Traveling by train to Douro from Porto for 2 nights in October. Looking for suggestions on which town along the train route would be most centrally located to visit winery's (by taxi or tour) also suggestions for mid range priced Quinta's or hotels to stay.

We traveled by train to the Douro a few years ago, and based in Pinhão. We were able to walk to a handful of wineries.

Here's my trip report, which may or may not help. The Pinhão portion begins at post #40.

I left my liver in Lisbon

Pinhão or in the environs of it is by far. the most centrally located to visit the most prestigious quintas.

Near Pinhão for lovely lodging you have the lovely Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros and within walking or quick taxi ride of the center of Pinhão you have the Quinta de la Rosa, which is a working wine quinta producing both ports and DOC wines.

The 5-star Vintage House in the center of Pinhão is not mid-priced in October. Rates come down the first week of November, but during the harvest season it is pricey (we've stayed there in November).

Wineries to visit nearby within easy driving access (very important in the Douro!!!): Quinta das Carvalhas, Quinta Bomfim, Quinta da Roêda, Quinta do Infantdo, Quinta do Seixo, Quinta do Tedo (at the last one, an easy in and out).

You should reserve well in advance for both lodging and quinta visits in very busy October. We usually go during the last few weeks of October to first week of November, so I do know how busy the Alto Douro gets.