Wine & Food Travel Blog

Weekend Escapes For Wine Tourism Lovers

Written by Margarida Gonçalves | 06-Oct-2021 13:45:00

Taking a break to enjoy the tranquility of the fields full of vineyards is a leisure program that attracts a growing number of Wine Tourism Lovers. All times of the year are good to enjoy a delightful glass of wine, discovering wineries, do activities, and programs related to Wine Tourism! Read here some ideas for plans or weekend getaways to organize with friends and family.

 

HERDADE DAS SERVAS 

The Serrano Mira family is one of the oldest in the production of wine from Alentejo. Clay jars that were used in the production of wine and date back to 1667 are still preserved in their property. Here, experience and tradition are shared in the creation of wines with history, in which the "Alentejo body and soul" is reflected in a unique and unmistakable way.

The Herdade das Servas currently cares for 300 hectares of wine property, highlighting the Azinhal, the Judia, the Monte dos Clérigos (the oldest), and the Servas vineyards. Vineyards that are different from each other and complement themselves in their identity and age, some older than 65 years.



At Herdade das Servas, French and American oak of the best cooperages of the world are used for aging the wines: Seguin-Moreau, Laffite, Demptos, Vicard, and many others.

THE YEATMAN HOTEL

Occupying a commanding hillside position on the south bank of the River Douro, every room at The Yeatman Hotel enjoys breathtaking, panoramic views over the historic center of Porto. It is a haven for wine lovers and the prime destination for those wishing to explore the pleasures of Port, the great classic wine for which the city of Oporto is famous. The Yeatman Hotel offers eighty-two magnificent guest rooms and suites, each room opens onto a large private balcony enjoying a dramatic and unobstructed view across the River Douro to the historic center of Porto, Portugal.

Aiming to deliver Oporto's most inspiring dining experience, The Yeatman's restaurant led by Chef Ricardo Costa offers imaginative cuisine in which the traditional flavors of Portugal are interpreted and presented with contemporary flair. It showcases Portugal's huge range of fish and other fresh produce as well as its diversity of regional specialties.



Listing a comprehensive choice of Portuguese wines, as well as a wide selection from other great vineyards around the globe, the gastronomic restaurant makes a special feature of food and wine pairing. The Yeatman is a haven for wine lovers. The Yeatman's extensive cellars house one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Portuguese wines, including those of the hotel's wine partners.

 

QUINTA DO SOALHEIRO

A pioneer in the creation of the Alvarinho wine in Melgaço and an international reference for the wines of this grape variety, Quinta do Soalheiro is perfectly integrated in the typical Minho landscape that surrounds it. At the top of the cellar, the tasting room that opens onto the panoramic terrace allows you to observe the vineyards and the mountains that surround and close the valley.



The evolution of Quinta de Soalheiro has been constant and gradual. The winery, recently renovated, creates a space that allows the optimization of the winemaking capacity, with specific fermentation and aging areas, while preserving all the necessary conditions to pamper the wines making them unique. Here no small fundamental details are spared to ensure the quality consistency of great wines, allowing a space that functionally respects the wine and wine-making tradition, opening its doors to the discovery of different Soalheiros. Visitors can venture out on guided tours, discovering the various dimensions of the house in their own vineyards. In order to reveal the full Enogastronomic potential, the invitation is extended to the nearby Quinta da Folga, where a tasting of the traditional Melgaço smokehouse - delicacies made in a traditional way of old recipes - await the visitors.

 

QUINTA DO VALLADO, WINERY

The cellar, built in 2009, uses the latest technology together with the traditional methods of winemaking. The grapes arrive packed in small boxes to avoid crushing and overheating. Then they are put on a screening belt that carries them for the stemmer/crusher. They fall due to gravity into the stainless steel fermentation tanks with programmable reassemblage and automatic temperature control. They stay in the tanks between 7-9 days with a temperature between 26 and 28 degrees. In some of the tanks, a Robot does the mechanical treading of the grapes. A small percentage of the grapes are still trodden in granite mills, using the traditional method.




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.

It is located on the banks of the River Corgo, a tributary of the Douro River, right next to the river mouth near the town of Peso da Régua.

 

QUINTA NOVA NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO

Precisely 250 years ago, the traditional winery Quinta Nova, owned by the Amorim Group, was harvesting their first grapes. This is, undoubtedly, one of the oldest wineries in the Douro region, producing Port wine for the estate and for many other plots of farmers and neighboring estates, given its large size.



Quinta Nova invests 2% of its turnover every two years on the modernization of its wineries. One of the characteristics of the cellar is that it has a pneumatic press commonly used in the Champagne, which presses the whole bunch, always in the absence of oxygen. It should be emphasized the mechanized mill, which exists only in a few wineries in Portugal and worldwide. This equipment is distinctive because it doesn't immerse the grapes; it treads them instead, replacing the human foot.



Quinta Nova also has a small traditional winery, called the "The Wine Studio". This winery has stainless steel vats and wooden barrels of 4 and 2 tons, all with temperature control. Luisa Amorim explains that the testing and investigation of 2000 and 3000 liters are made there.

 

WINE CRUISES

Live a unique experience, navigate a traditional Rabelo boat in the Douro.

 

PALACE, MUSEUM AND QUINTA DA BACALHÔA

The Bacalhôa brand, established in 1922, has always shown a search for the perfection of their wines. The commitment of Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal is focused on product differentiation, followed by a strong innovative component simultaneously, in order to not only meet but also anticipate and even exceed the expectations of the visitors of its spaces. This differentiation ambiance is clearly noticed in the famous Palace and Quinta da Bacalhôa, in Azeitão, an estate with a history that dates back to the beginning of the Avis Dynasty.

 

HERDADE DA MALHADINHA NOVA, COUNTRY HOUSE & SPA

The Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is located in Albernoa, in the heart of Baixo Alentejo, and offers comfort and design in perfect harmony between Nature and the surrounding Landscape.



Its concept is based on offering experiences wrapped in the theme of wine, as well as Wine Tourism, Hotel, and Restaurant. Wines are the Herdade da Malhadinha Nova ex-libris and reflect huge respect for Nature and for all the passion and dedication taken for their creation.



The vine planted in 2000 takes now a total area of 33 ha. (81 ac.) - 27 ha. (66 ac.) on production and 6 ha. (15 ac.) of the new vine. The enotourism experiences and the modern Cellar, combining traditional wine-making methods with technology, are some of the best reasons to visit the Herdade. Besides the wine production, the Herdade has complementary areas: the production of Olive Oil 100% Galega from the 60 ha. (148 ac.), traditional olive grove, breeding of the Alentejana DOP caw, an indigenous breed perfectly adapted to the conditions of the region, breeding of the Alentejano DOP black pig and the Lusitano thoroughbred horse.

 

L'AND VINEYARDS, LUXURY WINE RESORT - TRANQUILLITY, LUXURY, AND SOPHISTICATION

Rebalance yourself in the 800 m2 (8.611 ft2) space designed by Marcio Kogan using natural stone and wood, in the heated indoor swimming pool and sauna and try the Caudalie treatments, rituals, and healing based on vines and grapes.

 

QUINTA DE SANTA CRISTINA

Established in 2004, the Garantia das Quintas agricultural society dedicates itself to the development and marketing of several products of the viticulture area. Quinta de Santa Cristina is owned by this company and has a century-old history. It belongs to the same family for several generations. It is the result of the great passion and dedication of the members of this family and the products produced and represented by Garantia das Quintas prestige the company, enforcing the meaning of his name: Garantia (Warranty).



Its vast vineyard, with 50 hectares of integrated protection, is located mostly in Celorico de Basto, between the vineyards and the forest. The Quinta boasts a unique environment between the mountains of Fafe, Marão, Alvão, and Cabreira and the right bank of the River Tâmega, inviting quietness and harmony between wines and nature. Throughout the property, there are several points of interest that are part of the trails and guided tours available to visitors.

 

QUINTA DO PANASCAL

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. A number of factors make the Panascal vineyard exceptional and therefore it is a must-see for both Port wine connoisseurs and newcomers.



The audio tour along the vineyards and the traditional wineries is 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.

 

HERDADE DO SOBROSO, COUNTRY HOUSE - WINE COURSE

Come taste and learn about wines from Alentejo for those who love what they do, through a course of wine accompanied by an enologist of the Herdade.

 

VILA VITA PARC, RESORT & SPA - COOKING CLASS

Now offering at VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa, intimate, fun, and hands-on recreational cooking classes designed for the Home Chef.

Adega Restaurant Dishes

The main emphasis of this special cooking course is on team spirit and experiencing things together in an extraordinary location. In our professional kitchens, you learn how to prepare delicious meals! Become a MasterChef! All the MasterChef’s are certified with a proper certificate, an apron, and a Chef’s hat!

 

QUINTA DA LAGOALVA - REGIONAL PRODUCTS TASTING

Meet the regional flavors of the Vale do Tejo on a wine lunch made in a familiar way in Quinta da Lagoalva.

 

1-Day in the Douro Wine Region with Lunch in The Vineyard

In a full-day wine tour, you will have the opportunity to visit some of its more charming wine estates where Port and Douro wines are produced and enjoy a delicious picnic.

 

Wine Tour - One Day in the Douro with a Douro River Cruise

Recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site since 2001, the Douro Region is the oldest Wine Demarcated Region in the world, stretching through an area of more than 40 000 hectares. In a one-day wine tour, you will have the opportunity to visit some of its more charming wine estates where Port and Douro wines are produced, where you will enjoy different wine experiences and end your day with a relaxing cruise in the Douro River.

 

1-Day Tour to the Wine Producing Estates in Lisbon

Charming and Timeless tour. Lisbon is not only one of the most cosmopolitan, warmer capitals of Europe, it is also a historical wine-producing region. You start with a foot in the future, visiting a wine estate with the most advanced techniques and equipment.

 

1-Day Wine Tour in Alentejo From Lisbon

Prestigious, scenic region tour. In the south of Portugal lies a poorly kept secret: Alentejo, the new Tuscany. This one-day tour kicks off in Lisbon and a private driver will take you to a remarkable experience that includes wine tasting, lunch in a prestigious estate, and sightseeing.

 

3 Days Wine and Food Tour in the Alentejo Region

This tour was designed thinking about those who wish to become wine connoisseurs of the Alentejo wine and food. In the warm and dry environment of the plains, we will take you on a three-day wine tour where you will visit some of the best Portuguese producers.

 

Full-Day Wine and Food Tour in Porto

This tour was designed thinking about the lovers of Portuguese wine and food and those who want to experience the essentials of Portuguese gastronomy and Port Wine's history and culture. With one of the most privileged views over the historic center of Porto- UNESCO's World Heritage Site, we will take you on a journey about the history of the famous Port Wine, including Dinner at a modern Restaurant where you will be able to taste the best flavors of the Portuguese food.