15-18 / 22-25 September 2023
Douro Valley, the World Heritage Site was also the first demarcated wine region in the world. Already in the 18th century, the then Minister Marques de Pombal who also served as ambassador of Portugal in Austria and England, recognized the need to regulate the wine region and the port wine trade by law so that a constant quality of port wine could be achieved. At that time, there were intensive trade relations, especially with Great Britain, but also with many other countries that appreciated the port wine produced in the Douro Valley and stored in Vila Nova de Gaia, which has also influenced the city of Porto and its history to this day.
In addition to port wine production, table wine was also produced. However, this came to international fame only in recent decades.
The winery Quinta da Pacheca is one of the most famous in the Douro Valley and has more than 250 years of history. For many years it was family run and the first to bottle its own wine and promote and distribute its own brand.
Since 1995, wine tourism is practiced here, initially only through visits banquets and tastings, later came a very nice 4 star boutique hotel which was upgraded only last year as a 5 star hotel and besides the excellent wine tourism and culinary offer the guests also offers outdoor pool and spa area. Its wines have been awarded many times and are in the premium range.
The port wines are known for many years but also its table wines both white and red or rosé have constant excellent ratings over the years. Here they are familiar with the work of the autoctonous grape varieties of the Douro Valley and specialized which means for the wines authenticity and highest quality.
Since a few years there is the possibility to stay here directly in the nature in guest rooms which are located in oversized wine barrels.
After a 3-day stay in the Douro Valley, one day of which is dedicated to the grape harvest at Quinta da Pacheca, you will conclude this special travel experience with the last night at the elegant wine and gourmet hotel The Yeatman.
Day 1/ 15 Or 22 September 2023 , Thursday
Arrival In Porto in the early afternoon at Porto Airport. From here either to Porto and then by train to Peso da Regua. Or: by rental car directly to the Douro Valley and the wine hotel Quinta da Pacheca.
On your first evening, a dinner with wine accompaniment awaits you at Quinta da Pacheca. Enjoy the evening in the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
Day2/ 16 Or 23 September 2023 , Friday
Properly equipped with straw hat and bandana, bucket and scissors, you will drive to the vineyards. You are part of the harvest team of Quinta da Pacheca.
First thing in the morning you will enjoy a traditional fork breakfast with fried sardines on country bread and of course a sip of the Quinta's country wine.
Now you help with the grape harvest before you tamp the wine also in the large stone basins with the feet. The port wine gets special quality through this mild press !!!
Afterwards there will be a short guided tour of the winery and finally a traditional vintage lunch with wine tasting.The afternoon is free to relax by the pool or in the spa.
Dinner on your own.
We will be happy to recommend a nice restaurant or wine bar in nearby Peso da Regua which we can also reserve for you.
Day 3/17th Or 24 September 2023 Saturday Pinhão, views that you do not forget.
Your further discovery of the Douro Valley starts in the morning. The stretch of the Douro Valley that takes you from Regua to Pinhão is the most beautiful! Along this route you will experience wonderful views before stopping directly in Pinhão at the Quinta de Bomfim.
Here you will experience a guided tour which will tell you about the history and the best wines of the region.
of this centuries-old family of winemakers. Symington is still the winegrower who owns the largest area of vineyards in the Douro Valley and his por wines have been awarded more than once as the best in the world.
So, now we recommend to start the way to Porto. The driving time is about 2 hours. In the afternoon you will arrive in Porto and still have time to enjoy the wonderful hotel The Yeatman.
The outdoor pool here is decanter shaped and from here you have the most beautiful view of the old town of Porto.
In the evening we recommend a visit to Taylors Winery. Here you can learn about the history of this prestigious port house with audio guides at your own pace. Afterwards you will taste some of the best port wines and also be initiated into the differences between Ruby, Tawny or LBV.
On the last evening we will be happy to reserve you a table at the famous Barão Fladgate restaurant which is adjacent to Taylors winery and also part of the group - or perhaps you would like to dine at one of the many restaurants in the new museum districts WOW ??
Day 4/ 18 Or 25 September 2023
Today you will be enchanted by the vintages city of PORTO
On the last day you should definitely find time to visit and enjoy Porto. Therefore, book your return flight only in the evening.
Explore Porto on your own or we can book a local guide for you. In time transfer to the airport for your return flight.
End of our services.