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THE DOURO VALLEY

Douro Demarcated Region -What is it?

It’s a wine growing region created in the XVIII century by Marquês de Pombal, due to the unique characteristics of its schistose soil and sunlight exposure. By its very own nature and by virtue of the herculean effort of the human intervention over the centuries, the 250 000 hectares it covers became an area of extraordinary beauty.

It comprises two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Alto Douro Vinhateiro, classified as “Cultural, Evolutionary and Living Landscape” and Vale do Côa, classified as “the most significant open- air Paleolithic rock art location”.

 
Douro Valley location in Portugal

Where is the Douro Region?

It is located in the north-east of the Portuguese territory and extends into the valley of the Douro River, with hilly terrains as its northern, western and southern limits. To the east there is the Spanish border.

The region is divided into three sub regions: Baixo-corgo, Cima-corgo and Douro Superior, each one with its wine differences and specifications. Cima-corgo and Douro Superior are the best areas to produce Port Wine.

The best way to visit the region is from Porto city, which is 120km from its western edge (Peso da Régua).

What is special about the
Douro Demarcated Region?

An Historical region

  • Humans have been occupying it for more than 60,000 years and there are vestiges of rock art from 30,000 years ago.

  • Ancestral cultures connected with wine-production. Its cultivation has been taking place in the area since the 3rd century, when it was occupied by the Romans.

  • It's the oldest regulated wine growing region in the world (1756)

    • Monumental landscapes:

  • Geologically sui generis due to its steep slopes and hills, it coexists harmoniously with the ingeniously cultivated vineyards, with its terraced hillsides, which is a rare example where human intervention does not devalue the landscape, but rather improves it.

  • A river that runs slowly and over time has sculpted a labyrinth of twisted valleys along with its tributaries.

  • Colorful sceneries which tones change throughout the year, from golden in autumn and green in the spring.

    • High quality products, which are the basis of the Mediterranean diet:

  • Wine -- Douro has wine varieties that only exist in this part of the world, which are considered the heritage of the region. It is the birthplace of the world famous and award-winning Port Wine and also table wines - DOC Douro ( The most iconic Portuguese wine,”Barca Velha” is produced in Douro Superior).

  • Olive oil – Most of the national award-winning oils that are exported all over the world are produced here using the fruit of ancient olive trees.

  • Almond – Douro Superior contains the largest national almond production, and a beautiful “white cloak” covers the region when the flowers bloom (February).

    • Unique characteristics for the production of superior quality wines:

  • The region is surrounded by hills and mountains, which create a natural barrier against humid air masses that would penetrate from the Atlantic.

  • With a low rainfall average, the climate is very hot and dry in the summer and cold in the winter.

  • Soil is mostly shale (though there is some granite) and rocky on the surface, which is favorable for growing vines as it makes it possible to fix roots and water in the ground. Furthermore, it avoids erosion and temperature remains constant.

    • As in all great wine growing regions of the world, Douro encompasses a unique combination with its soil, topography, climate and vine varieties that can't be replicated anywhere else.

    The Douro region is an astonishing location that remains faithful to its ancient cultures, with difficult access which makes it impossible to have large-scale tourism.

    Come with us and explore this wonderful area pleasantly

    Tour
    Douro Roots

    A unique experience that will give you the opportunity to genuinely get to know the Douro Valley in its cultural, gastronomic and wine-growing aspects

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    Sommelier
    Promenade

    On this tour, you will enjoy an exclusive gastronomic and wine experience in a passionate tour of refined taste

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    Douro
    Superior

    Let yourself be seduced by this iconic sub region and find out what Douro has, in a magical tour through Douro Superior

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