About The Region

The Douro is among the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions. Long famous for Port wines, the vineyards of the Douro Valley are increasingly known for exciting table wines that are as robust and distinctive as they are delicious.

On its journey west to join the Atlantic Ocean at Porto on Portugal’s northern coast, the Douro River carves a golden swathe through walls of mineral-rich schist. Only intricately cut terraces enable grape growing on these steep slopes.

The region’s native grapes are hardy black varieties – Touriga National, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz – that are perfectly adapted to the long, dry and hot summers. Ripening in the warmth of autumn, they make wines of intense perfume, concentrated flavours and emphatic tannin.

Our vineyards near São João da Pesquiera are in the Cima Corgo, the middle section of the valley, where the best Douro wines are grown. The elevated vineyards are owned and worked by third-generation vignerons who maintain the traditions of ages enhanced by modern winemaking advances.

Since Portugal joined the European Union in 1986 its wine industry has been transformed by sustained support and investment that has enabled modernisation and reinvigoration of this ancient industry.