Douro Valley: 3 Vineyard Wine Tour & Winery Lunch Day Trip

Summary

Wine tasting across Douro’s hills with lunch in a working vineyard

You’ll spend a day exploring Douro Valley’s vineyards with a local guide, tasting port wines plus olive oil and honey at three different wineries. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the estates—expect plenty of laughs and new flavors. It’s less about fancy wine talk and more about feeling welcome among real people who love what they do.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Douro Valley to smell like this—somewhere between sun-warmed stone, wildflowers, and that sharp tang of fermenting grapes. Our guide, Inês, met us in Porto right on time (she had this easy laugh that made the group relax fast) and we set off through winding roads that got greener with every turn. The drive itself was part of it—the river kept popping up between the terraces, like it was playing hide and seek. I tried to take photos but mostly just stared out the window.

The first vineyard was family-run—João poured us his tawny port while telling stories about his grandfather’s stubbornness during harvests. I’m not a wine expert (I usually just nod and sip), but João made it feel okay to ask dumb questions. We tasted honey straight from the jar—sticky, floral, not too sweet—and olive oil that made supermarket stuff seem like water. There was this old dog sleeping in the shade; he barely opened an eye when we walked by. I liked that.

Lunch happened at the second stop—a long table under vines, plates of grilled fish and vegetables passed around with big gestures. Someone tried to pronounce “vinho branco” properly; Inês grinned and corrected us gently (I still can’t get it right). The sun came out strong for a bit and everyone just sort of slowed down. At one point I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours—which is rare for me.

The last winery was bigger, more polished, but by then I didn’t mind sharing space with other groups. Tasting room chatter mixed with clinking glasses and someone’s playlist humming quietly in the background. The drive back felt quieter—maybe from all the wine or just thinking about how much work goes into every bottle here. I still think about João’s story sometimes when I open a bottle at home—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Douro Valley and wine tasting

• Visit first vineyard
• Visit second vineyard
• Visit third vineyard
• Learn history of Port wines
• Enjoy lunch at winery
• Taste local wines and Ports

Top questions

How many vineyards do you visit on this Douro Valley wine tour?

You’ll visit three different vineyards during the day trip.

Is lunch included on the Douro Valley day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at one of the wineries you visit.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for lunch?

Yes, both vegetarian and vegan options are available for lunch.

Does this tour include pickup from Porto hotels?

Pickup is included if you book the group or private tour option.

How long does the Douro Valley wine tour last?

The tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic.

Can children join this Douro Valley wine tour?

Children are welcome but must have their own seat; infants need car seats provided by parents.

What else do you taste besides wine on this tour?

You’ll also taste local honey and olive oil at some vineyards.

Is WiFi available during transport on this trip?

Yes, free WiFi is available in the vehicle during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Porto (if selected), air-conditioned transport with free WiFi, guided visits to three Douro Valley vineyards with tastings of several wines plus local honey and olive oil, and a relaxed lunch served at one of the wineries before heading back in the evening.