Owned by the Amorim family since 1999, with vision and management led by Luisa Amorim, Quinta Nova is a place where tradition meets contemporary elegance. The estate was part of the original demarcated Douro wine region established in 1756, and many of its original structures, built in 1764, still stand proudly among the vines. Today, it has become not only a celebrated producer of both Douro DOC wines and Port but also a leading destination for wine tourism.
Visitors arriving at Quinta Nova are immediately greeted by sweeping views of the river and surrounding hills. The vineyards here are more than a beautiful backdrop; they are the lifeblood of the estate, cultivated through mountain viticulture across steep schist terraces, where over 80 indigenous grape varieties thrive — including rare pre-phylloxera plots preserved for more than a century. All grapes are harvested manually, respecting traditional methods and ensuring the purest expression of each micro-terroir. The wines reflect the character of this land, from fresh and aromatic whites to deep, complex reds such as the acclaimed P29/P21, made from centenary vines. Tastings are held in airy spaces that open out onto the landscape, including the new and exclusive Winery Lounge where tastings can be hosted by wine educators and guests can create their own wine, where guests can explore the estate’s full range of wines – each glass revealing a distinct expression of the Douro’s terroir. Before or after a tasting, guests can visit the Fernanda Ramos Amorim Wine Museum Centre, a carefully curated collection that showcases centuries-old tools, documents, and artifacts from the valley’s winemaking past, offering a richer understanding of the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
But Quinta Nova is more than a place to taste wine. It is a place to live the rhythms of the Douro. Guests can join the harvest, work alongside the winemaking team, or take part in guided walks along trails that cross the vineyards and lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The estate even offers helicopter access, providing a unique way to arrive. For those seeking a different perspective, boat trips along the Douro River reveal the valley’s contours from the water, while cycling routes allow for a leisurely exploration of nearby villages.
At the heart of the estate stands the Winery House, a Relais & Châteaux property with just 11 rooms. Each offers a serene retreat with views of the vineyards or the river. The atmosphere is warm and personal, from the traditional breakfast served at a long farmhouse table to quiet afternoons spent reading in the winter garden. The outdoor pool, perched on a hillside, invites guests to pause and take in the panorama. The restaurant celebrates the region’s ingredients, creating refined dishes that pair beautifully with the estate’s wines.
For Luisa Amorim, CEO of Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, the essence of the estate is in its ability to connect visitors with the soul of the Douro. “At Quinta Nova, we hope every visitor experiences the authentic spirit of the Douro through the land, the wines, and the stories these hills tell. Whether tasting a Quinta Nova P29/P21, a Mirabilis, a AETERNUS or walking our ancient terraces at dawn, the valley reveals itself in moments you will carry with you long after the visit.”
In the stillness of a Douro evening, as the last light fades behind the hills and the air cools, it becomes clear why Quinta Nova is more than a winery. It is a place where wine, history, and nature come together, inviting every guest to become part of the valley’s enduring story.
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Photo Credits: Quinta Nova