Wine Lovers Guide to the Douro Valley cellartours.com

Unveil the Douro Valley's wine treasures, relish fine dining at renowned restaurants, and experience luxury stays in this ultimate wine lover's guide. There can be few more awe-inspiring sights than a visitor’s first glimpse of the steep, terraced vineyards of the Douro. Ancient vines cover the hills, which roll down to the magnificent Douro River, creating a timeless scene of small villages and whitewashed houses perched high above the valley. It is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth and is equal to Tuscany, Napa, and the Loire. Vines have been cultivated along the Douro Valley for centuries, primarily from the five signature Douro varieties of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Cão. It is the third oldest wine appellation in the world, after Tokaj and Chianti in Tuscany, established in 1756. The development of the fortified Port wine category, the Douro’s most famous export, occurred in the late 17th century after two English wine merchants visited the Abbot of Lamego. They were given their first taste of wine fermented with distilled spirit and promptly brought the entire supply. Subsequently, many famous British merchants established shipping operations in the nearby city of Porto, including Cockburn, Graham, Sanderman, and Taylors.