PORTUGAL

Portugal

Because Portugal’s wine culture developed in relative isolation, many grape varieties do not grow anywhere else in the world.

If you don’t recognize the grape variety on a Portuguese wine label, it’s a good thing. There are over 250 indigenous varieties and a few imports that have adapted well to the Portuguese landscape. Many wine experts consider Portugal to be the last frontier of wine in Western Europe; there is still so much to be tasted and explored.

Portuguese wine was introduced by the Romans and other ancient Mediterranean people who traded with local coastal populations, mainly in the South. In pre-Roman Gallaecia-Lusitania times, the native people only drank beer and were unfamiliar with wine production. Portugal started to export its wines to Rome during the Roman Empire. In 1758, one of the first wine-producing regions of the world, the Região Demarcada do Douro was created under the orientation of Marquis of Pombal, in the Douro Valley.

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Today Portugal is renowned for its rich viticultural heritage, offering a diverse array of exceptional wines that showcase the country’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions. From the rolling hills of the Douro Valley to the rural charm of the Dão region, each region represents Portuguese craftsmanship.

-- Quinta Madre de Água exemplifies the harmonious blend of agriculture and viticulture, offering a glimpse into the pastoral elegance of Portugal’s wine country.
-- Dão wines are a testament to Portugal’s winemaking excellence, with a recommended two to three-day tour to fully immerse in the region’s beauty and flavors.
-- Coimbra, with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, serves as a gateway to the stunning Serra da Estrela mountains and the lesser-known, Dão wines.
-- Quinta dos Roques is celebrated for its sophisticated blends and single varietals, particularly the red Touriga Nacional and white Encruzado, aged in a mix of oak and stainless steel.
-- The Douro Valley offers an unforgettable experience with guided tours of vineyards, cellars, and indulgent wine tastings that highlight the unique grape varieties and winemaking techniques of the region.

Portugal has two wine-producing regions protected by UNESCO as World Heritage sites: the Douro Valley Wine Region (Douro Vinhateiro) and Pico Island Wine Region (Ilha do Pico Vinhateira).

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