another 35 in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. It has very old vines planted from 1920 to 1950, in addition to more recent ones.
With regard to wine tourism, it has a hotel to receive guests, also promoting oenology workshops, visits, wine tasting and various gastronomic meetings.
- Coordinates: 41.159862, -7.767584
- Sleep at Quinta do Vallado
- Link to Quinta do Vallado website
3. Quinta do Tedo (Winery in Armamar)
Quinta do Tedo is located in one of the most beautiful meanders in Douro region that forms at the mouth of Tedo river. The piece of vineyard that you see in the center is owned by Quinta do Tedo. This is one of the best Douro Valley Wineries, and also one of the most beautiful in landscape, located in Armamar, but on the border with Tabuaço.
On average, its vines are 35 years old, with 15 hectares classified as class “A”, a classification attributed only to the best Douro grape varieties. You can book guided tours, wine tastings and even participation in the harvest, during the right season. It is also possible to have romantic picnics there.
- Coordinates: 41.156837, -7.640563
- Sleep at Quinta do Tedo
- Link to Quinta do Tedo website
4. Quinta do Castro (Winery in Sabrosa)
This Douro Valley Winery is located in Sabrosa and is owned by the Roquette family. It is known that it originated in the 17th century, specializing in the production of white and red Douro wines, and in the production of Port wines.
With regard to wine tourism, it is possible to visit the winery by appointment, with entrance to the laboratories, cellars and Centenary House, ending with the tasting of some of its wines. Also noteworthy is the fact that they have a partnership with the company pipadouro, for boat trips on the Douro River.
- Coordinates: 41.163865, -7.628449
- Link to Quinta do Castro Website
5. Quinta do Portal (Winery in Sabrosa)
Quinta do Portal is also located in Sabrosa. It is a recent project, from the end of the 20th century, based on Quinta dos Muros, owned by the Mansilha family. It produces Douro wines, Port wine and even Moscatel, with vineyards in Favaios region.
Of particular note is Casa das Pipas (the winery hotel), and its highly rated restaurant. By appointment, it is possible to buy complete programs of accommodation, food and experience in the vineyards during the harvest season. Some of these programs include boat or jeep trips.
- Coordinates: 41.239724, -7.568876
- Sleep at Quinta do Portal
- Link to Quinta do Portal website
6. Quinta de La Rosa (Winery in Pinhão)
The history of Quinta de La Rosa dates back to 1815, but I would particularly like to highlight the events of the early 20th century: the construction of the gigantic winery in 1908 (with 8 granite presses and a storage capacity of around 800 barrels), and the planting of Vale do Inferno vineyards (the most important of this property).
A visit to Vale do Inferno is a must and Quinta de La Rosa organizes guided tours. But it is also possible to sleep there, have lunch at the restaurant and visit the winery main facilities, doing also some wine tasting. Quinta de La Rosa was one of the first to produce table wines, and is located so close to Pinhão that access is extraordinarily easy.
- Coordinates: 41.182865, -7.552421
- Sleep at Quinta de la Rosa
- Link to Quinta de la Rosa website
7. Quinta da Foz (Winery in Pinhão)
Quinta da Foz, founded in 1872, is right next to the mouth of Pinhão River, in Douro Valley. It has about 22 hectares of vineyards and olive groves with an average age of over 80 years. Until 2010 it belonged to the Cálem family, and is now owned by Filipe Ferreira, also a Dão wine producer.
As one of the Best Douro Valley Wineries, it opens its doors to visitors by appointment, presenting its facilities, vineyards and organizing wine tastings.
- Coordinates: 41.191234, -7.549488
- Link to Quinta da Foz website
8. Quinta do Bonfim (Winery in Pinhão)
Quinta do Bonfim is owned by the Symington family and is right next to Pinhão. This family has British and Portuguese origins, but has lived in Portugal since the 19th century. They are owners of some of the great historic Port wine houses, such as Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s. They have a total of 26 Douro Valley Wineries, which make up a total of 1024 hectares planted with vines. No wonder they are the main owner of vineyards in Douro Valley.
In this article I will mention two wineries belonging to this family: Quinta do Bonfim and Quinta do Vesúvio. The last one is in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Follow the links below to learn more about the proposals for visiting Quinta do Bonfim.
- Coordinates: 41.189527, -7.541722
- Link to Quinta do Bonfim website
- Guided tour in Pinhão: Quinta do Bomfim Visit and Tasting
9. Quinta da Roêda (Winery in Pinhão)
Quinta da Roêda is owned by Croft, and is also located in Pinhão. Croft’s foundation dates back to 1588, making it the oldest company in the area still in business. It is famous for its Vintage Port wine.
- Coordinates: 41.186189, -7.529182
- Link to Quinta da Roêda website
10. Quinta do Monte Travesso (Winery in Tabuaço)
Quinta do Monte Travesso is 5 km from Tabuaço and the wine village of Barcos. It originated at the end of the 19th century, and is family business. In total, it has 16 hectares of vineyards and opens its doors to tourism for visits and tastings.
- Coordinates: 41.131828, -7.579424
- Link to Quinta do Monte Travesso website
11. Quinta do Panascal (Winery in Tabuaço)
Quinta do Panascal is located next to River Távora, in Valença do Douro (Tabuaço). The name comes from the Panasco clumps, a type of vegetation in the region. As one of the best Douro Valley Wineries, it has been owned by the Fonseca family since 1978, being their main property. Its Vintage Port wines stand out.
Quinta do Panascal opened its doors to visitors in 1992, being one of the first Douro Valley Wineries to do so. Visits to Quinta do Panascal can be done with an audio guide, which allows you to discover the place at your own pace. They also organize different types of wine tastings.
- Coordinates: 41.146751, -7.573055
- Link to Quinta do Panascal website
12. Quinta do Seixo (Winery in Tabuaço)
Quinta do Seixo has around 100 hectares and is owned by Sandeman. If this isn’t your first visit to the Douro, you’ve certainly seen the figure of the man with a cloak and hat next to the vineyards of this farm: it’s Sandeman’s trademark.
It is certainly one of the best Douro Valley Wineries, and perhaps one of the most visited for wine tourism. You can enjoy the panoramic view, have a picnic in the vineyards, or visit the facilities and taste port wine. If you enjoy Ferreirinha wines, here you have a unique opportunity for an excellent gastronomic experience.
- Coordinates: 41.167942, -7.555154
- Link to Quinta do Seixo Website
13. Quinta das Carvalhas (Winery in São João da Pesqueira)
Quinta das Carvalhas is another of the most emblematic Douro Valley Wineries. It has the advantage of being right in front of Pinhão, despite being on the bank side of São João da Pesqueira. Don’t forget to go to Carvalhas viewpoint, in the middle of the vineyards, to admire one of the best views of the village of Pinhão and surroundings.
Quinta das Carvalhas (with 135 hectares of vineyards) is the most important property of Real Companhia Velha, and has more than 3km of vineyards facing Douro River. Cruising on a Rabelo boat from Pinhão, it will be one of the highlights, if not the biggest highlight.
With regard to wine tourism programs, in addition to guided tours and wine tastings, and possible participation in the harvest, there are also trails that can be done with a guide, and even convertible buses that take you on a tour to discover the wine landscape. Learn more on the official website. 😉
- Coordinates: 41.186991, -7.542669
- Link to Quinta das Carvalhas website
14. Quinta de Ventozelo (Winery in São João da Pesqueira)
Quinta de Ventozelo is very well prepared for tourism, even having an interpretive center where the visitor can learn more about its history and the region where it is located. It clearly had to be mentioned in this list of the best Douro Valley Wineries.
Throughout the year you can participate in gastronomic, agricultural, hunting and nature activities. Some of them are exclusive to hotel guests, so consider staying there to sleep. It can be an excellent place to get to know some Douro Valley vineyards on foot, as there are several pedestrian routes available.
- Coordinates: 41.176909, -7.514887
- Sleep at Quinta de Ventozelo
- Link to Quinta de Ventozelo website
15. Quinta de São José (Winery in São João da Pesqueira)
Quinta de São José (owned by the Brito e Cunha family) is a recent project, which appeared in 1999. It has a total of around 11 hectares of vineyards. It is possible to visit them and the other facilities, do some wine tastings and even have lunch there. On the website you have all the information about prices and conditions.
- Coordinates: 41.197285, -7.486263
- Link to Quinta de São José website
16. Quinta da Sequeira (Winery in Vila Nova de Foz Côa)
Quinta da Sequeira was founded in 1899 by Joaquim Costa and Maria José Sequeira, from which the name comes. In total it has 15 hectares of vineyards.
- Coordinates: 41.061810, -7.298696
- Link to Quinta da Sequeira website
17. Quinta do Vesúvio (Winery in Vila Nova de Foz Côa)
Quinta do Vesúvio is the Symington family’s largest Douro Valley property, with around 133 hectares. I already mentioned this family when I wrote about Quinta do Bonfim, leaving you now with just a few useful links to plan your visit when passing through Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
- Coordinates: 41.141313, -7.264542
- Link to Quinta do Vesúvio website
18. Quinta do Vale Meão (Winery in Vila Nova de Foz Côa)
It would be unthinkable not to mention Quinta do Vale Meão in this article, after all, the famous Barca Velha red wine comes from here. This winery appeared in 1877, when D. Antónia Adelaide Ferreira bought the land where she came to establish herself in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
- Coordinates: 41.153662, -7.120583
- Link to Quinta do Vale Meão website
19. Quinta de Ervamoira (Winery in Vila Nova de Foz Côa)
The first time I saw Quinta de Ervamoira was during a guided tour of the prehistoric rock engravings of Penascosa. The viewpoint over the vineyards was one of the best I found in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, and you can see it below, in the image. There are a total of 178 hectares of vineyards.
Quinta de Ervamoira is owned by Ramos Pinto family and is located on the banks of Côa River. Due to its proximity to the World Heritage Sites of prehistoric rock engravings, it also has a museum about that, which you can visit by appointment. Access from the village of Chãs is recommended.
It is with Quinta de Ervamoira that I end this list of the best Douro Valley Wineries. Hope it was useful. 😉
- Coordinates: 41.019824, -7.112914
- Link to Quinta de Ervamoira website
Extra tips to visit the best Douro Valley Wineries and Vineyards
- If you need a car, rent one with Discover Cars.
- I recommend that you use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices and flight conditions before buying your plane tickets to Portugal.
- Always check Rome2Rio website to find out all possible ways of transport to get to a specific destination.
- To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Portugal, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
