Douro, Portugal

Douro, a demarcated region

The Douro is a navigable river flowing through the cultivated valleys of the districts of Bragança, Vila Real and Porto over 210 kilometres, in northern Portugal — the result of a perfect harmony between human endeavour and nature’s creation, visible in the terraced slopes along the valley, in the more than 100 religious buildings, in the dams built to make the river navigable from the point of entry into Portugal to its mouth, in the more than 50 viewpoints that allow us to observe the entire course of the Douro River and more than 200 km of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro in Portuguese territory, in the navigable waters, in the stunning landscapes and in the valleys filled with almond trees in blossom. The best definition of the Douro comes from Miguel Torga: “The Douro is an excess of nature” — classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

The Douro River

The Douro River is the third largest river on the Iberian Peninsula, with a length of approximately 930 km, its source at Sierra de Urbión, Spain, at an altitude of 2,000 metres. It enters Portugal at Barca d’Alva and flows into the sea at the mouth of Porto. During approximately ten hours of navigation, visitors can observe:

• the Planalto Mirandês: located in the northeast of Trás-os-Montes and Douro Internacional, it covers the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Vimioso, Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Torre de Moncorvo. It is a region known for being the place where Mirandese is spoken — the second official language of Portugal; for being a favourable location for birdwatching, particularly Black Storks, Eagles and Vultures; for the civil and religious architectural heritage of Miranda do Douro; for its ancient traditions and customs, notably the Pauliteiros de Miranda; and for its gastronomy, with particular emphasis on Posta à Mirandesa;
• Cachão da Valeira, a rocky gorge on the Douro River, which was the main obstacle to river navigation and the site of numerous shipwrecks until the 18th century. This situation improved at the end of the 18th century with the partial destruction of the rock, and in the 20th century with the construction of the Valeira dam.

The tributaries of the Douro River

• Corgo River: a tributary of the Douro River, rising in Vila Pouca de Aguiar, in the Serra da Padrela at 918 metres of altitude, and flowing into the Douro at Peso da Régua. The Corgo River passes through Vila Real, Santa Marta de Penaguião and Peso da Régua.
• Varosa River: a left-bank tributary of the Douro River, rising in Várzea da Serra, Tarouca, and flowing into the Douro near Lamego. The river has an approximate length of 45 km. Along the Varosa River, visitors will find Lamego, São João de Tarouca, Ucanha, the Varosa dam, Vale da Varosa and the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Salzedas.
• Pinhão River: a right-bank tributary of the Douro River, rising at Raíz do Monte, Vila Pouca de Aguiar, and flowing into the Vale do Pinhão. It is 30 km long and along its course passes through Vila do Pinhão and wine estates.
• Távora River: a left-bank tributary of the Douro, rising in Trancoso with an approximate length of 65 km. The main highlight is the Vilar-Tabuaço dam, inaugurated in 1955.
• Torto River: a left-bank tributary of the Douro River, rising in Trancoso, with an approximate length of 48 km, passing through Trancoso and Pinhão along its course.
• Tua River: a right-bank tributary of the Douro River, with an approximate length of 40 km. The Tua River rises in Mirandela where the Tuela and Rabaçal converge, and along its course passes through the Tua dam, Mirandela, Vila Flor, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Murça and Alijó.
• Côa River: a left-bank tributary of the Douro River, rising in the Serra das Mesas, Sabugal, at an altitude of 1,200 metres, and flowing into the Douro at Vila Nova de Foz Coa. The Côa River has a length of 135 km and is one of the few rivers in Portugal that flows from south to north. Along its course the Côa passes through Vale do Coa, Sabugal and Vila Nova de Foz Coa, where rock art paintings can be found.
• Sabor River: a right-bank tributary of the Douro River, rising in the Montes de León in Spain and flowing into the Douro at Aldeia da Foz do Sabor. The river has an approximate length of 120 km and along its course passes through Torre de Moncorvo, the Pocinho dam and the Aldeia da Foz do Sabor.

The Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region

The Demarcated Douro Region covers an area of approximately 250,000 hectares, of which 45,000 are dedicated to wine production, with more than 200 million vine stocks distributed among more than 40,000 producers; and only 12% of this production is used for fortified and table wine. The Alto Douro is divided into Baixo-Corgo, with a total area of 45,000 hectares and 14,501 hectares of vines; Cima-Corgo, with a total area of 95,000 hectares and 20,915 hectares of vines; and the Douro Superior, with a total area of 110,000 hectares.

The Municipalities of the Douro

Mesão Frio

Mesão Frio: one of the smallest municipalities in the country, covering 25 km² with 4,500 inhabitants, nestled in a valley with an open view over the Douro River and the Serra de Montemuro. The name “Mesão” is linked, according to legend, to the French word “maison”, and “frio” (cold) refers to the very cold climate of the region. Points of interest include: Castro de Cidadelhe; the Casa da Vista Alegre; the Igreja de Santa Cristina; the Igreja de São Nicolau; the Pombaline boundary markers, some of the original markers that can still be found, including numbers 5 and 6 at Quinta do Piar, number 7 at Quinta da Manuela, number 8 at Quinta da Ferreira de Baixo; the viewpoint of Senhora da Piedade; the viewpoint of Barqueiros; the viewpoint of Donsumil; the viewpoint of São Silvestre; the viewpoint of Imaginário; the river beach of Rede; and the river beach of Rio Teixeira.

Resende

Resende is a small town with approximately 12,000 inhabitants, located on the southern bank of the Douro River, well known in Portugal for being the gateway to the Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region; and for being the Cherry Capital of Portugal. Resende is a place with a unique landscape, with the Serra de Montemuro where visitors will find the Igreja de Nossa Senhora, the Igreja de Barrô, the Igreja de São Martinho de Mouros, the Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Cárquere, the Caldas de Regos spa, the Igreja de Anreade, the Penedo de São João, the Anta de Pendilhe and the Torre da Lagariça.

Santa Marta de Penaguião

Santa Marta de Penaguião is a town with approximately 1,500 inhabitants, located in one of the valleys of the Serra do Marão, popularly known as the “Concha Vinhateira” (wine shell), for being set in the middle of a shell-shaped valley filled with vineyards. Santa Marta de Penaguião has strong ties to the Douro filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira, born in Porto, whose family had connections to the region; the gastronomy is rich and traditional, where it is still possible to witness the traditional pig slaughter. Beyond pork, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes, including dried and boiled chestnuts, smoked meats, cured sausages, salt-cured and boiled pork, fresh ricotta, crème brûlée and Santa Marta wine. In Santa Marta de Penaguião, visitors can explore the medieval pillory; the palace of the Visconde de Santa Marta built in the 18th century; the statue honouring the Harvest Worker by Laurentino Ribatua; the Adega Cooperativa dos Vinhos, considered the largest and best-equipped in the entire Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region; the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição; the Quinta de Avidagos; the Capela de São Brás; the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Viso; the Capela de São Sebastião; the Capela de Santa Quitéria; the Capela de Santa Ana; and the Roman Period Ceramic Kiln.

Lamego

Lamego is one of the most important and ancient localities in the Alto Douro region, with approximately 27,000 inhabitants, famous for being the birthplace of Port Wine, at the Convento de Santa Cruz dos Lóios, under the original name of Vinho Cheirante de Lamego or Generoso; it is a place where almond trees in blossom can be seen in February, cherry trees in April and vineyards in November; it is one of the cities that contributed most to the independence of Portugal and one of the oldest in the country; it is where visitors can explore the Sanctuary and attend the festival of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios; discover the origins of Egas Moniz and Aquilino Ribeiro; taste what is considered the finest ham and smoked meats in the country, and the Lafões veal from Arouquesa cattle; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios; the Sé Catedral de Lamego; the castle and Alcáçova; the historic centre of Lamego: the Porta dos Figos; the Núcleo Arqueológico de Lamego; the Museu de Lamego; the 12th-century Igreja de Almacave, where the first Cortes of Portugal were held; the Igreja do Convento de Santa Cruz; the former seminary building; the Teatro Ribeiro Conceição; the Solar dos Silveiras; the Casa das Brôlhas; the Casa do Poço; and the Casa Visconde de Arneirós.

Vila Real

Vila Real: considered the capital of Trás-os-Montes, birthplace of the popular saying “Para cá do Marão, mandam os que cá estão”. This locality is situated at approximately 450 metres of altitude, on the right bank of the Corgo River between the Serra do Marão and the Serra do Alvão. Vila Real is a city of ancient origins, inhabited since the Palaeolithic and occupied during the Roman Period. The city was originally named Vila Real de Panóias, founded by Dom Dinis through the granting of two charters: the charter of 1289 and the charter of 1293. Following the granting of these two charters, the city grew from 430 inhabitants in 1530 to 3,600 inhabitants in 1795. The Museu da Vila Velha marks the site of origin of the Trás-os-Montes capital, which developed demographically and economically as a result of no longer being a defensive stronghold of the Kingdom of Portugal; the availability of sufficient water for the population within the walls; the relocation of the city centre to near the road between Porto and Bragança, the two most important communication routes in the region during the Middle Ages; and the fact that the noble houses were located on the outskirts of the city. Today in Vila Real visitors can explore: the Palácio Casa Mateus; the Sé Catedral de Vila Real; the Museu da Vila Velha; the Igreja de São Dinis; the house where Diogo Cão was born; the Igreja da Misericórdia; the Convento Masculino de São Francisco; the Convento Feminino de Santa Clara; the Santuário Rupestre de Panóias; the Parque Natural do Alvão; the Jardim da Carreira; the Parque do Corgo; the Torre de Quintela; and the Jardim Botânico.

Peso da Régua

Peso da Régua: classified as the International Capital of Wine and the Vine and headquarters of the Casa do Douro. The municipality of Peso da Régua, with approximately 16,000 inhabitants, was founded in 1836 and was born from the union of the villages of “Peso” and “Régua”. This city is the heart of the Douro Railway Line, from where visitors can travel on the Comboio Histórico do Douro, one of the most legendary trains in the country. The main attractions of Peso da Régua are: the Museu do Douro; the municipal library of Peso da Régua; the Igreja Matriz de Peso da Régua; the Capela das Sete Esquinas; the Capela de Santo António; the Estação Arqueológica do Alto da Fonte do Milho; the Estação Ferroviária do Peso da Régua; the viewpoint of São Leonardo de Galafura; the Museu Adega das Giestas Negras; the viewpoint of Santo António; the viewpoint of São Leonardo; the viewpoint of Monte Reso; the viewpoint of Vale de Cunca; the Caldas do Moledo thermal park; the metal bridge of Peso da Régua; the Quinta 100 Hectares; the Quinta da Devesa; the Quinta do Judeu; and the Quinta Dona Matilde.

Armamar

Armamar is considered the “Mountain Apple Capital” of the Alto Douro region, with approximately 6,300 inhabitants. It is in Armamar that visitors will find the DOC Restaurant by Chef Rui Paula, a highly prestigious restaurant in Portugal, and the Quinta dos Frades, one of the oldest estates in the Alto Douro, a former property of the Cistercian Order. Armamar is considered the “Mountain Apple Capital” due to the production of more than 1,800,000 (one million eight hundred thousand) apple trees and more than 50,000 (fifty thousand) tonnes of apples cultivated across 1,400 hectares. Armamar is also one of the border points between Beira Alta and Trás-os-Montes, where visitors can explore: the Igreja Matriz de São Miguel; the Quinta dos Frades; the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição; the Capela de Santa Bárbara; the Temilobos dam; the Cais Turístico e Fluvial da Folgosa; the riverside walk of Folgosa; the Igreja Paroquial da Folgosa; the Cascata da Misarela; the viewpoint of Misarela; the viewpoint and Ermida de São Domingos; the Vale de Naçarães; the Vale do Douro no Marmelal; and the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Piedade.

Sabrosa

Sabrosa is considered a true hidden gem of the Douro, as it attracts relatively few tourists. Sabrosa, with approximately 6,400 inhabitants, deserves a visit for its long-standing association with the navigator Fernão de Magalhães — though his precise birthplace remains historically disputed; a municipality where the writer Miguel Torga was born; and the place where visitors can taste roast kid with white rice, Cozido à Portuguesa and cured sausages. The points of interest in Sabrosa are: the Casa de Fernão de Magalhães; the Casa Barros Lobo; the Igreja Matriz de Sabrosa; the Capela de Santa Bárbara; the Capela de São Miguel; the Capela de São Roque; the Miradouro Torguiano de São Cristóvão do Douro; the Mamoa de Madorras, a funerary construction dating back 6,000 years to the Neolithic period; the viewpoint of the Capela da Senhora da Azinheira; the viewpoint of Sabrosa; the viewpoint of São Domingos de Provesende; the viewpoint of São Domingos do Monte Coxo; the viewpoint of the Santuário do Senhor dos Aflitos; and the Castro de Sabrosa.

Tabuaço

Tabuaço, a settlement of 6,400 inhabitants, is together with Lamego the heart of the Ribadouro, where visitors can explore the Museu do Imaginário Duriense; Rijomax, the most complete and exotic clock in the world; the Igreja Matriz do Tabuaço; the Paços do Concelho do Tabuaço; the village of Barcos; the village of Granja do Tedo; the viewpoint of Alto da Escrita; and the Museu Abel Botelho.

Alijó

Alijó is a municipality with approximately 13,800 inhabitants and the location with the highest concentration of vineyards in the Alto Douro Vinhateiro. Alijó is a place of countless curiosities and historical facts, notably: the site of the first school canteen in the country; and the city where Padre Manuel da Nóbrega was born, the founder of the city of São Paulo, in Brazil. The main highlights to visit in Alijó are: the Igreja Matriz de Alijó; the Municipal Library — site of the first school canteen in the country; the Teatro Municipal do Alijó; a plane tree more than 150 years old, planted in the city centre, where visitors can recite the “Súplica da árvore ao Viandante”; the Anta da Fonte Coberta; the Fundação Casa-Museu Maurício Penha; the Caldas de Carlão thermal spa; the viewpoint of Casa de Loivos; the viewpoint of Nossa Senhora da Piedade; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Sanfins do Douro; the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres; the village of Perafita; the wine village of Favaios: this small locality has several attractions, notably the Bairro Industrial de Favaios, so named for being the place where bread is baked in Favaios; the building popularly known as “A Obra”, which for many centuries served as a façade and now houses the Museu do Pão e do Vinho; the Igreja de São Domingos, the tallest church in Vila Real; and the Quinta da Avessada.

Pinhão

Pinhão is a small locality, the centre of the Demarcated Douro Region with 700 inhabitants, a former small village where fishermen and wine transporters on the Barcos Rabelo lived, which gained prominence from 1670 onwards with the arrival of the English. The main points of interest to visit are: the Estação Ferroviária do Pinhão, with 24 tile panels from 1937 depicting the grape harvest; the Wine House do Pinhão; the Quinta das Carvalhas; the Quinta do Bonfim; and the Quinta da Roeda.

São João da Pesqueira

São João da Pesqueira has approximately 7,800 inhabitants, being the largest producer of Douro Wine and holder of the oldest charter in Portugal, issued between 1055 and 1065 by Fernando Magno, King of Castile and León. The name “Pesqueira” is thought to be related to the existence of walls beside the river, built to facilitate fishing and protect local fishermen from the violence of the river near the Cachão da Valeira. São João da Pesqueira is noted for the Praça da República, with the Igreja da Santa Casa da Misericórdia and the Museu Eduardo Tavares; the Rua dos Gatos, with schist houses where the Jewish community of São João da Pesqueira resided during the Middle Ages; the Rua do Arco, featuring an ogival arch that belonged to the former medieval wall and the bell tower of 1652; the Paços do Concelho building; the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Rosário; the Quinta de Cidró; the Paço Episcopal de Trevões; the Solar dos Caiados; the Museu de Arte Sacra de Trevões; the seven castles of Paredes da Beira; the Quinta da Corredoura; the Dolmén da Areita; and the Museu do Vinho de São João da Pesqueira.

Cachão da Valeira

Cachão da Valeira was a waterfall in a rocky gorge, considered a boundary in the region and the scene of numerous shipwrecks, notably when Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, known as “Ferreirinha”, and the Baron of Forrester — according to legend — “…were travelling on a Barco Rabelo that capsized while passing through Cachão da Valeira, and the Baron of Forrester was pulled to the bottom of the Douro River by the weight of the gold sovereigns he carried in his boots. The ‘Ferreirinha’ survived due to the buoyancy provided by the skirts she was wearing.” In Cachão da Valeira, highlights include: a memorial inscribed in stone honouring the shipwreck victims who perished between 1780 and 1791 during the opening of the canal. The Cachão da Valeira rock face was destroyed in the 18th century, however the Douro River only became fully navigable with the construction of the dams; the Solar dos Castros, known as the Casa do Cabo, built in Baroque Joanino style; the Rua dos Gatos, with the remaining schist houses; the viewpoint of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes; the viewpoint of São Salvador do Mundo — the main sanctuary of the Douro River, reached via a steep climb with several small chapels along the route; the viewpoint of Frei Estêvão; the viewpoint of Quinta das Carvalhas; the Museu do Azeite; the Quinta Cadão Douro; the Quinta da Fonte Nova; the Quinta da Gricha; the Quinta das Tecedeiras; the Quinta de São José; the Quinta de Ventozelo; the Quinta Dona Doroteia; the Quinta do Penedo do Salto; and the Quinta do Pessegueiro.

Murça

Murça, home of the Feira de Murça, one of the oldest fairs in the country, held since 1304. Murça has approximately 2,200 inhabitants and is a locality known for its confectionery, notably the Toucinho do Céu and the Queijadas de Murça. The attractions to visit in Murça are: the Paços do Concelho building; the Igreja Matriz de Murça; the Parque Natural Regional do Vale do Tua; the 16th-century pillory; the Capela da Misericórdia; the Castro de Palheiros; the Ponte Velha Filipina; the village of Sobreira; the viewpoint of Casa da Floresta; the village of Porrais; the Ribeira de Barroso; the Ribeiro do Vale de Manhuscal; the Serra da Garraia; the Parque Florestal de Mascanho; the Mamoa do Castelo; the Necrópole Megalítica do Alto das Madorras; the Fontes de Mergulho; and the sundials.

Carrazeda de Ansiães

Carrazeda de Ansiães is the land of fortified wine, olive oil and dried fruits, with approximately 6,400 inhabitants, and points of interest to visit including: the Castelo de Ansiães; the Museu de Memória Rural; the Parque Internacional de Escultura de Carrazeda de Ansiães; the Galeria Alberto Carneiro; the Centro Interpretativo do Vale do Tua; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Graça; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Saúde; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Assunção; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Costa; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Paixão; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte; the Cachão da Rapa; the Anta de Vilarinho da Castanheira; and the Anta de Zedes.

Mirandela

Mirandela is considered a true oasis in the “hot lands” of Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region. Mirandela, with approximately 12,000 inhabitants, was the site of the construction of Portugal’s first surface metro in 1995. The main points of interest to visit are: the Castelo de Mirandela; the Igreja da Misericórdia de Mirandela; the Museu de Arte Sacra da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Mirandela; the Centro Cultural Municipal; the Ponte Velha; the Repuxo de Mirandela; the Mata de Quadraçal; the Biblioteca Municipal Sarmento Pimentel; the Parque do Império; the Parque Doutor José Gama; the Reserva da Biosfera Transfronteiriça da Meseta Ibérica; the Paço dos Távoras; the Museu da Oliveira e do Azeite; the Museu Rural Adérito Rodrigues; the Ecoteca; the Museu Armindo Teixeira Lopes; the Ponte da Pera; the village of Romeu; the Museu de Curiosidades; the Quinta dos Bacelares; the Quinta dos Pereiras Cabrais; the Solar dos Condes de Vinhais; the Serra de Santa Coma; the Mata dos Castanheiros; the Parque das Merendas; the viewpoint of Mirandela; the viewpoint of Barcel; and the viewpoint of Franco.

Vila Flor

Vila Flor is a municipality with approximately 6,700 inhabitants, the land of chestnuts, almond trees in blossom, bread, wine and the place where the first telephone in Trás-os-Montes appeared. Vila Flor was known as Além Sabor until the 13th century, when Dom Dinis chose to change the name in recognition of the natural beauty of the region’s landscape. The main points of interest to visit in Vila Flor are: the Igreja Matriz de São Bartolomeu; the Igreja da Misericórdia; the Museu Municipal de Vila Flor; the manor houses and solar buildings of the historic centre; the Porta de Dom Dinis; the Roman fountain; the Rua Nova, formerly the Jewish quarter; the manor house of the Sá Correia family; the Centro Interpretativo do Cabeço da Mina; the Museu Municipal Doutora Berta Cabral; the Barragem do Peneireiro; the Complexo Turístico-Desportivo do Peneireiro; the viewpoint of Senhora da Lapa; the former Forca de Freixiel, a monument classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1958; the Barragem de Mourão e Vale Torno; the Monte da Aldeia de Vilas Boas; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Assunção; the Cabeço de São Martinho; and the Cabeço de São Miguel.

Vila Nova de Foz Coa

Vila Nova de Foz Coa is a municipality with approximately 7,400 inhabitants, world-renowned for having the largest open-air Palaeolithic art museum in the world, extending over more than 26 km; more than 80 rock art sites; approximately 1,200 engraved rocks; and two sites classified as World Heritage Sites, namely the Vale do Côa and the Alto Douro Vinhateiro. In Vila Nova de Foz Coa, visitors can explore: the Museu do Coa; the Quinta de Vale Meão; the Igreja Matriz; the Palaeolithic engravings of Canada do Inferno, Vale Cabrões and Vale José Esteves; the Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Coa; the Quinta da Ervamoira; the Igreja Matriz de Freixo de Numão; the Solar Casa Grande; the Capela de Santa Quitéria; the Casa dos Andrades; the viewpoint of Santa Luzia; the viewpoint of Caminho da Costa; the viewpoint of Nossa Senhora do Viso; the viewpoint of Santa Bárbara; the viewpoint of São Martinho; the viewpoint of Anjo São Gabriel; the viewpoint of Mata dos Carrascos; the viewpoint of Arnozelo; the Castelo de Numão; the Castelo Melhor; and the Castelo Velho.

Pocinho

Pocinho is a village known for being the terminus of the Douro railway line since the rail link between Barca d’Alva and Spain was decommissioned in 1989; for the Pocinho dam; and for the Pocinho high-performance rowing centre.

Mêda

Mêda is a municipality with approximately 5,300 inhabitants, a border region between the Douro and the Serra da Estrela, where “The Douro meets the Mountain”. Mêda is the land of almonds, olive trees and vineyards planted on terraced slopes. The main points of interest to visit are: the city of Mêda; the Solar das Casas Novas; the Fonte do Espírito Santo; the Igreja Matriz; the Museu Municipal de Mêda; the historic village of Marialva; the Templar town of Longroiva; the Castelo de Longroiva; the Longroiva thermal spa; and the archaeological site of Vale do Mouro.

Alfândega da Fé

Alfândega da Fé is the land of silk, having once produced more than 17,000 tonnes of silk in 1070. Alfândega da Fé, currently with approximately 5,200 inhabitants, served as a trading post during the Muslim occupation in the 8th century, until it was founded by Dom Dinis through the granting of a Charter in 1294. The points of interest to visit in Alfândega da Fé are: the Largo do Castelo; the Torre do Relógio; the urban art; the Casa da Cultura do Mestre José Rodrigues; the Igreja Matriz de São Pedro; the Igreja da Misericórdia; the Capela de São Sebastião; the Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Jerusalém; the Capela da Lagoinha; the Santo Antão da Barca; the Solar do Morgado de Vilarelhos; the Igreja Matriz de Sambade; the Centro de Interpretação do Território; the Santuário de São Bernardino; and the Santuário de Cerejais.

Torre de Moncorvo

Torre de Moncorvo is a town and municipality with approximately 8,600 inhabitants, “Where Iron is the Soul of the Land”. Torre de Moncorvo stands out from other localities in the region for being the site of an ancient Jewish community; for being the largest almond producer in the country; and for being a settlement where river fish can be enjoyed throughout the year, especially during the Festival das Migas e Peixes do Rio. The name “Torre de Moncorvo” originates from a military man named “Mendo”, known as “Corvo” (Crow), who lived in a “Torre” (Tower) on a hill near the settlement. Torre de Moncorvo received its charter from Dom Dinis, who ordered a tower to be built to defend the region from the Kingdom of León. This tower was destroyed in the 19th century against the wishes of the majority of the population, with the aim of constructing the Paços do Concelho. It is in Torre de Moncorvo that the second most important granite pulpit in Portugal can be found, after the one in the Igreja de Santa Cruz in Coimbra. The main attractions to visit in Torre de Moncorvo are: the Museu do Ferro e da Região de Moncorvo; the Igreja Matriz de Torre de Moncorvo; the Capela e Arco da Senhora dos Remédios; the Igreja da Misericórdia; the former Castelo de Torre de Moncorvo; the Museu de Arte Sacra; the viewpoint of Vale do Sabor; the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental e Recuperação Animal; the Lagar da Cera; the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção; the viewpoint of Vide; the viewpoint of Barca Velha; the viewpoint of Fraga do Cão; the viewpoint of Senhora do Castelo; the viewpoint of Fraga do Facho; the viewpoint of Póvoa; the Serra do Reboredo; the Ecopista do Sabor; the river beach of Foz do Sabor; the Castelo de Mós; the pillory of Mós; the Ferraria da Chapa Cunha; the Buraco dos Mouros de Urros; the Fraga do Arco de Maçores; the Minas de Ferro do Reboredo; and the Minas de Volfrâmio de Carviçais.

Freixo de Espada à Cinta

Freixo de Espada à Cinta is a municipality with approximately 3,800 inhabitants, an ancient and distinctive locality in the region for being the birthplace of Jorge Álvares, the first Portuguese person to reach China; the birthplace of the poet Guerra Junqueiro (1850–1923); the town with the most Manueline windows and doors in Portugal; and the only locality in the entire Iberian Peninsula with the complete process of natural silk production, from silkworm rearing to weaving. Freixo de Espada à Cinta experienced significant economic development between 1450 and the first half of the 16th century, driven by the importance of the Jewish community and silk production. The main attractions to visit are: the Torre do Galo; the Igreja Matriz de Freixo de Espada à Cinta; the Igreja da Misericórdia; the Igreja do Convento de São Filipe Nery; the viewpoint of Penedo Durão; the Museu Regional Casa Junqueiro; the Museu da Seda e do Território; the village of Mazouco; the Cavalo de Mazouco rock painting; the viewpoint of Assumadouro; the Necrópole de São Paulo; the viewpoint of Cruzinha; the Parque Fluvial do Douro; the Praia Fluvial da Congida; the viewpoint of Carrascalinho; the viewpoint of Bazuco; the Quinta da Maritávora; the village of Lagoaça; the village of Ávila; and the Quinta da Batoca.

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is a municipality with approximately 6,300 inhabitants, the land of three rivers: the Douro, the Côa and the Águeda, of the Serra da Marofa and wild horses, with particular importance in the History of Portugal due to the Battle of Salgadela, fought on 7 July 1664, where victory was achieved over more than 3,000 Spaniards, defeated by approximately 150 Portuguese soldiers. This battle was decisive in consolidating Portugal’s independence in the 17th century. The main points of interest to visit are: the Igreja do Sagrado Coração; the Museu de Artes e Ofícios Francisco Távora; the Centro Interpretativo e Museológico de Algodres; the Museu Rural e Etnográfico de Vilar de Amargo; Barca d’Alva; the Palácio Cristóvão de Moura; the Castelo Rodrigo; the Igreja de Escalhão; the Serra da Marofa; and the Cruz de Pedro Jacques Magalhães.

The Historical Evolution of the Demarcated Region

Wine production in the Douro region has existed since at least 2800 BC, cultivated by the Roman, Muslim and Suebi peoples, who developed viticulture. The Douro region began to gain importance during the Roman Occupation Period with the construction of the Santuário de Panóias in Vila Real, dedicated to Serapis; and with the creation of dioceses during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian (284–305 AD), with the Douro integrated into “Gallaecia” (the region located in the northwest of ancient Hispania).

The Douro during the Middle Ages

The Douro region experienced significant development from the Middle Ages onwards, driven by the investment of French counts who accompanied Count Dom Henrique in the production of the fragrant wines of Lamego and in experimenting with sparkling wine production, with a view to introducing it in France; the granting of the oldest charter in Portugal, which included the localities of São João da Pesqueira, Paredes, Linhares, Penela and Ansiães, issued by Fernando Magno (1016–1065); the establishment of the Cistercian Order, with a decisive contribution to the economic development of the Douro from the 12th century onwards through viticulture. The Cistercian Order spread throughout the country, however in the Alto Douro region particular mention is due to the monasteries of Salzedas, São João de Tarouca and São Pedro das Águias; and the settlement policy of Dom Dinis (1279–1325), with the granting of charters to Vila Real da Terra de Panóias in 1289, the present-day Vila Real, Vila Flor and Torre de Moncorvo.

The Douro between the 16th and 18th centuries

The Douro region intensified its links with the city of Porto during the Age of Discoveries, owing to the increase in maritime transport between the Douro Valley and the mouth of the Douro, where taverns purchased the great majority of the wine produced in the Douro, subsequently consumed by the sailors of the caravels. During the reign of Dom Manuel I (1495–1521), the Douro Region grew in importance with the granting of more than 50 charters, notably Couto do Peso (present-day municipality of Peso da Régua), Santa Marta de Penaguião, São João da Pesqueira and Lamego. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the most sought-after wines were the fragrant “Cheirantes” wines of Lamego and the fortified wines of the Douro Valley, exported mainly from Vila Nova de Gaia to England and France, and from Viana do Castelo to Germany and the Netherlands. Wine production grew until the mid-18th century, when production began to be controlled by the English and Scottish, and became subject to numerous frauds driven by the prospect of easy profit. Port Wine began to change when in 1675 it was first referred to as “Vinho do Porto” in a speech by Duarte Ribeiro de Macedo (1618–1680), diplomat and magistrate of the Relação do Porto; and in 1678, when an Englishman added brandy to the wines with the aim of preventing their deterioration during sea and land journeys.

Port Wine from the 18th century onwards

The Porto and Douro regions went through an economic crisis from 1753 onwards, due to poor harvests during the 1740s and 1750s and constant fraud in Port Wine production, resolved through the establishment of the World’s First Demarcated Wine Region with the creation of the Companhia da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro (present-day Real Companhia Velha), by the Marquis of Pombal in 1756. The creation of the Companhia da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro protected genuine wine production; established geographical boundaries through the demarcation of zones and the installation of the Pombaline boundary markers; however it caused indignation among vineyard owners and tavern keepers in Porto and Gaia; and gave rise to several uprisings in the region, notably the Tavern Keepers’ Revolt, which took place in Porto and involved more than 700 taverns forced to purchase wine from the Company. In the uprising, more than 400 individuals were condemned, 26 were sentenced to death — of whom 17 were publicly hanged or beheaded in Miragaia — and 600 tavern keepers were forced to close their establishments. The revolt swept through the Largo da Cordoaria; the Largo de São Domingos, where the People’s Judge resided; and the Rua Chã, where Beleza de Andrade, the Company’s Provedor, lived — who was compelled to place the city of Porto under Martial Law following the popular discontent generated by the founding of the Company. The Companhia da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro operated under several names, including: Companhia dos Vinhos do Porto, Companhia do Alto Douro, Companhia do Douro, Companhia das Vinhas do Alto Douro, Real Companhia dos Vinhos do Porto, Companhia Real do Porto, Real Companhia dos Vinhos and the current name Real Companhia Velha, with several important actions in the Douro region, notably the establishment of geographical boundaries through stone markers issued by the Feitoria; the regulation of wine production areas; the processes and techniques for wine production; the conducting of regular inspections of wine and brandy producers; the regulation of prices; the establishment of wine transport rules; the registration of the names of Rabelo boat crew members; and the establishment of Naval Studies classes in 1762 in Porto, the foundation of the future Real Academia da Marinha e do Comércio, present-day Academia Politécnica do Porto. The Companhia da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro held the exclusive right to trade brandy and vinegar to Brazil; the monopoly on wine sales to taverns in Porto and its surroundings; and the exclusive production and sale of brandy in Porto and northern Portugal.

Port Wine in the 19th century

Wine production went through a crisis in the 19th century due to vineyard plagues. The most severe plague was Phylloxera, which reached the Douro in 1868 and devastated a large part of the vineyards, leaving land uncultivated and forcing the replanting of a large portion of the vineyards, protected by American rootstocks immune to the plague. Antónia Adelaide Ferreira and the Baron of Forrester were two decisive figures in the development of the Douro Valley during the 19th century:

Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, known as “a Ferreirinha” (1811–1896)

A Ferreirinha was known as the “mother of the poor”, a figure admired and beloved by all the people of the Douro. Such was the admiration that more than 300,000 people attended her funeral in 1896. The businesswoman Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira was instrumental in eliminating the Phylloxera plague from the vineyards of the Douro Valley; in the expansion of wine estates to the border with Spain; in the creation of more than twenty estates along the Douro, notably the Quinta de Vale Meão and the Quinta da Leda; in the construction of the railway in the region, which employed more than a thousand workers; in the building of hospitals in Peso da Régua, Vila Real, Moncorvo and Lamego; and in the donation of funds to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Porto.

The Baron of Forrester (1809–1861)

Joseph James Forrester, known as the Baron of Forrester, was British by nationality, and a photographer, watercolourist, cartographer, scholar of the region, producer and exporter of Douro wines. He arrived from Great Britain in 1831 to work at the wine company his uncle had in the Douro. The Baron of Forrester was a multifaceted man of great culture, who integrated easily into the British community of Porto. The Baron had great importance in the region, carrying out the cartographic survey of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro, producing the “Mapa do Paiz Vinhateiro do Alto Douro” of 1843; the map “Douro Portuguez e Paiz Adjacente” of 1848, in which he identified 210 difficult navigation points between the border with Spain and the mouth of the Douro; he painted 31 watercolours depicting the traditional dress of the inhabitants of the Douro Valley in 1855; and was responsible for representing the Alto Douro Region at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855.

The shipwreck of the Baron of Forrester and Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira at Cachão da Valeira in 1861

The Baron of Forrester and Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira set out from Quinta do Vesúvio heading to Peso da Régua on 12 May 1861. On board were a total of 17 people, and the Baron of Forrester died in the shipwreck at Cachão da Valeira. This location, where a large rock face existed, was known as the site of numerous accidents and was feared by even the most experienced Barco Rabelo crews. According to legend, the Baron died due to the weight of the gold sovereigns he carried in his boots, and Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira survived due to the buoyancy of her skirts.

The Douro Region from the 20th century to the present day

The Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region was reorganised in 1932 through the creation of three institutions: the Casa do Douro; the Grémio dos Exportadores do Vinho do Porto; and the Instituto do Vinho do Porto. From 1974 onwards, these institutions were refounded, with the Grémio dos Exportadores do Vinho do Porto renamed the Associação dos Exportadores do Vinho do Porto. The Alto Douro Vinhateiro experienced significant economic development from 2001, with its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national political importance and recognition led to the creation of the Estrutura de Missão para a Região Demarcada do Douro, within the Ministry of the Environment, in 2006.

The Pombaline demarcation markers

The granite markers were constructed on the orders of the Companhia da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro from 1758 onwards; the first marker bore the inscription “Nº I Feytoria” — “Feytoria” or embarkation. “Feytoria” was the name given to the finest quality wines of the region, corresponding to the present-day Port Wine. The first marker was accidentally discovered in 2001, after a storm destroyed the plaster on the wall of the house at Quinta de São Gonçalo da Ribeira, in the village of Barrô, in the municipality of Resende. This was the first marker established on the left bank of the Douro River; the whereabouts of the first marker on the right bank remains unknown. The Companhia da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro created a total of 335 markers, of which 131 have been found to date.

The Barco Rabelo

The Barco Rabelo was the mode of transport used to carry barrels of Port Wine between the Alto Douro Region and the mouth of the Douro. The boats once numbered in the thousands, taking three days to complete the journey, and in some stretches needing to be hauled by men or teams of oxen due to the violence of the waters. The Barco Rabelo is thought to have been inspired by boats from Northern Europe; studies point in this direction due to several similarities, including the espadela — the trunk that replaced the rudder; both used sail and oars simultaneously; the Rabelos built in the 18th century were decorated with animal skins; and the hulls of the vessels had no keels. The name “Rabelo” is related to the espadela’s resemblance to a tail (“rabo”). This characteristic gave rise to the first name “rabudos” and later “Rabelo”. The Barco Rabelos were used to transport wine until 1870, the year the railway arrived in the Douro region and became the principal means of transport to Vila Nova de Gaia. The boats were built in the coastal Douro area due to the proximity of pine and eucalyptus, used as raw materials. There were essentially two types of Barco Rabelo: the “Matizes”, the larger Rabelos with a carrying capacity of up to 100 barrels; and the “Trafegueiros”, the smaller boats with a carrying capacity of up to 50 barrels. The Rabelo crew, known as the “Campanha”, could number up to 13 members, depending on the size of the boat. Most sailors were recruited from Mesão Frio, Baião, Marco de Canaveses, Resende, Cinfães and Castelo de Paiva. It was a family trade, passed down from generation to generation, with various roles, including: the Arrais, owner of the boat and responsible for the “ajuste” (the carrying capacity of each boat), agreed with the estate owners. The arrais were an important source of employment in the Douro Valley, responsible for hiring workers for the Rabelo boats; the Mestre da Espadela, captain of the boat; the Feitor da Proa, who assisted the Mestre da Espadela during the most dangerous moments of the journey; the Marinheiros (sailors), responsible for the hardest work on the boat, especially hoisting and holding the sail; the Encerado, responsible for protecting the sailors during the night; bailing water from the boat; and driving the team of oxen when the river waters were too strong; and the Moço, who cooked and tidied. The role of Moço was often performed by a child.

The Douro Dams

Crestuma-Lever Dam

The Crestuma-Lever Dam is the dam closest to the mouth of the Douro, at approximately 22 km distance, with a reservoir of 44 km. The dam was inaugurated in 1985, is the first dam when ascending the Douro, and includes a lock that allows vessels to overcome a water level difference of 13.9 metres, the smallest drop along the river; nine pillars 25.5 metres tall; and eight water discharge gates.

Carrapatelo Dam

The Carrapatelo Dam, located on the border of the districts of Viseu and Porto, within the municipalities of Marco de Canaveses and Cinfães, was the first hydroelectric project to be built on the Portuguese Douro and has one of the largest locks in Europe, with a water level difference of 35 metres, inaugurated in 1972.

Bagaúste Dam

The Bagaúste Dam, located approximately 4 km from Peso da Régua, has a water level difference of 27 metres. The dam was inaugurated in 1973 and is situated near the Régua quay, one of the places where visitors can embark on a Douro cruise.

Valeira Dam

The Valeira Dam was the third dam to be built on the Douro, inaugurated in 1976. The dam’s reservoir extends over 36 km, passing through the municipalities of Carrazeda de Ansiães, São João da Pesqueira, Torre de Moncorvo and Vila Nova de Foz Côa. The dam’s lock is 90 metres long with a water level difference of 32 metres, and the ascent through the lock takes approximately twenty minutes.

Pocinho Dam

The Pocinho Dam is located between the Côa and Sabor rivers, approximately 180 km from the mouth of the Douro River, and includes a reservoir of approximately 40 km extending through the municipalities of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Torre de Moncorvo, Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. The dam was inaugurated in 1983, with a width of 12 metres and a water level difference of 22 metres. The ascent through the lock takes approximately 15 minutes.

The Douro Estates (Top 10)

1. Quinta da Pacheca

The Quinta da Pacheca, located in the municipality of Lamego, has a view over Peso da Régua, the Douro River and the slopes with their vineyards and olive trees. The Quinta da Pacheca formed part of the lands of the Mosteiro de Salzedas and of São João de Tarouca in the 16th century, with the oldest known record dating from 1551. The name “Pacheca” was first referenced in 1738, with the property registered in the name of Dona Mariana Pacheco Pereira, the first in Portugal to produce white wines of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gewurztraminer varieties, at the wish of Dom Eduardo Freire de Serpa Pimentel. The Quinta da Pacheca is currently one of the most visited estates in the Douro Valley, due to its view over the Douro River and Peso da Régua; the possibility of spending the night in luxury suites created from converted wine barrels; the quality of its gastronomy and wine; and the possibility of seeing one of the first granite markers established in the region by the Marquis of Pombal in 1758.

2. Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

The Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, covering approximately 120 hectares, is located in Pinhão, in the heart of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region. The estate formed part of the Royal House of Portugal until 1725, the year it was created through the union of two properties: the Quinta Nova and the Quinta de Nossa Senhora do Carmo. The estate has been managed by the Amorim family since 1995; it was here that the first monovarietal planting on the Douro River was produced, between 1979 and 1981, with the production of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. The main highlights of the Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo are: the original winery of 1764; the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Carmo; the Wine Museum Centre; the Garrafeira shop at Patamar Kitchen; and the Conceitus Winery Restaurant.

3. Quinta do Vale Meão

The Quinta de Vale Meão, covering 300 hectares, is located in Vila Nova de Foz Côa and is one of the most important estates in the region, as it is the property of the descendants of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira “A Ferreirinha”, the great figure of the Douro. The Quinta de Vale Meão is currently managed by her great-great-grandson Francisco Javier de Olazabal, and is the birthplace of the Barca Velha wine; it has a stunning landscape over the vineyards and the Douro; and offers the possibility of meeting the direct heirs of a historical figure.

4. Quinta dos Frades

The Quinta dos Frades is an estate covering approximately 200 hectares, located in the village of Folgosa, in the municipality of Armamar, near Lamego, at the foot of one of the slopes of the Douro River. The Quinta dos Frades, formerly known as Quinta da Folgosa, is so named for having been the property of the Mosteiro de Salzedas of the Cistercian Order since 1256, the date inscribed on the coat of arms at the entrance to the estate. The estate was sold to the Barão da Folgosa in 1841, following the dissolution of the Religious Orders in 1834. The estate belonged to the family of the Barão da Folgosa until 1941, when it was acquired by Comendador Delfim Ferreira (1888–1960), considered at the time the wealthiest man in Portugal during the 1940s and 1950s, and responsible for several major projects, including the Hotel Infante Sagres in Porto, the main textile factory in the country in Vila do Conde, the Varosa Dam, the Casa de Serralves and the Hotel Sheraton in Lisbon. The highlights of the Quinta dos Frades are: the 18th-century chapel dedicated to São Bernardo; the granite marker of the Companhia da Agricultura e dos Vinhos do Alto Douro; the location in a central valley of the Douro River, from which the grandeur of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro, the clarity of the river waters and the landscape of vineyards planted between 50 and 250 metres of altitude can all be observed; and the tea house.

5. Quinta das Carvalhas

The Quinta das Carvalhas is the headquarters of the Real Companhia Velha, considered the oldest wine company in Portugal, created by royal charter issued by Dom José I on 10 September 1756, covering approximately 600 hectares, located in São João da Pesqueira on the left bank of the Douro River, facing the parish of Pinhão, the centre of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro. The Quinta das Carvalhas was first referenced in 1759. The estate is noted for its vineyards planted between 80 and 400 metres of altitude; 75 hectares of vineyards cultivated in the 18th century; the stunning view of the Douro Valley; and the Casa Redonda located at approximately 550 metres, with a panoramic view over the Douro.

6. Quinta de Lubazim

The Quinta de Lubazim is a traditional wine estate that has remained in the same family since 1385, located in the Serra da Lousa, covering approximately 50 hectares, with vineyards planted at 100 metres of altitude; however in the 1980s a large portion of its land was flooded due to the construction of the Valeira Dam. Wine production consists of the labels “Quinta de Lubazim”, “Lupucinus” and DOC Douro. The property was originally donated by Dom João I to João Gomes de Castro, in recognition of his participation in the Battle of Aljubarrota. This family played an important role in the History of Portugal, including participation in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, battles in India in the 16th century, and participation in a Portuguese contingent that fought alongside Napoleon and reached Moscow. The main attractions of the Quinta de Lubazim are the view over the Valeira Dam and the Douro River; the Mortórios (uncultivated land abandoned due to the Phylloxera plague); and the Adega Atlântico.

7. Quinta da Ferradosa

The Quinta da Ferradosa is the first estate of the Douro Superior, covering approximately 350 hectares, located in Carrazeda de Ansiães. The estate was first mentioned in the 19th century, at which time it belonged to the Borges family. The property was purchased in the 20th century by the Real Companhia Velha, and by Joaquim Manuel Cálem in the 1990s, owner of Caves Cálem. The highlights are the original winery and the main house, where guests can stay overnight and enjoy the view over the Douro.

8. Quinta do Bonfim

The Quinta do Bonfim is a wine estate located in the parish of Pinhão, covering an area of 98 hectares. The estate belongs to the Symington family, established in Portugal since the 19th century and the largest owner of estates in the Douro with a total of 26 estates, including the Quinta do Vesúvio, Quinta do Bonfim, Quinta da Madalena, Quinta Malvedos, Quinta Cavadinha, Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, Quinta do Tua, Quinta dos Canais, Quinta do Retiro, Quinta Ataíde and Quinta Roriz. The Quinta do Bonfim was purchased by George Warre in 1896 under the designation Quinta do Bonfim, originating from the expression “Vale do Bonfim”, meaning “well-placed valley”. The main attractions are: the visitor centre; the winery; and the viewpoint.

9. Quinta da Roêda

The Quinta da Roêda is an estate purchased by Croft in 1889, having become the company’s principal producer of Vintage Port Wine. It covers approximately 130 hectares with 5 km of land along the river, with a stunning landscape over the Douro and the village of Pinhão. The name “Roêda” is related to the fact that the river was very violent before the dams, with the water producing a “noise” (“ruído”) at a bend in the river. The highlights of the Quinta da Roêda are the panoramic view over the Douro River and Pinhão; the Capela do Espírito Santo; the Vintage House Hotel; and the winery.

10. Quinta Maria Izabel

The Quinta Maria Izabel is an estate located in Folgosa do Douro in Armamar, covering approximately 130 hectares, the result of a Brazilian investment project in Portugal in 2000, when businessman Carlos Paes Mendonça decided to invest following a visit to the region. The highlights of the Quinta Maria Izabel are the panoramic view over the Douro River; the hotel with suites built into the terraced slopes; the hanging gardens; and the winery.

Other estates in the Douro

• Quinta do Cachão
• Quinta dos Ingleses
• Quinta do Porto
• Quinta da Veiga
• Quinta do Valado
• Quinta das Varejelas
• Quinta da Boavista
• Quinta das Covelas
• Quinta do Paço de Monsul
• Quinta do Crasto
• Quinta do Seixo: Sandeman: Tabuaço
• Quinta do Côtto: Mesão Frio
• Quinta do Portal: Sabrosa
• Quinta do Panascal: Tabuaço
• Quinta do Tedo: Santo Adrião
• Quinta da Avessada: Alijó
• Quinta das Baldias: Lamego
• Quinta do Crasto: Sabrosa
• Quinta da Erva Moira: Vila Nova de Foz Côa
• Quinta de Santo António: Tabuaço
• Quinta do Noval: Alijó
• Quinta do Ventozelo: São João da Pesqueira
• Quinta de Nápoles: Armamar
• Quinta da Casa Amarela: Lamego
• Casa de Santo António de Britiande: Lamego
• Quinta da Gaivosa: Santa Maria de Penaguião
• Quinta de Santa Eufémia: Lamego
• Quinta Monte Travesso: Tabuaço
• Quinta de La Rosa: Pinhão
• Quinta do Vallado: Peso da Régua

Main activities in the Douro

Boat Trips

Several routes are available, including:

• Porto / Régua / Porto;
• Régua / Porto / Régua;
• Régua / Pinhão / Régua;
• Régua / Pocinho / Régua;
• Régua / Barca d’Alva / Régua;
• Porto / Barca d’Alva / Porto.

Grande Rota do Douro Internacional e Douro Vinhateiro:

The Grande Rota do Douro Internacional e Douro Vinhateiro is a route of approximately 200 km along the municipalities of Torre de Moncorvo, Mogadouro, Miranda do Douro and Vila Nova de Foz Côa.

Comboio Histórico do Douro

The Comboio Histórico do Douro is a 1925 steam locomotive that departs from the Régua railway station, stops at Pinhão and terminates at the Tua railway station. The main points of interest along the journey are the passage through Peso da Régua; the Museu do Douro; the passage through Pinhão; the Estação Ferroviária do Pinhão; and the Centro Interpretativo do Tua.

Rota dos Vinhos de Cister

The Rota dos Vinhos is a tourist route created in 1999, passing through properties that formerly belonged to the Cistercian Order, including:

Route “O Caminho dos Mosteiros”

passing through:

• Lamego with a visit to the Sé Catedral de Lamego and the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios;
• Balsemão with a visit to the Visigothic Chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão;
• Armamar with a visit to the Igreja Matriz de Armamar and the Temilobos waterfall;
• Cimbres with a visit to the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Salzedas;
• Ucanha with a visit to the Caves da Murganheira; the fortified bridge of Ucanha; and the toll collection tower, unique in Portugal;
• São João de Tarouca with a visit to the Mosteiro de São João de Tarouca;
• and Britiande with a visit to the Quinta de Santa Cruz.

Route “Entre Vinhas e Castanheiros”

passing through:

• Moimenta da Beira with a visit to the Mosteiro de Nossa Senhora da Purificação and the Solar dos Carvalhais;
• Fonte Arcada with a visit to the historic centre, the Romanesque church and the Casa da Loba;
• Tabuaço with a visit to the Igreja de São Pedro das Águias;
• Serra da Lapa: Capela de Nossa Senhora da Lapa; Mosteiro de Nossa Senhora da Assunção de Tabosa;
• Sernancelhe with a visit to the Igreja Matriz, the Baroque Solar dos Carvalhos and the Castelo do Penedono.

Miguel Torga Route

A route through the places where Miguel Torga spent his life, including:

• Vila Real with a visit to the Solar de Mateus; Panóias; the house of Diogo Cão; the Paços do Concelho; the Sé de Vila Real; the Capela da Misericórdia; the Casa dos Brocas; the Igreja de São Pedro; the Pelourinho; the Igreja de São Paulo; and the Jardim da Carreira.
• São Martinho de Anta e Ferrão with a visit to the Casa de Miguel Torga; the Espaço Miguel Torga; Paradela; and the Quinta do Crasto.
• Sabrosa with a visit to the Castro de Sabrosa; the Casa dos Pereiras; the Casa da Capela; and the Solar dos Canavarros.
• Peso da Régua with a visit to the viewpoint and sanctuary of São Leonardo.

Apple Route in Armamar

The Apple Route in Armamar, Mountain Apple Capital, is a circular route of approximately 15 km with a visit to the apple production facility; tastings of various apple varieties; a visit to the artisan cheese factory with production and tasting; a visit to the historic centre of Lumiares; a visit to the historic centre of Armamar; and a visit to the viewpoint of São Domingos.

Gastronomy of the Douro

The gastronomy of the Douro is rich and intense, with strong and varied flavours from the traditional produce of the region:

• Bread: Pão de Padronelo; and Regueifa or Pão Domingueiro;
• Starters and soups: Caldo Verde; Caldo de Farinha; Torresmos à moda de Cinfães; Bazulaque de Tarouca; and Presunto de Lamego.
• Meat dishes: Arroz Malandro de Entrecosto; Milhos de Entrecosto; Coelho Assado no Forno a Bôla de Lamego; Cabrito de Armamar; Posta à Mirandesa; and Butelo (the stomach of the pig) from Vinhais.
• Fish dishes: Polvo Assado na Brasa com tomate; Refogado de Camarão; Torta de Camarão; Arroz de Lampreia; and Lampreia à Bordalesa.
• Desserts and fruit: Cavacas de Resende; Rebuçados da Régua; Bolo-Rei do Tabuaço; Rabanadas, which originated in the Douro; Biscoito ou Doce da Teixeira; and Cherry.

The Wines of the Douro

The wines of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region are distinguished by the following grape varieties. Red varieties:

• Touriga Nacional;
• Touriga Franca;
• Tinta Roriz;
• Tinta Barroca;
• Tinto Cão;
• Tinta Amarela;

White varieties:

• Malvasia Fina;
• Viosinho;
• Donzelinho;
• Gouveio;
• Arinto;
• Códega do Larinho.

Douro wines can be divided into three types, according to the slopes:

• Lower Slope Wines: the most suitable location for the production of Port Wine;
• Mid-Slope Wines: where the vines that give rise to the finest reserves are cultivated;
• Upper Slope Wines: where white wines, table wines and sparkling wines are produced mainly. The main sparkling wines produced in the Douro are the brands Raposeira and Murganheira.

Port Wine

Port Wine is a fortified wine appreciated as an aperitif or at the end of a meal, with an average alcohol content of between 16.5 and 22 degrees, produced by adding brandy to the wine during an interruption of the fermentation process. Some Port Wines can be kept for several decades while retaining their excellent qualities. According to the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP), the largest importers of Port Wine are France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, the USA, Canada, Germany, Denmark and Spain. There are four styles of Port Wine: rosé, white, tawny and ruby.

• Rosé Port Wine: produced through a light pressing of red grapes. These wines are more fruity than usual and should be consumed young, as they have limited ageing potential.
• White Port Wine: the wine is produced from white grapes, yielding sweet, very sweet or lagrima and dry styles.
• Ruby or Vintage Port Wine: these are wines aged in bottle and preserved in stainless steel or wooden vats to prevent oxidation. Ruby wines are darker in colour and more intense in flavour.
• Tawny wines: these are wines aged in wooden barrels, with a brownish hue that gradually loses colour due to oxidation.

Curiosities related to the Douro

• The expression “Vinho do Porto” first appeared in 1675 in a speech by Duarte Ribeiro de Macedo;
• In October 1990, the Douro became navigable between Porto and Barca d’Alva;
• The dams are also known as eclusas (locks) because they allow the passage of vessels;
• Santa Marta is the patron saint of the wine-growing region;
• Port Wine was originally referred to as “Vinho Fino” by producers, “Vinho Generoso” by traders, and as “Vinho do Porto” from the 17th century onwards, to facilitate its export;
• Port Wine was formerly transported on the Barcos Rabelos; however, Port Wine is now transported in tanker lorries;
• The first school canteen in Portugal was established in the present-day building of the Municipal Library of Alijó;
• Planting rose bushes near vine stocks is currently a technique used to detect plagues such as Phylloxera at an early stage.

Quick Facts about the Douro

• Along the Douro River there are 254 estates and farmhouses
• In the Alto Douro Vinhateiro there are 111 chapels and places of worship
• 2% of growers have more than 20 hectares, comprising 600 producers who hold approximately one third of the total vineyard area;
• 2% of growers have vineyards between 1 and 2 hectares in size;
• 77% of wine holdings in the Douro have less than 1 hectare of vineyard.