Local Hideaways – Douro Valley

It had been eight years since I was invited to the Douro Valley for an extensive press trip… a great introduction to this beautiful region and I spent several days immersed in enotourism (wine tourism) and learned all about its rich history and culture.

Of course, the wine flowed richly and, in good Portuguese fashion, we were also served the most delicious meals. The good Portuguese life! When I visited Porto again last spring, it was a perfect opportunity to return to this beautiful region, only an hour’s drive from Porto… a perfect combo of city and nature. An even better idea is to take the train from Porto, goes super easy and you are treated to the most beautiful views.

I was extremely lucky with the season (and the weather!) because in spring, everything is in beautiful bloom, making it, along with autumn, the best time to visit this region. This time I visited a beautiful Quinta (Portuguese agricultural estate), a real Local Hideaway in the truest sense. The road there is spectacular with rolling hills covered with vines everywhere you look… and then in the depths meanders the Douro River, what a fairytale setting!

Rolling hills covered with vines everywhere

After a welcoming check-in, I was taken by the sympathetic and charismatic GM João in his jeep for the ‘grand tour’…. and that jeep is really needed because the terrain is huge! Indeed, besides the hotel and restaurant, this is a ‘working farm’ and produces wine and olive oil. To pull this off requires enormous biodiversity and it shows, especially now in spring when everything is in full bloom. A feast for the senses! João talks passionately about the estate and its history. He also indicates that he thinks it is important for a quinta like this to have educational responsibilities in order to also teach younger generations about wine and the Douro region. So there is an audio tour on the property for guests and an educational visitor center, how special! And of course, there is every opportunity to taste wine under Rita’s inspiring guidance.

And then there’s the accommodation… there’s also sleeping to do, of course ;-). There are various options spread across the estate and integrated in the old buildings of the quinta. There are stylish double rooms but also complete holiday homes where you can stay with your family or a group of friends. Something for everyone.

There is a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the Douro, perfect for hot days and the ideal place to laze and dream away over the hills and the river. There are various activities on the estate itself, from hiking to a jeep safari. And you can also hop on via the hotel’s own jetty to take a boat trip down the river.

From farm to table

And then last but not least, the restaurant… first of all, a delicious breakfast is served here, but you can also go there for a daily lunch menu. Of course, you don’t need to leave the house in the evening, because dinner is not to be missed here. Delicious local dishes (farm to table) accompanied, of course, by wines from the estate. The fantastic service is very knowledgeable and they know exactly which wine goes best with which dish. What a treat!

This Local Hideaway represents the Douro Valley at its best and is its personification. A feast for the senses and definitely worth a stay. Combine your city break in Porto with a trip to the Douro Valley and you have the best of both worlds!

More info, to book your stay or to find other destinations and Local Hideaways, check out the Local Hideaways website: www.localhideaways.com