Percurso do Vinho do Porto

The Douro Valley is the result of nature’s wonders, but also of the effort and energy expended by humankind in transforming it. The vineyard that produces the grape varieties used in the famous Port Wine is the driving force and the primary reason for all this hard work. Centuries of toil, fatigue, and human sweat have turned the earth upside down, removed the massive schist, shaped the walls and terraces to support the vines, and erected this colossal work, which the Marquis of Pombal would reward, in the 18th century, by granting it the title of the world’s first Demarcated Region.With its superb Mediterranean climate, the Valley is a warm, dry enclave, ideal for growing grapevines, olive trees, almond trees, and fruit trees such as cherry, fig, peach, orange, and apple trees, among others. The landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see, is so diverse that at times one sees only vineyards and terraces in the heart of the Douro, all the way to the Tua River, while at other times wild, rugged vegetation fills the entire horizon, as is the case in the Upper Douro.Everywhere, manor houses, traditional farms, and traces of nomadic peoples and diverse cultures leave an indelible mark on the landscape, constantly reminding us of the strategic importance the Douro has always held throughout history.The Port Wine Trail is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hiking routes. It takes us along cobblestone paths through the famous vineyards of the Alto Douro Wine Region, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the cultural landscape category in 2001. Bordered by the Douro River, this region has been producing wine for hundreds of years.