As Portuguese wines are gaining more and more recognition internationally, wine tourism is growing in a similar rate in this article we would like to inform you about the best wine country hotels in 2 of its main wine districts, the Douro region and Alentejo.
The Douro region
The Douro region is possible the most famous of the Portuguese wine regions as it is the region where Port is produced.
The Douro vineyards where first planted by the Romans during their occupation of Portugal 2000 years ago and they have been producing wines since, Port wines first emerged in the late 17th century. Due to various economical treaties between Portugal and England over the centuries going as far back as the 12th century, many English merchants settled in North Portugal and eventually Porto became the capital of the wine production and international trade.
The Douro region* was added to the Unesco world heritage list in 2001 and is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes of Portugal. Its hills have carefully terraced over the centuries to accommodate the vineyards that produce more than 100 different types of grapes of which the Touriga nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão e Tinta Roriz are the most common. The district is inspiringly beautiful giving much possibility for hiking in its landscapes, boat trips on the Douro river, climbing, gastronomy and wine culture alternated by city trips to the booming and cultural cities of Porto, Guimarães and Braga it makes for a holiday of dreams and cultural adventure.
Casa das Torres de Oliveira
Quinta casa das Torres de Oliveira is a centuries old wine hotel in close to the Douro river that became a hotel in 1999. The quinta (manor house farm) is known for its wines and hospitality. The manor has belonged to the same family for almost 300 years and is an emblem of the noble wine culture of the Douro region.
read more about the Quinta casa das Torres de Oliveira and reserve on our site >>
Quinta do Portal, Casa das Pipas wine hotel
Casa das Pipas is a hotel situated in the famous wine producing quinta, Quinta do Portal. The quinta produces Port wines, Douro wines and Moscatel and has won many prizes and distinction for it´s wines. Staying at the Quinta is a magical experience based on the history and beauty of the building, the magnificent Douro valley views, the experience of the Silver medal winning restaurant and above all the winery and vineyards at a stone throw away.
read more about Casa das Pipas here and reserve on our site >>
The talented Miton Ferreira chef of Casa das Pipas restaurant >>
Six senses resort
Brand new and opening in the Douro region in the summer of 2015 is the Six senses resort. Six senses, a 5 star spa and resort chain from Asia, has chosen to open its first resort doors in Europe in the Douro region and at the of writing this article 4 months before its official opening was already fully book until half September. The aim of the resort is to bring peace and balance to its visitors in a luxurious natural surrounding of the Douro river and its vineyards.
read more about Six Senses here and reserve on our site >>
Hotel Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Hotel Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo is a wonderfully peaceful, cultural hotel set in the Southern part of the Douro region. it is constructed in the cool, thick walls of a former convent and has been turned into a peaceful, secluded retreat close to the waters of the Távora damming which has created a wonderful lake. Its restaurant set in the former chapel of the convent is a wonderful place to taste the Douro wines and gastronomy.
read more about Hotel Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo here and reserve on our site >>
We will be adding more of the special places as we find them!
*read more about the Douro region on the Unesco site
The Alentejo region
The Alentejo region covers the entire Alentejo district which covers approximately one third of Portugal. it is the least densely populated region of Portugal situated in the southern half of the country.
It is known for its wine production and it is the main producer of cork in Portugal.
Alentejo produces the bulk of the table wines consumed in Portugal and many famous DOC wines and reservas.
Alentejo wines have won many prizes and are fast growing international recognition.
The landscape is diverse and interesting from the inland cork tree landscapes, vineyards and rural communities to its wild and beautiful natural coast, it is a breath taking district.
Evora is the most interesting city of Alentejo from a tourist perspective has many beautiful sites of which the bone chapel and the Roman temple are possibly the most famous.
Around Evora there is growing industry of luxury resorts and hotel set in the Alentejo vineyards, we are currently discovering the best and can already share 2 that made a lasting impression on us.
Convento do Espinheiro, luxury hotel Evora
luxury hotel Convento do Espinheiro in Evora is a truly wonderful wine and gastronomy hotel located in Evora, the former 15th century convent is a national monument that has been redecorated to be a luxury hotel with bars and a restaurant that centers around the regional wines and food of Alentejo. The hotel also has a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, church, outdoor grounds and excellent amenities. It is located a couple of kilometers from the city center and combines the beautiful Alentejo landscape and vineyards with lively cultural city of Evora.
read more about the Convento do Espinheiro on our site, book and reserve directly with us by form, chat or telephone >>
L-and vineyards resort
L-and vineyards resort is a modern luxury resort set around the concept of Alentejo wine and the stylish L-and vineyards wine. The emphasis of L-and vineyards lies on the beauty of Alentejan nature, the starry night sky, the health and introspective qualities of natural balance and excellence of regional produce.
The resort has a Michelin starred restaurant, 800 sq meter spa, Enologie courses, wine tasting and artful natural interiors where elegance and simplicity set a key note.
read more about the L-and vineyards on our site, book and reserve directly with us by form, chat or telephone >>
[geo_mashup_map height=300″ width=”100%” zoom=”8″ add_overview_control=”true” add_map_type_control=”true” map_cat=”527″]
[geo_mashup_visible_posts_list]
We hope we can make your choice of wine country hotel in Portugal easier!
In the future we will be extending this article as we Discover more excellence!
suggestions? contact us!
Are you interested in reading more about Portuguese wines, their characteristics and history?
