Many Douro visitors feel a bit lost when deciding on which wineries they should visit. There are just so many options that one can feel overwhelmed when planning a Douro visit.
There are literally dozens of wonderful Wineries that we consider worthy of your visit and time but you would probably need months to go through them all. So, we selected the finest Quintas, not only the wineries that offer you a great view but also a great wine experience, whether a food and wine tasting, vineyard picnics, vineyard lunches, and all sorts of wine tours.
Here's our list of the best Douro Wineries you can't miss.
Quinta da Pacheca is one of the oldest estates in the Douro with unforgettable experiences, such as a winery-guided tour, wine tasting, food tasting with chocolate and regional products, wine courses, among others.
The first reference to the Quinta is in a document dated the 17th April of 1738, where it is called "the Pacheca" because its owner was then D. Mariana Pacheco Pereira. But it was only in 1903 that D. José Freire de Serpa Pimentel decided to develop his growing interest in enology, acquiring the property to devote himself to the wine production. In June 2012, the majority of the capital was acquired by Maria do Céus Gonçalves and Paulo Pereira, a Portuguese entrepreneur based in France. The Quinta became part of a modern, consistent, and dynamic business group, opening up to new development and an incredible cycle.
Founded in 1588, Quinta da Roêda is the oldest firm still active today as a Port wine producer. The company is renowned above all for its Vintage Ports as well as for its range of wood aged reserves and tawnies, time-honored styles refined by skill and experience passed down the generations. Accepted to be one of the finest of the Douro Valley estates, Quinta da Roêda forms a vast sweep of terraced vineyards located near the village of Pinhão. The estate was acquired by Croft in 1889 and was extensively renovated by the firm, with replanting continuing throughout the first half of the 20th century. CROFT PORT is one of the most distinguished of all Port houses. Quinta da Roêda offers unique experiences such as the Picnic Experience, Roeda Experience, and a unique wine tour for all wine lovers.
Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic properties in the Douro region and it is considered by many the "Douro image" because it offers unique views over the beautiful Douro landscape. There is nowhere else can you see so much in so little time. The mountain of Carvalhas, at 550 meters of altitude and from where you can enjoy a landscape in 360 degrees, is the site of "excellence" for the observation of the property (and the Douro). Visiting the Quinta das Carvalhas is seeing the Douro from the inside. Here you will find one of the best Douro wine tours, the vintage tour, that takes you on a visit to Quinta das Carvalhas accompanied by an Agricultural Engineer with an explanation of the whole scenario that the Quinta can offer you. A wine tasting will be offered at the end of the tour that includes a tasting of great wines such as the Douro DOC Red wine, Douro DOC White wine, and Superior Tawny Port Wine.
Quinta de La Rosa is located in a family-owned estate in the Demarcated Region of the Douro, with privileged views and location. Quinta de la Rosa has a fantastic and complete refurbishment in its Port and table wine production facilities, in which its major improvements were in the new and unique cellar. There, you can find guided tours to the wine estate, wine tasting experiences, and lunch or dinner.
Quinta do Crasto offers one of the best views in the Douro region. It's located on the right bank of the Douro river and it has been the family estate of Leonor and Jorge Roquette for over a century. Its origin dates back to the early 17th century as its first known references are from 1615.
Quinta do Crasto is currently management is betting on the modernization and evolution of the business, while respecting the family tradition and values that distinguish the Quinta and its wines. One of the greatest distinctions was obtained in 2008. The magazine Wine Spectator, an international benchmark of the sector, distinguished Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2005 as the third-best wine in the world that year. This estate offers you distinguished experiences such as a wine estate guided tour, a visit to the vineyards, and cellars, port wine tasting, and meals with a stunning view.
Quinta do Panascal was, in 1992, one of the first properties in the Douro to open the door to visitors. It is located in the charming Távora river valley in the heart of the Douro region and is the most important property of the prestigious company Fonseca named by James Suckling, as the "Bentley" of Port wine. The Fonseca Vintage Port wines are "thoroughbreds”, the result of knowledge and mastery with passion and creativity.
As its bicentennial approaches, Fonseca is still known as a company in which Port wines are produced by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Several factors make the Panascal vineyard exceptional and therefore it is a must-see for both Port wine connoisseurs and newcomers. You can access a wide range of wine experiences at Quinta do Panascal, like the audio-tour along the vineyards and the traditional wineries that are considered one of the most original and educational tours in the region, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful landscape and the direct contact with the vineyards.
Precisely 250 years ago, the traditional winery Quinta Nova, was harvesting their first grapes. This is one of the oldest wineries in the Douro region, producing Port wine for the estate and many other plots of farmers and neighboring estates. This estate has also a small traditional winery, called the "The Wine Studio". This winery has stainless steel vats and wooden barrels of four and two tons, all with temperature control. Some of the experiences available include wine and food tasting, winemaker for a day, and one day in the harvest.
Quinta do Seixo offers a stunningly breathtaking view over the Douro river. It's located in Cima-Corgo, in the heart of the Douro Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the Douro river from Régua to Pinhão, you can easily discover this old Quinta of the 17th century and its cellar of contemporary design. The view from Quinta do Seixo is breathtaking throughout the year, in a constant change of color and light. A magnificent landscape, shaped by man in shale terraces, a surprising contrast with the brightness of the Douro river and the view of the picturesque village of Pinhão nearby.
The vineyard, with over 100 years, is a true heritage of many traditional Douro grape varieties that still resist the hardest conditions and temperatures, producing unique and top-quality wines. Many visitors are attracted by its stunning view but also by its vast experiences provided there. From a picnic in the vineyards, a guided visit to the wine estate, to various wine tasting experiences.
Quinta do Vallado had a new cellar built-in 2009 that combines the latest technology with a high-quality architecture that makes this estate one of the places to visit in the Douro Valley. With high-quality architecture, Quinta do Vallado provides the best conditions for Wine Tourism. During the tour to the cellars, you will get information about all the production processes of Port and Douro Wines of the Quinta. You can try many different wines in the wine tasting experiences available: Moscatel Galego, White Reserve, Rosé, Touriga Nacional, Port Twany 10, and 20 years; among other wine and food experiences.
Besides these amazing wineries, there are other suggestions, like Quinta do Portal and Quinta de Ventozelo.
Why book now your 2021 or 2022 tour? Because by booking all your tours with us you will have flexibility in the future, plus an acquired "Clean and Safe" seal. We are available to plan, reschedule, and move your trip around your needs, as always. If your new dates may no longer work with your initial travel plan, a dedicated consultant will be available to tailor and reschedule your time in Portugal according to your needs and preferences, and to assure you that you will have the best and most memorable experiences.