The Douro Valley: Portugal's Most Beautiful Wine Country

The Douro Valley wine region is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world and arguably the most scenically dramatic. The terraced vineyards cut into the steep schist hillsides above the Douro River have been producing port and table wine for over three centuries.

Getting There from Porto

The Douro Valley is 90km east of Porto. The scenic railway from Porto's São Bento station to Pinhão takes 2.5 hours and is one of the great train journeys of Europe. Alternatively, book a Discovia car rental from Porto for maximum flexibility — the road along the south bank of the Douro is one of Portugal's finest drives.

Wine Tasting: How to Do It Well

The Douro produces two very different wines: port (fortified, sweet) and unfortified Douro table wines that have become increasingly celebrated internationally. Book a guided tasting at two or three quintas rather than rushing through five or six. Discovia's Ride & Guide service can arrange a full day tasting programme.

Staying in the Valley

Several quintas have converted their estate buildings into boutique hotels — an extraordinary way to experience the region. Book through Discovia's hotel search, filtering for the Douro Valley region. The quinta hotels book out months in advance for harvest season (September–October).

The Boat Trip

A Douro River cruise from Pinhão is one of the valley's finest experiences. The perspective from the water — looking up at the terraced vineyards rising hundreds of metres on both sides — is entirely different from the road view. Book through Discovia's tour packages for a fully managed day on the river.