Wine Tourism
Discover some of the best hotels where you can learn more about the noble art of making and drinking wine.
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Herdade do Sobroso, Alentejo
If you want the “knowledge” on wines, if you want to accompany the harvest or if you just want to enjoy a good glass of Alentejo wine in loco, Herdade do Sobroso is just the thing. This tourist facility is surrounded by over 50 hectares of vineyard and boasts five double rooms in its main building and five independent houses in the Casa da Cegonha. There are four wine Tours that range from the simple tasting to a guided tasting with a traditional lunch, the others are a beginners guide to tasting and a tasting in the company of a winemaker with cheese and regional sausages. The landscapes of the neighbouring Alqueva dam are magnificent and the Roman ruins of São Cucufate are a history lesson about the evolution of wine over the centuries.
Pedrógão, Vidigueira
+351 284 456 116
€125 – €190
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Quinta do Vallado, Porto
Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, also known as Ferreirinha, lived in the 19th century and dedicated her life to growing vines in the Douro. Here on the estate of this important historical figure, visitors can enjoy a couple of day’s rest, in perfect harmony with one of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Portugal. In the heart of the Douro, just a few miles from the historic centre of Régua, Quinta do Vallado stretches along the banks of the River Corgo, exactly in the place where it meets the Douro. The house has five rooms, a pool, a restaurant and games room. Outside, stroll among the vines or walk down the slope for a trip along the river bank on foot or in a canoe. Visiting the wineries and cellars to see how port is made is a must, as are port tastings and dinners at the quinta. Nearby, it is possible to visit Lamego or Régua and take a cruise on the Douro.
Vilarinho dos Freires, Peso da Régua
+351 254 323 147
€95 – €150
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Hotel Rural Quinta Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Douro
This was the first hotel in Portugal that was completely dedicated to wine. It opened its doors in 2005, after being converted from a 19th-century manor house, which lives in perfect harmony with the incredible Douro valley. There are 11 rooms with fantastic views over the vineyard and the river. For entertainment, guests can accompany the winemaking and agricultural activities on the estate; visit the house and the winery, which dates back to 1964. Stock up on liquid souvenirs at the wine shop. A new feature is the hotel’s Wine House, an innovative project located at Pinhão train station, one of the most emblematic railway buildings in Portugal, which maintains the old façade of tiles dating back to 1937. The place boasts a museum section, a shop and a terrace.
Quinta Nova, Covas do Douro
+351 96 986 0056 e +351 254 730 430
€123 – €178
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Casa de Mogofores, Bairrada
Apart from a place to sleep, this place offers an irresistible triptych: the best of local gastronomy, close proximity with the history of Portugal and a great lesson on wine. The owner of Casa de Mogofores is Carlos Campolargo, renowned winegrower both at home and abroad, famous for wines that combine both the traditional and modern. The house has three rooms in the main building and three independent houses, a pool, sauna and gym. Wine tourists can see the vines and the Adega de Campolargo, on the São Mateus estate, do simple wine tastings or tastings with food and also visit the Bairrada Wine Museum, in Anadia. Other alternatives are the spas at Curia and Luso, the Buçaco mountains and the town of Aveiro.
Rua Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora, 18, Mogofores
+351 231 512 448
€75 – €90
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Casa da Ínsua, Dão
The charming hotel is located at the heart of Dão winemaking region. The decor of the 18th century manor house is sober, in keeping with the historic atmosphere of the place. Here, you can visit the museum that tells the story of Casa da Ínsua, see the magnificent gardens and enjoy all the wine-related activities. Guests (and outsiders!) can participate in the harvest – which takes place between September and October –, see how the Casa da Ínsua wines are produced and take part in tastings, in the company of the estate’s winemakers. There is also a shop which sells the estate’s wine, as well as various gourmet products. Speaking of gourmet, don’t pass up the chance of eating in the hotel restaurant.
Penalva do Castelo
+351 232 642 222
€150 – €450
by Maria Ana Ventura
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