The Douro Valley in Portugal is renowned for its stunning scenery and rich Port wine production. Known for its terraced vineyards and UNESCO World Heritage status, the valley produces Port, a sweet, fortified wine with a full-bodied flavor profile of dark fruit and spices. Port wine-making traditions date back to the 17th century, making the region a must-visit for wine lovers.

Getting There

There are several ways to get to Douro Valley to explore the wine region:

• Train:
  • Departure: Porto’s São Bento station.
  • Cost: Typically ranges from €10 to €20 one-way, depending on the train type and season.
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Régua or Pocinho stations.
• Rental Car
  • Departure: Porto
  • Cost: Varies on type of car and time of year but I’ve seen them as low as €15 per day
  • Duration: 3.5 to 4 hour drive
• Guided tour
  • Departure: Pick up from most Porto downtown hotels
  • Cost: €100 to €150
  • Duration: 9 to 10 hours

Exploring the Valley

Once you arrive at your destination in the Douro Valley, you’ll have plenty of options for things to do.

Wineries

The valley is home to many wine estates where you can visit for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyard.  It’s best to call ahead as many wine estates required reservations.  The wineries are quite spread out so make sure you have a phone number for a taxi or driver so you can call after you have finished your visit.  We visited the following wine estates:

• Quinta do Seixo – This winery produces Sandeman wine. We had visited the Sandeman cellar in Porto and really enjoyed the wine so we decided to visit the estate that produces it.
• Quinta do Bomfim – This wine estate is located in Pinhão. It is part of the Port wine producer, Symington Family Estates. The winery has a history of over 100 years and is considered one of the most important in the region.
• Quinta do Pego –  This is a winery and hotel with a beautiful patio that overlooks the valley.  
• Quinta do Tedo – This wine estate has been around since the 18th century. The terraced vineyards sit above the Douro and Tedo rivers.

Boat Tour

Taking a boat tour in the Douro Valley is a popular and scenic way to explore the region and its famous vineyards. The Douro River winds its way through the valley, offering stunning views of the terraced vineyards and rolling hills.  Boat tours typically an hour or two and provide an opportunity to see the valley from a unique perspective, as well as learn about its history and wine-making traditions. Some boat tours include visits to local wineries, where visitors can taste the famous Port wine and learn about the production process. Other tours may include a picnic lunch or dinner on board, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal with a view.

Pinhão

Don’t miss a visit to the historic town of Pinhão, which is known for its beautiful tile-covered buildings and its role as the center of the Douro wine industry. Here you can find a variety of restaurants and bars where you can sample the local cuisine and wines.

A visit to the Douro Valley is a must for anyone who loves wine, especially port wine.  Whether you’re a wine lover, a history buff, or just someone looking for a relaxing getaway, the Douro Valley is sure to impress.