Estou a preparar-me para escrever com o coração abraçado ao Douro nestes dias antes do Natal e esta notícia abre a cortina da excelência das terras que me movem a entregas das palavras.
The most beautiful wine country in the world borders a wonderfully wild coastline
Why Go Now: One of the world’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO world heritage site, the Douro Valley remains one of Europe’s lesser-explored gems. But this may soon change. Recent awards for the country’s wines, especially the affordable, deep, rich Douro reds and effervescent vinho verdes, have spurred a savvier hospitality industry all along the wine trail. Porto, Portugal’s famed second city and the Douro Valley anchor, is at the ocean’s edge, so a day at the beach is certainly not out of the question.
Insider Tip: No trip to this region is complete without a boat ride on the Douro River, whose curve after curve of terraced vineyards together form a World Heritage Site. The less-traveled Rota dos Vinhos Verdes (Green Wine Route) explores the young wines produced across the Minho.
When to Go: It’s best to visit the Douro Valley in summer when it’s warm and the vines are bursting. Try your hand at harvesting in September.
Plan Your Trip: Start planning using Fodor’s Portugal Travel Guide, by Margaret Kelly