Since we enjoyed our four nights in Piemonte last autumn so much, we decided one good wine country trip deserves another. In my very, very, very early itinerary for Portugal 2020 ... doctors give me a 50/50 chance of making it ... I think a few nights sipping Port (and other potent potables) near the Douro River and its vineyards might be in order. We love the vineyard setting for lodging, but we also like to be within walking distance to restaurants ... for obvious reasons. Is there such a place, or is there a vineyard lodging that has a restaurant on the premises that would work for a few nights? We'd also like to take a couple of hour wine boat tour. If you have a favorite, your suggestions are appreciated. Obrigado!!!

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There are a number of Quinta's in the upper Douro that might be of interest. Most have a restaurant for guests. We like Quinta do Vallado outside of Régua and Rural Quinta do Pego, on the opposite side of the river. There is also Quinta de la Rosa, a few mintues from the train station in Pinhăo, and Quinta de Santo António de Adorigo, a few minutes downriver from Quinta do Pego. For taking a comfortable boat ride on the river, Pipa Douro is based in Pinhăo. You can Google Exploring the Alto Douro for a little more informaiton.


The upper Douro below the Quinta do Pego



Along the upper Douro.

Thank you both!

Looks like Douro is a lot more expensive than Piemonte. I might have to drink one less glass of wine while I'm there.

We stayed at Quinta de la Rosa -- it was very nice. We ate dinner there each night. I don't recall what there was in the way of restaurants in Pinhao. Look at the train ride from Pinhao to Pocinho which I believe goes further down the river than the boats.

View from Quinta de la Rosa.

And this.

If it makes you feel any better, wine in Portugal is cheaper than in Piemonte

The restaurant at Quinta de la Rosa is a bit pricey, there is a restaurant in town - Veladouro - that is pretty good and quite reasonable. You can also pick up cheese, meat etc to have a picnic on the quinta grounds, should you choose to stay there.

"If it makes you feel any better, wine in Portugal is cheaper than in Piemonte "

Hallelujah!

If you plan on doing any wine tasting, be aware that reservations are required. Quinta do Bomfim in PInhăo makes for an easy visit if you aren't driving. Visits (including tasting) are from 17€/person. https://www.symington.com/visit/quinta-do-bomfim/3

As noted, Veladouro in PInhăo is a good solid local family restaurant. There is also Taberba do Rio if Veladouro is busy. And you can alwasy have lunch or dinner at The Vintage House (reservations highly recommended).



A salad to start lunch at Veladouro



Followed by fish to share



and a plate of delicious pork

We stayed in Regua for 3 nights and liked it very much. Once we parked. The tale of our drive down through town (two-way but total 1.5 lane wide) during rush hour after taking the local road instead of the tourist-appropriate street is worthy of the Maitai Crew. I didn't even take pictures (actually at one point I just closed my eyes and mouth, and let DH maneuver in peace). Anyway… the town is big enough to have provide entertainment and easy access to the river cruises. There are several hotels overlooking the river.

It is beautiful country!