Douro Valley Grapes
Wine tasting in the Douro Valley is one of the most popular activities in the region. The most famous wines and Ports in Portugal are produced in the area, and many of the quintas, or wineries, are open to visitors for tastings.
Big names like Sandeman and Fonseca offer daily tastings and wine tours at their wineries in the Douro Valley. The quintas are open to all visitors, from independent travellers to tour groups, and reservations are not necessary.
Smaller wineries in the region may not have daily tours and tastings, so it is a good idea to call ahead or make an appointment if you want to go wine tasting at these quintas.
Getting around from winery to winery is best done by car, as there is no other easy way to travel between estates. You can rent a car in Porto or hire a car at Porto airport, or you can go by train to the Douro Valley and take a taxi or hire a car in Regua.
Whatever you choose, the opportunities for wine tasting in the Douro Valley are such that it is worth spending several days in the region while you are visiting Portugal. There are so many wineries to visit and so many great hotels and restaurants in the area that it is advisable to stay a night or two to fully experience what the valley has to offer.