About
The Douro Valley, also known as Alto Douro Vinhateiro, is a UNESCO World Heritage wine region in northern Portugal. Its steep slopes run down to the Douro River, and the vineyards that cover them are laid out in terraces that have been shaped by centuries of growing grapes. The valley is the home of port wine, and a visit here is as much about the landscape as about the glass.
Peso da Régua, in the district of Vila Real, is the town that serves as a convenient base for exploring the region. The valley's address is listed on the N-222 road, which follows the river and gives some of the most open views over the terraces.
What a visit offers
- The terraced vineyards, which give the valley its distinctive shape and are the reason for its heritage status.
- The Douro River, whose banks frame the vineyards and set the rhythm of the landscape.
- Port wine, the region's best-known product, closely tied to the places where the grapes are grown.
- Slow, scenic travel, best suited to people who enjoy looking at a working agricultural landscape at their own pace.
Planning your trip
The valley suits a relaxed day or longer, with the road and river views doing much of the work. For questions before you travel, the region can be reached by phone at +351 254 312 846. Whether you come for the wine, the views or the history of how this landscape was made, the Douro Valley rewards an unhurried visit.