Possible experiences

Explore among various options.

• Meet the Winemaker

  A private meeting with the winemaker or producer allows you to discover the wine through burning or breeding. The conversation can begin in the wine, continue in the process and end at the table, meanwhile tasting different references and discussing breeds, colors, terroir and production techniques.

• Private Estate Visit

  A private tour of a select estate, offering more in-depth access to the property. Depending on the estate and the time of year, the experience may include the vineyards, the winery, the cellars, and areas usually reserved for private use.

• Rare and Vintage Wine Tasting

  A tasting dedicated to special wines, older vintages, reserves, or carefully selected Vintage Ports. Ideal for connoisseurs and collectors looking to discover how wines evolve over time and to taste limited-production wines.

• Vertical tasting

  a tasting of several vintages of the same wine, allowing one to track the evolution of an estate and understand how different years, weather conditions, and winemaking decisions influence the final result.

• Barrel Tasting

  Whenever possible, tasting directly from the barrel offers a different perspective on the aging process. It is an opportunity to sample a wine before it hits the market and to better understand the influence of the wood and the passage of time.

• Blending Experience

  A hands-on experience where visitors can create their own blend from different wines or grape varieties, guided by a winemaker. Beyond being fun, it offers insight into one of the most important and complex stages of winemaking.

• The Art of Port Wine

  a comprehensive introduction to Port wine, from its production in the Douro Valley to its aging in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. The experience may include various categories of Port, a comparison of styles, and an explanation of the processes involved in aging, storage, and service.

• From the Douro to Gaia

  an experience connecting the two territories fundamental to the history of Port wine. First, the Douro, where the grapes are grown and the wine originates. Then, Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wines were stored and aged for centuries. This connection allows us to tell the complete story of Port wine through the very places where it unfolded.

• Lunch with the Winemaker

  A private lunch hosted by the producer or winemaker, typically at the estate. The dishes are selected to pair with the estate's various wines, turning the meal into an occasion for conversation, exchange, and discovery.

• Private scene with wine pairing

  a scene designed around a specific selection of wines. It can include a private chef, a tasting menu and wines chosen in advance according to the traveler's interests.

• Small Producers & Hidden Estates

  Not all experiences need to happen on the most well-known properties. The Douro Valley boasts countless small producers with extraordinary stories, limited production, and a very personal connection to the land.

• Visiting these properties allows you to discover a less commercial Douro and establish a much closer relationship with those who produce the wine.

• Harvest Experience

  During the harvest season, travelers can witness one of the most important moments on the Rio Grande do Sul calendar. They can participate in the grape harvest, observe the arrival of the grapes at the winery, follow the winemaking process, and, in some properties, take part in the traditional grape treading.

• Private Cellar Access

  Access to cellars, private wine cellars, or select collections. Depending on the property, this may include wines not normally available to the public or historical references held by the family.

• Build Your Douro Wine Collection

  For clients wishing to purchase wine, the experience can include advice on selecting producers, vintages, and references. Whenever possible, support can also be provided in arranging international shipping of purchases made during the trip.

• Douro Wine Masterclass

  A private session dedicated to understanding the Douro demarcated region. Grape varieties, sub-regions, soils, altitude, sun exposure, different wine styles, and the classification system can be explored according to the traveler's level of knowledge.

• Private River Journey Between Wine Estates

  The river ceases to be just scenery and becomes part of the journey. In some programs, different properties can be connected by a private vessel, combining navigation, wine, and landscape in one of the most memorable days of the experience.

Customization

The Douro Wine Collector doesn't aim to showcase as many farms as possible. It aims to showcase the right farms.
Each property is selected according to the traveler's profile, their interests, and the type of wine they are looking to discover. The result is a personalized journey through the Douro, built around people, stories, wines, and privileged access.