About the Region
The Douro region, situated in the northeastern part of Portugal, lies approximately 150 kilometres inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Shielded by three mountain ranges, this locale enjoys a unique micro-climate characterized by lower humidity and more pronounced temperature extremes compared to the surrounding northern areas of the country. Spanning over 40,000 hectares, the Douro is the largest mountainous wine region globally, featuring vineyards perched on steep, frequently terraced slopes. With schist soils and over 100 certified grape varieties, the Douro demands laborious manual work in its challenging terrain. Employing a method of field blends, grape varieties are intricately intermingled in the vineyards to achieve a harmonious balance in the wines. Varying altitudes, sun exposures, and the age of the vines further contribute to the region's vast potential for crafting wines with distinctive character. Tradition meets technology as ancient granite fermentation tanks for foot treading coexist with state-of-the-art winemaking tools.