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
Start your day at Graham’s Port Lodge, one of the city’s most prestigious and historic Port Wine Cellars, located on the Vila Nova de Gaia riverside. Founded in 1820, Graham’s represents more than two centuries of craftsmanship and passion. The cellar sits high above the Douro River, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Porto’s skyline and a unique perspective on the centuries-old tradition of Port wine aging. Here, you’ll learn about the legacy of Port Wine through expert-led tours and tastings, discovering the differences between Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Ports. The visit ends with a tasting in the elegant Vintage Room, where glass walls frame the perfect view of the city across the river — a reminder that Porto and its wines have always evolved side by side.
® Graham’s Cellars
The Port Wine Cellars are an integral part of the region’s identity and history, and there are many more to visit! These atmospheric lodges — where barrels and casks quietly rest — serve as the bridge between the Douro Valley, where the grapes are grown and harvested, and the global stage, where Port is celebrated as one of the world’s great wines. Inside, visitors can explore the fascinating process of fortified wine production, from grape selection and fermentation to barrel aging and blending, while experiencing the unmistakable aroma of aging wood and wine that fills the air. And tasting experiences, of course! After this immersive start, you’ll be ready to continue exploring the vibrant urban landscape of Porto, where tradition, architecture, and gastronomy merge into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Later, you can enjoy a leisurely meal 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. Then, you can 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. This city is celebrated for its historic charm, vibrant riverfront and also a peaceful seafront, divided into 8 districts that are worth exploring. Discover a lot more attractions and the districts of Porto through Visit Porto.
® VisitPorto – Bolhão Market
For an unforgettable fine dining experience go to Pedro Lemos Restaurant. This Michelin-starred gem is a true celebration of Portuguese gastronomy, blending creativity, technique, and deep respect for local ingredients. Chef Pedro Lemos crafts each dish as a sensory journey, transforming traditional flavors into contemporary works of art that perfectly harmonize with a curated selection of wines. Here you’ll find more than a meal: it’s a profound expression of Porto’s wine and culinary culture.
Day 2: the Douro Valley — where nature and wine intertwine
Time to meet the timeless heart of Douro! Few places in the world embody the harmony between nature, tradition, and wine as perfectly as this region. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Douro is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world (since 1756), and it remains a symbol of human resilience and artistry. Its terraced vineyards, carved into steep schist slopes, trace the sinuous path of the Douro River, creating a landscape that feels almost sculpted by time and devotion. Visiting the Douro is more than just a journey through vineyards — it’s a journey through history, culture, and emotion. Whether by scenic train, winding road, or boat cruise, this is a region designed to be felt as much as seen.
Begin your day at Quinta do Bomfim, in the picturesque village of Pinhão, where the Symington family invites visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of the Douro’s winemaking tradition. Surrounded by centuries-old terraces and golden slopes, the estate offers a perfect blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Wander through the vineyard paths and explore the winery, where time-honoured techniques meet modern expertise. Then, indulge in the Merenda na Vinha, a charming picnic-style tasting set among the vines — an authentic experience that pairs local flavours with spectacular views over the Douro River’s gentle curves.
® Quinta do Bomfim
Another suggestion for a visit is 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
For those wishing to linger a little longer in the Douro, there is no shortage of inspiring places to visit and flavors to discover. Take a scenic drive along the N222 — one of the world’s most beautiful roads — and stop at Pinhão, the picturesque riverside village that embodies the soul of the region. Visit the azulejo-covered train station, one of the valley’s architectural treasures. If you’re drawn to the region’s artistic and cultural side, don’t miss the Museu do Douro in Peso da Régua, where exhibitions and interactive displays tell the story of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. For a more rustic and traditional touch, explore the small taverns and wine houses scattered across the hillsides, where typical flavors, dishes and homemade desserts come paired with the valley’s remarkable wines. No matter which path you take, extending your stay in the Douro means deepening your connection with the land, its people, and the timeless rhythm of the vineyards.
Day 3: Vinho Verde region — the essence of freshness and green landscapes
Head north to begin your final day in the Vinho Verde wine region, a lush landscape where rolling green hills meet the Atlantic breeze. Soalheiro, one of the pioneering estates of the Monção and Melgaço subregion, is 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”.
Another amazing place to discover is Quinta da Torre – Anselmo Mendes, 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 – Anselmo Mendes
If you are looking for a peaceful and award-winning accommodation, you can spend the night at Quinta do Ameal, which offers an authentic stay, ideal for those seeking rest, comfort, and direct contact with the rural environment. The accommodations combine rustic charm with all modern amenities, providing a welcoming and relaxing experience. The property offers rooms and independent houses with stunning views of vineyards, gardens, or centuries-old woodlands. It’s the perfect retreat for romantic getaways, family vacations, or longer stays in rural tranquility.
® Quinta do Ameal
For those who wish to explore further this beautiful region, start with a visit to Monção and Melgaço, the birthplace of the celebrated Alvarinho grape. Here, you can stroll through charming villages, visit boutique wineries or take a peaceful walk along the Minho River, which marks the border with Spain. Continue to Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest town, where cobbled streets, medieval bridges, and colorful markets invite leisurely exploration. In Amarante, discover the region’s artistic and architectural side by exploring its historic center, the São Gonçalo Bridge, and the local pastry shops serving the famous papos de anjo and brisas do Tâmega.
A toast to this Great Wine Capital
In three days, travelers will have discovered memorable experiences in 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 | Graham’s | Quinta do Bomfim | Quinta de Ventozelo | Quinta da Torre | Quinta do Ameal
Learn more about Porto – Great Wine Capital