On The Vinho Verde Road: A Guide to Wine Tourism in Portugal

Wine tourism is back, after difficult times, we are slowly getting back to normal, and, being one of the most pleasant regions to delight in the passion for grapes in the sun (even in autumn), the beautiful landscapes of green cinema through the Manueline windows and romantic and centenary gardens we arrive at the home of Vinho Verde. There are countless properties betting on luxurious accommodation, outstanding wines, and tastings conducted by experts.

The admirable beauty of the Minho region serves as the backdrop for the Vinho Verde Route. Walking these trails is to discover the origins and flavors of the millenary wine culture and delve deeply into the History of Portugal.

The region has been demarcated since 1908 and is located in the extreme north of Portugal, bounded to the north by the river Minho, extending along the Atlantic coast to the city of Porto, and to the south to the banks of the river Vouga. World Heritage Cities and a precious combination of monuments from various periods dot the region and are, in themselves, a reason to visit. Tradition and modernity in the culture and production of Vinho Verde combine to provide moments of pleasure in modern, secular, or family estates, where the hospitality of the people will not fail to seduce visitors.

The vines, which are mainly concentrated along the rivers, are influenced by the Atlantic and, in their quest for the sun, the vines entwine in the trees, climb trellises and border fields punctuated by typical granaries. They are distributed over nine sub-regions (from north to south).

QUINTA DO SOALHEIRO

Alvarinho has always been present in Soalheiro's territory, where vines were traditionally planted around a plot. At Quinta do Soalheiro you can discover the region and its traditions, opt for a wine tasting and a tour of the first vineyards, a gastronomic journey through Minho cuisine, or even a tasting of local herbal teas, a unique part of the traditional culture.

QUINTA DA AVELEDA

Aveleda, centenary and just a moment from the city of Porto hides an unimaginable secret, a romantic winery, surrounded by high granite walls with a charm that demands discovery. "In the heart of the Vinhos Verdes region, enveloped in details, through time, surrendered to the senses. This is how the discovery of the magical Quinta da Aveleda" can be read in its website description, come travel with Aveleda, and book this unforgettable experience with us.

Escape Garden, Regional Winner of the 2022 Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences Award, presented by the global network Great Wine Capitals

The disappearance of the first bottle from the private collection of the Quinta da Aveleda's family gives the motto to a new experience: the Escape Garden, a puzzle game in one of the most charming, lyrical, and passionate gardens of the Vinhos Verdes region.

This "tragic" event makes the eight hectares known to adventurers, who for 60 minutes must solve puzzles and logical sequences, alluding to the company's history, to prove their innocence regarding the disappearance of the centennial relic. This is the first outdoor escape room in the world, and it is an innovative and diligent way to educate about wine and the history of the Quinta da Aveleda family. Send our travel advisors an email and book this experience. 

MONTE PRADO HOTEL & SPA

Monte Prado Minho Hotel & Spa is located in the emblematic village of Melgaço, traditional, picturesque, and next to the famous Peneda do Gerês National Park. The Hotel has an ideal location for those that wish to visit the many producers of Verde wine in the surroundings.

Wine Maker for a Day at QUINTA DA LIXA WINERY

Wine Maker for a Day at Quinta da Lixa winery is a practical and very interactive activity that enhances the knowledge of grape varieties and their contribution to the production of green wines. The result is the creation of your own batch and the souvenir of the wine with the signature of the visitor. The program begins with a succinct explanation of how to produce white wines and their styles while sampling the 5 monovarietal wines, after the test of the lot to the pilot scale, the visitor begins to bottle its wine, followed by the production of the label (brand creation, drawing, and painting). At the end of the activity, pride is felt in each face and they carry the wine bottle with tenderness.

CARMO'S BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Modern, traditional, and cultural, Carmo’s Boutique Hotel is located in Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal, in the heart of Minho, in the Vinho Verde Region - a land rich in Humanity and Tradition. Accommodation of 12 prestigious rooms and 3 luxury suites. Each room has elegant, distinguished, bright, and modern decor, combining contemporary design, luxurious details, and traditional Portuguese style.

QUINTA DO AMEAL WINE & TOURISM TERROIR

Quinta do Ameal is a small property that has existed since 1710, where excellent white wines are created and produced, made from a variety of Portuguese varieties called Loureiro.

The wines are produced exclusively from organic grapes that grow on the farm, based on a very unique production philosophy that results in the dedication of greater attention and energy to the vineyard, thus generating grapes of great quality and excellence for wine production " terroir" unique.

QUINTA DE SANTA CRISTINA

Quinta de Santa Cristina has its vineyards planted in the best soils and sun exposure for the production of its wines. Founded in 2004, the agricultural society Garantia das Quintas is dedicated to the development and marketing of various products in the viticulture area.

Its vast vineyard, with 50 hectares of integrated protection, is mostly located in Celorico de Basto, between the vineyard and the forest. The Quinta has a unique environment between the mountains of Fafe, Marão, Alvão, and Cabreira and the right bank of the river Tâmega, inviting peace and harmony between wine and nature.

LARGO DO PAÇO

Largo do Paço, with its award-winning cuisine, seeks to highlight Portuguese gastronomic roots, playing between the contemporary and the traditional with fresh products and originality.

The decor is opulent and welcoming, with a predominance of red and gold tones. Sit comfortably in the upholstered chair and prepare for a feast.

3-Day Wine and Cultural Tour in the Vinho Verde Region

This tour was designed for the Green Wine enthusiasts. In this 3-day tour, you will discover the scenic landscape, the flavors, and the secrets of Vinho Verde and the Vinho Verde Region. This tour will also provide a cultural heritage experience and the discovery of 2 of the most historical Portuguese cities - Guimarães and Braga.