One of the oldest and most traditional wine producing regions in Europe, the Douro is recently enjoying something of a rebirth, with a gang of young producers who have lived and worked abroad looking to show the world what they can do with their families’ very old vines.
Sept 27-Oct 1, 2025
DOURO
Blending Escape
We have partnered with one of the country’s most respected winemakers in his new venture in the Douro, where you will have the unique opportunity to blend your own Douro red. On this 4-day excursion we will traverse this breathtakingly beautiful Douro region seeking out its authentic flavors and experiences.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1 - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
BEM-VINDOS A PORTUGAL!
Welcome to the breathtaking Douro region of Portugal. After arriving in Porto, check in to the elegant Torel Palace Porto. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant streets of Porto at your own pace or unwind and enjoy the hotel’s refined ambiance.
Welcome drink in the hotel’s library and patisserie
Meet your fellow travelers over a glass of sparkling wine from one of Portugal’s niche producers in the cozy setting of the hotel’s library and patisserie.
Private tasting at the historic Graham’s Port House
Cross the river into Gaia, home to the historic Port houses. At the renowned Graham’s Port House, the Symington family will guide us on a private tour of their barrel room, revealing the art and history of Port production. End the experience with an exclusive tasting of their impressive range, including rare vintage Ports, in a private salon.
Dinner at Euskalduna Studio
Return to the Porto side of the river for an exceptional dining experience at the Michelin-starred Euskalduna Studio. They’ll be closed to the public for our group, and you’ll watch the chefs craft a bespoke menu paired with some of Portugal’s finest wines.
DAY 2 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
TRAVEL DEEPER INTO THE DOURO
Depart for the Quinta de Adorigo
Depart Porto for a picturesque two-hour journey into the heart of the Douro Valley, arriving at Quinta de Adorigo.
Blending session with our winemaking partner Quinta de Adorigo
One of the highlights of this experience will certainly be the exclusive blending session with Quinta de Adorigo’s Luís Seabra, one of the pioneers of Portugal’s new wave of winemaking. As the visionary behind Quinta de Adorigo, Luís will introduce you to the artistry of crafting a balanced Douro red. After sampling a selection of his wines and the session’s base wines, you’ll have the opportunity to create your very own personalized blend.
Lunch in the winery
Having worked up an appetite, we’ll sit for a locally sourced lunch at the beautiful long table overlooking the winery’s barrel room. We’ll also enjoy more of Luis’ wines, hand selected by him to complement the meal’s flavors.
Check in and relaxation at the Casa do Rio hotel
Check in to the serene Casa do Rio, nestled on the terraced mountainside with stunning views of the Douro River. Take time to explore the hotel’s peaceful surroundings, unwind with a sauna, or indulge in a sunset aperitif before dinner.
Orientation tasting and dinner in the hotel’s cozy veranda restaurant
As the Douro River flows beneath us, sample wines from Portugal’s most important wine regions in a guided tasting that offers a deeper understanding of the country’s rich winemaking heritage. Dinner will feature a relaxed, seasonal menu served on the cozy veranda.
DAY 3 - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
RIVER CRUISING + DOURO SPECIALTIES
Visit to the legendary Nicolau de Almeida family’s Quinta do Monte Xisto
Discover the Quinta do Monte Xisto, a historic estate owned by one of the Douro’s most influential families. Join latest generation Mateus Nicolau de Almeida and his wife Teresa Ameztoy for an exclusive tour of their organic vineyards and private tasting room. After exploring the steep, terraced vineyards by 4×4, enjoy a rustic country lunch with breathtaking views of the river.
Rest & relaxation back at the hotel
Unwind with a dip in the infinity pool, a walk along the vineyard trails, or some spa time.
Sunset Douro River cruise
Set sail on a serene sunset cruise along the Douro River. Sip on regional wines and enjoy light snacks as you take in the panoramic views of terraced vineyards. The cruise will depart and return to the charming town of Poçinhos, followed by a short drive to tonight’s restaurant.
Dinner at local winemakers’ secret favorite Taberna da Julinha
End the day at Taberna da Julinha, a beloved hidden gem with over 40 years of history. Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by the warm husband-and-wife team, featuring Mirandesa beef and a feast of Douro specialties, all paired with carefully selected wines from the region.
DAY 4 - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
HISTORY & PREHISTORY
Private tour and tasting at the historic Quinta do Crasto
Explore the historic Quinta do Crasto, a family estate that has been producing exceptional wines for over a century. Led by the Roquette family, this estate has evolved from producing Port to crafting world-renowned Douro DOC wines. Enjoy a private tour of the property before indulging in a tasting of their prestigious reserve wines.
Lunch in the vineyards at Quinta do Crasto
After the tasting, enjoy a light, flavorful lunch in the vineyards, paired with some of the estate’s finest food wines.
Rest & relaxation back at the hotel
Spend the afternoon at leisure, whether it’s lounging by the pool, exploring the grounds, or enjoying some quiet time in the spa.
Aperitif and dinner at the Quinta da Ervamoira
This magical site, rich in history and archaeology, is the perfect place to enjoy our last meal. A private chef will prepare a meal using the estate’s organic produce, while you take in the spectacular sunset over the Douro hills. A local guide will also share the fascinating story of the area’s prehistoric cave paintings – our next destination.
Guided visit to the Coa Valley prehistoric cave drawings
After dinner, embark on a thrilling adventure to the nearby Penascosa cave paintings, some of the world’s oldest. Led by expert guides, you’ll travel by jeep to the site for an unforgettable evening of history and discovery.
Back to the hotel for a farewell nightcap
DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1
ADEUS!
Departures, or continue on for further exploration.
THE DETAILS
How to arrive
Guests will ideally fly into the Porto airport (OPO) and The Vines will arrange transfers (not included in trip cost) to the hotel in Porto. Alternatively you may choose to fly into Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado airport (LIS) then either rent a car or The Vines will arrange transfers (not included in trip cost) for the 2.75-hour drive up to Porto.
Accommodations
The Torel Palace Downtown, a gem of a restored palace located on a quieter side street right in the heart of Porto, and Casa do Rio in the Upper Douro region, a tiny 8-room gem of a hotel tucked in between the organic vineyards and the Douro River.
Winemaking – Luis Seabra of Quinta de Adorigo
The Quinta de Adorigo is a brand new project sitting high above the Douro River in the UNESCO-designated heritage site of Port production. Here there are old, as well as some younger, vines of the traditional Port grapes, all being handcrafted into small lots of red wines by the highly skilled and acclaimed winemaker Luis Seabra. For nearly two decades, Luis has been at the center of a cultural shift in Portuguese winemaking, leading a movement of young, independent winemakers reclaiming historical vineyards, grape varieties, and techniques. He is dedicated to proving that fresh, elegant, terroir-driven still wines can be made in this region.
Maximum number of guests
14


SOME of the EXCLUSIVE WINES
YOU WILL DRINK
YOU WILL DRINK
PRIVATE TASTING AT GRAHAM’S PORT LODGE
Warre’s 1980 Vintage Port
Graham’s 1990 Vintage Port
Dow’s 1994 Vintage Port
Graham’s 1997 Vintage Port
Quinta do Vesuvio 2003 Vintage Port
Graham’s 2016 Vintage Port
Graham’s 10 Year Old Tawny
Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny
Graham’s 30 Year Old Tawny
Graham’s 40 Year Old Tawny
Titan of Douro Branco Reserva 2021 (Douro)
Poças Fora da Série “Lagar das Quartas” Tinto 2021 (Douro)
António Madeira “Vinhas Velhas” Tinto 2018 (Dão)
H.M. Borges 10 anos Boal Madeira (island of Madeira)
Luis Seabra Douro Branco “Xisto Ilimitado” 2022
Luis Seabra Vinho Verde “Granito Cru” 2020
Luis Seabra Douro Branco “Xisto Cru” 2019
Quinta de Adorigo Douro Tinto Blend 2020
Quinta de Adorigo 40 Year Old Tawny Port
Filipa Pato “3B” Espumante Rosado NV (Bairrada)
Quinta do Ameal “Solo Único” Loureiro 2022 (Vinho Verde)
Quinta de Lemos Jaen 2008 (Dão)
Quinta Várzea da Pedra Tinto Grande Reserva 2015 (Lisboa)
Quinta do Vallado Tinto Field Blend Reserve 2020 (Douro)
Ameztoy & Almeida Porto Branco Seco
Eremitas “Antão do Deserto” 2020
Curral Teles “Alfa” 2020/2021
Ameztoy & Almeida “Lágrima” Porto Branco (sweet)
Quinta do Monte Xisto Tinto “Oriente” 2021
Quinta do Monte Xisto Tinto “Órbita” 2020
Nicolau de Almeida Porto Branco Leve Seco
Nicolau de Almeida 2019 Vintage Port
Ilha do Pico Coop. “Terroir Vulcânico” Arinto dos Açores 2021 (Pico – Azores Islands)
Niepoort Redoma Douro Branco 2022
Luis Pato “Vinhas Velhas” Tinto 2019 (Dão)
Mateus Nicolau de Almeida Eremitas “Amón de Kelia” 2022
Conceito Douro Tinto 2019
Mad Aguardente de Medronho
DOURO VALLEY
Monte Meão Vinha da Cabeço Vermelho Douro Tinto 2020
Quinta do Vale Meão Douro Tinto 2019
Quinta do Vale Meão 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Duas Quintas Douro Branco 2022
Duas Quintas Douro Tinto 2021
Ramos Pinto 10 Year Old Tawny Port
PRICING INFORMATION
The trip cost includes all accommodations, meals, wines, local transportation and group activities. Guests are responsible for the cost of their flights and airport transfers to the hotel.
Please note that Vines itineraries are highly unique and customized, and the overall schedule, events and timing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes life requires changes or cancellations. We have created cancellation policies that take this into account while also accounting for the realities of our non-refundable event costs and prepayments. You can see our cancellation policy at www.vinesevents.com/terms