Wherever you are in the country, there's a chance to find out about the people and places involved in making Portuguese wine. It's an opportunity not to be missed. Lose yourself in the stunning landscapes of the wine-making regions and stay in one of the several country's wine hotels. The majority of them are found around the Douro, but new properties have opened in other regions. We've selected ten that provide unique and memorable experiences. Have a look!
CS Vintage House
An 18th-century wine estate by the river has been transformed into a luxury hotel. There are views of the Douro from every room, and there is also a very inviting pool for the warmer days. The shop doubles as a wine tasting room and close to the hotel is one of Portugal's most beautiful train stations with its decorative tiles.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.csvintagehouse.com
The Yeatman
For the views alone, this hotel gets 5 stars, allowing you to admire the city of Porto and the Douro River from every room. Found by the main port wine lodges, it also has its own cellar with local productions. The vinotherapy spa offers treatments based on ingredients extracted from grapes, and there is also an excellent Michelin-starred restaurant.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.the-yeatman-hotel.com
Quinta da Romaneira
Designed to offer a uniquely private experience surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe, this hotel has 19 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool overlooking the Douro, a panoramic restaurant and a wine tasting room. It produces its own olive oil and wine that was highly rated by Wine Spectator magazine. To complete the experience that led "The Times" to consider this one of the world's 20 best
vineyard hotels in the world, go for a walk through the beautiful vineyard.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.quintadaromaneira.pt
Aquapura Douro Valley
This 19th-century estate was built by a port wine producer and was now given a contemporary interior by designer Nini Andrade Silva. The spa offers water-based treatments and the "wine room" presents wine tastings, with many selections also found on the wine list at lunch or dinner. Almost half of the choices presented are from the Douro region, whose vineyards can be admired from any corner of the property, from the gardens to the pool.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.aquapurahotels.com/aquapura-douro-valley
L'And Vineyards
This stylishly contemporary "wine resort" is not far from Lisbon and quite close to the historic city of Evora. Its guests can participate in wine tastings and wake up in minimalist rooms with views of vineyards in the scenic countryside. It produces its own wine which you may enjoy with a meal at the restaurant. Naturally, the spa
specializes in vinotheraphy.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.l-andvineyards.com
Quinta de Sant'Ana
This farm opens its doors to those looking for a unique experience among vineyards, wine and nature. Here the biggest passion is wine, produced using traditional and modern technology. It has reached a quality distinguished with international awards and has been listed among the best Portuguese productions. The British author and wine expert Hugh Johnson also featured it in his Pocket Wine Book 2012. The geographic and geological conditions make each wine special, produced just over a half hour from Lisbon. The estate has four fully-equipped cottages with a rustic décor for rural tourism, offering days of pure relaxation.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.quintadesantana.com/
Quinta do Portal
This estate has a relaxed but sophisticated ambiance, with ten rooms open to guests who want to participate in wine-related activities. Here you can learn more about Douro wines through guided tours of the winery, wine tastings and courses.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.quintadoportal.com
Quinta Nova do Carmo
This was the first wine hotel in Portugal, producing its own wine and olive oil. The eleven rooms have fabulous views of the vineyards or of the river, and guests can enjoy the wines in the cellar and tasting room. The décor maintains the aura of the 19th century (when the estate was built), and the original chapel still stands.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.quintanova.com/
Quinta de Santo António
It received a Best Wine Tourism award in 2008 in the accommodation category and from its nine rooms guests enjoy beautiful views of the Douro. They also learn about the activities related to wine production and can participate in tastings guided by an enologist.
More information about the hotel at:: http://www.quintasantoantonio.pt/
The Vine
Found by the historic center of Funchal in Madeira, this design hotel has a beautiful view of the city, especially from the restaurant and rooftop pool. The inspiration for everything is the island's wine, and it organizes tasting events with the main local producers. The spa specializes in vinotherapy.
More information about the hotel at: http://www.hotelthevine.com/
Source: Portuguese Trade and Tourism Board http://www.visitportugal.com/
