Climate, soil, terrain and tradition: it would seem as though the components that go into making a great wine are comparable to those of a fabulous TripWix getaway. While you may trade soil for sun-kissed sand, the results are equally as merry. So, what if you want to combine the two: wine and travel? Enotourism – otherwise known as wine tourism or vinitourism – in Portugal’s Douro Valley region could be a pair made in heaven for those who know their terroir from their bouquets (or wish they did!).
Enotourism for both the novice and the connoisseur
When it comes to wine, there’s no end to your learning; each harvest brings a whole new experience with subtle differences from one year to the next. When visiting Portugal’s Douro Valley region, you might choose to visit one or more of the 200 plus quintas (traditional wineries) that process grapes from more than 26,000 hectares of vineyards.
Whether you take advantage of TripWix’s fleet of chauffeured Mercedes to ferry you between wineries for wine tastings or stay for a whole month to offer your hands and feet to experience the Douro Valley Vendimia which sees the grape harvest transform into wine before your very eyes, you are in for a treat. Whatever you fancy, we can organize a tailored itinerary to suit your wishes, from visits to wineries, vineyard walks and wine tastings to active participation in the harvest.
From viticulture to local treasures in the Douro Valley
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, the Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest wine producing regions dating back to 1754. Families here have been producing wine for centuries; indeed, the production and enjoyment of wine is deeply ingrained in the local culture. By learning about the grape cultivation and wine-making in the region, you will also learn about the people, culture and heritage.
Our local ambassadors in the Douro Valley, Manuel Lobo and his wife Teresa, are the perfect hosts for wine aficionados. Manuel is Head Winemaker at Quinta do Crasto winery with a Winemaker Degree from UTAD, Douro University; a Wine Master’s degree from Bordeaux, France; and years of professional experience having worked in Penfolds, Australia, Chateau Montelena and Napa Valley in the United States.
“The month of September is a wonderful time to visit. To be part of the wine-making process is very special and visitors are encouraged to come help us tread the grapes by foot. Foot treading is a lot of fun and we have had a number of famous feet come to our aid over the years!” (Manuel Lobo)
Douro Valley Vendimia
The Douro Valley Vendimia (wine harvest) is one of the best times of the year to visit the Douro Valley. You can experience the art of wine-making in its totality, from grape picking amongst the vines to treading the grapes, to fermentation, clarification, aging and bottling. Harvest usually occurs anytime between September and mid-October, though it depends on the weather conditions experienced in the months prior to the harvest.
Find the perfect setting for your Douro Valley eno-experience by contacting our experts today.
USA / CAN: +1 (877) TRIPWIX / +1(877) 874 7949
EUR: +351 962 031 231
MEX: +52 322 135 5983
Feeling thirsty for Douro Valley wine? Read all about the region’s best wines: 6 Douro Valley Wines You Cannot Miss
