Few regions in the world blend the beauty of wine, culture, and landscape as seamlessly as Northern Portugal. From the riverside charm of Porto, to the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, and the lush green hills of Vinho Verde region, this 3-day itinerary takes travelers on a sensorial journey through the heart of a Great Wine Capital — where every glass of wine tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Day 1: Porto — where history meets wine
Morning: Begin your adventure in Vila Nova de Gaia, where centuries of Port wine tradition meet contemporary experiences. Visit the WOW (World of Wine) cultural district — a vibrant complex of museums, restaurants, and wine experiences overlooking Porto’s skyline. Start with “The Wine Experience”, an interactive exhibition that reveals the world of wine from grape to glass. Afterward, go to the terrace to be amazed by the panoramic views over the Douro River and the city’s colorful Historic district.
® WOW – World Of Wine
Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar, located at Graham’s Lodge. The restaurant pairs local ingredients with exceptional wines from Symington Family Estates — the pairings between food and wine are a must.
Afternoon: Cross the iconic Luís I Bridge back into Porto to explore the city’s artistic and cultural side. Wander through Rua das Flores, visit the São Bento Railway Station with its hand-painted azulejos, stop by the Portuguese Centre of Photography for a taste of local creativity, and visit the historic but renovated Bolhão Market, for an immersion in local culture, gastronomy and commerce. Discover a lot more attractions and the districts of Porto through Visit Porto.
® VisitPorto – Bolhão Market
Dinner & Overnight: Dine at The Yeatman, where Michelin-starred cuisine meets an extraordinary wine list curated from Portugal’s best producers. You can stay here overnight, where the rooms and the infinity pool offer a view that perfectly captures the essence of the city — Porto’s lights reflecting on the Douro at night.
Day 2: the Douro Valley — where nature and wine intertwine
Morning: Go toward the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. Begin the day at Quinta do Bomfim in Pinhão, where the Symington family welcomes visitors to explore the estate’s rich history and breathtaking setting. Stroll through the terraced vineyards, visit the winery, and enjoy the signature Merenda na Vinha — a picnic-style tasting experience among the vines, overlooking the Douro River’s gentle curves.
Lunch: Head to Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta, a hidden gem where nature sets the rhythm of life. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the property offers a serene and immersive connection to the Douro landscape. At Cantina de Ventozelo, traditional regional flavors are elevated through a contemporary lens, using ingredients sourced from the estate and nearby producers. Pair your meal with Ventozelo’s own wines, each bottle a reflection of the estate’s unique microclimates and respect for sustainability.
® Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta
Afternoon: Continue your journey with a visit to Quinta do Vallado, one of the Douro’s most emblematic estates. Blending 18th-century heritage with striking modern architecture, Vallado showcases the perfect dialogue between tradition and innovation. Enjoy a guided tour of its cellars, learn about its sustainable viticulture, and savor a tasting of the estate’s celebrated reds and Ports. Alternatively, discover Morgadio da Calçada, in the historic village of Provesende, where wine, history, and contemporary design come together in a truly intimate setting.
Dinner & Overnight: End your day at Quinta da Vacaria, one of the most authentic wine estates in the Douro, located on the riverbank near Peso da Régua. This family-run property combines centuries-old winemaking heritage with a fresh, contemporary spirit. Dine at their elegant restaurant, where the seasonal tasting menu highlights Douro’s produce and pairs beautifully with the estate’s wines. Spend the night in one of their beautifully restored suites — a peaceful retreat where the charm of the past meets modern comfort, and where the sound of the river lulls you into a perfect night’s rest.
® Quinta da Vacaria
Day 3: Vinho Verde region — the essence of freshness and green landscapes
Morning: Head north to begin your final day in the Vinho Verde wine region, a lush landscape where rolling green hills meet the Atlantic breeze. Your first stop is Quinta da Torre, a beautiful estate where history, tradition, and wine craftsmanship intertwine. With origins dating back centuries, the estate is known for its majestic manor house, extensive gardens, and vineyards that thrive under the region’s unique microclimate. Wander through the leafy paths and learn about the distinct characteristics of Vinho Verde wines — their freshness, minerality, and vibrant acidity that capture the essence of this Atlantic terroir.
® Quinta da Torre
Lunch: For lunch, head to Soalheiro, one of the pioneering estates of the Monção and Melgaço subregion. Nestled in the mountains, this family-run winery is celebrated for its Alvarinho wines — crisp, elegant, and expressive. Here you can enjoy a farm-to-table lunch that highlights local ingredients and seasonal flavors, perfectly paired with Soalheiro’s diverse range of wines. Beyond winemaking, Soalheiro is deeply committed to sustainability and community, with projects like “Projeto Germinar”, which supports social integration and inclusive employment, following the estate’s philosophy — “growing more than grapes”.
Afternoon: Continue to Quinta da Aveleda, near Penafiel, one of the oldest family-owned wine estates in Portugal. Wander through its enchanting romantic gardens, meet local artisans, taste great wines and discover how the family has combined wine heritage, craftsmanship, and nature for over 300 years.
® Quinta da Aveleda
Dinner & Overnight: Stay overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, where you can dine al fresco overlooking the vineyards and, if the season allows, take part in a grape harvest or wine blending workshop. Toast your last evening in Northern Portugal with a glass of crisp Alvarinho — a perfect finale to a three-day journey through wine, culture, and beauty.
A toast to the Porto and North
In three days, travelers will have discovered three worlds that, while distinct, share a common soul — Porto’s urban elegance, the Douro’s dramatic landscapes, and Vinho Verde’s natural freshness. Together, they form a Great Wine Capital where wine is not just a drink, but a way of life — one that celebrates time, place, and people.
Photo credits: VisitPorto | Quinta de Ventozelo | Quinta da Vacaria | Quinta da Torre | Quinta da Aveleda
Learn more about Porto – Great Wine Capital