As we approach the end of our time in Portugal we had the opportunity to travel through the magnificent Douro Valley where we stayed the night.

The Alto Douro wine region includes the southern part of the municipality of Sabrosa and is the oldest regulated wine region in the world having been around since 1756. This region is also a world heritage site of humanity by UNESCO (like so many parts of Portugal).

In the area there are incredibly steep, poor and rugged slopes (the vines look so barren because we are here out of season) but man do they produce a good port wine, which is renowned near and far.

We are staying in The Vintage House Pinhao – which is so very beautiful. I must say that we have been so lucky to be staying in such gorgeous and so different styles of accomodation. It’s been great fun arriving to see where we are staying. We’ve all been responsible for different bits and pieces which has meant that it’s always a bit of a surprise and I’ve loved every second.

The Vintage House is divine, a lovely mix of old time glamour and the 21st century. There is nothing quite like staying at a completely luxurious hotel, it is just gorgeous.

On arrival we are invited to have a welcome glass of port (Pip and I had the rose port – so yum).

Robyn, Vic, Pip and Dave then walked a little way up the road for a tour of Quinta do Bomfim. This place has been farmed for five generations and is a world renowned maker of port. The guys had a fabulous tour experiencing the history of the estate and tasting some memorable wine overlooking the river. One of the many advantages of visiting out of “season” is that we have the place virtually to ourselves which we love. It’s so nice not competing with other tourists for tables 😃,

To finish off another great day we had a fabulous dinner at the Vintage House. The menu is excellent as is the wine served. We are thrilled when the chef sends out an extra special appetiser as a small token of his appreciation that we are dining in his restaurant, such a lovely touch. Pip and I continue our Rose journey with another locally grown bottle – bonito, I’d like to think we are changing the views of others in our group about rose, perhaps 😃.

Another fantastic chapter in our Portugal journey 💗, I am so pleased that we could fit this barely 18 hours at the Douro Valley into our Portugal journey, it’s been well worth the detour.