- Regions
- Douro
The Douro region is the oldest wine producing region in the world, known for it´s outstanding wine quality and for the famous Port Wine, that originated the demarcation of the Region in 1756 by Marquês de Pombal.
The Douro is located in Northeast Portugal, surrounded by the Mountains of Marão and Montemuro. The terroir here is unique and impressive — hot, rocky and one of the most inhospitable growing regions in the world. The majority of the plantations are in terraces, carved in the valley slopes along the River Douro. The soils are mainly schist. Although difficult to work on, these soils are beneficial to the vineyard longevity. The vineyard culture in the region dates back to the XVII Century when Port Wine had a boom in production, originating the Methween Treaty between Portugal and England.
The Douro vineyards create a magnificent sight recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage in 2001. Over the centuries, the hardy, indigenous Douro grapes have adapted to the region’s difficult climate and soils, sending their roots deep into the vertical fissures in the multi layered rock to survive and thrive. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão and Tinta Roriz are the grape varieties that stand out, among many others.
Get to know our estates in the Douro region
