Douro Valley: 3 Winery Tastings & Vineyard Lunch Day Trip

Summary

Wine tasting journeys in Douro’s hills with lunch and old estates

You’ll wander terraced hillsides on this Douro Valley wine tour from Porto, tasting reds and ports at three unique wineries with locals who love to share their stories. Savor a four-course lunch in a vineyard above the river and catch glimpses of village life along winding roads. It’s a day full of flavor and small surprises you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t start quite as planned — I forgot to eat breakfast before our pickup in Porto, which I regretted about halfway down the highway. But our guide Marta had this way of making everyone relax, even when the van hit a few potholes (she just shrugged and said “Douro roads give you a free massage”). The air felt cooler than I expected for June, almost sharp when we stepped out at the first family-run vineyard near Lamego. There was this smell — part earth, part wildflowers, maybe even something sweet like honey? It clung to my jacket long after we left.

I’m not sure what I pictured for a Douro Valley wine tour, but it wasn’t sitting on a stone terrace with an older couple pouring us their own red and white. They laughed at my Portuguese (I tried “obrigado” — apparently too nasal), then handed me a glass that tasted like sun-warmed berries and something herbal. We drove along the National Road 222 after that — Marta pointed out the terraces stacked up the hillsides, saying it took generations to carve them out. Sometimes she’d go quiet and just let us watch the river snake below. The big corporate estate came next: more polished, sure, but walking through those cellars lined with old barrels made me want to whisper. The port tasting there was…well, let’s say I finally get why people talk about “notes” in wine.

Lunch was at another small vineyard up near Sabrosa — four courses, all local stuff (I went for fish; someone else had vegan). The owner’s son told us how his grandmother used to stomp grapes barefoot right where we sat. There was olive oil so green it looked fake, and bread with this chewy crust that made me wish I could take some home. By dessert I’d lost track of how many wines we’d tried; someone joked about needing a nap before we got back to Porto. On the ride home I watched sunlight flicker over the river and thought about how different each stop had felt — not just in taste but in mood. Still thinking about that view from Pinhão honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Douro Valley vineyards and wine tasting

• Meet tour guide in Porto
• Travel to Douro Valley
• Pass by Lamego city
• Visit small family vineyard
• Wine tasting and views
• Drive along National Road 222
• Visit prestigious winery estate
• Tour estate and taste Ports
• Pass by Pinhão town
• Enjoy scenic valley views
• Arrive in Sabrosa
• Lunch at family winery
• Four-course meal with wine
• Visit cellar and taste Ports
• Return to Porto

Top questions

How long does the Douro Valley wine tour last?

The tour lasts around 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic and group pace.

Is hotel pickup included from Porto?

Pickup is included if you choose the group or private option during booking.

How many vineyards do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit three different vineyards for tastings during the tour.

Is lunch included during the Douro Valley wine tour?

Yes, a traditional four-course lunch is served at one of the vineyards.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for lunch?

Yes, both vegan and vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.

Can children join this Douro Valley wine tour?

Children can join; infant seats are available for ages 4+ or bring your own seat for younger kids.

What types of wines will we taste?

You’ll sample several Douro reds, whites, ports, plus some olive oil and honey at certain stops.

Does the tour include WiFi on board?

Yes, free WiFi is provided in the vehicle during your journey from Porto.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Porto (if selected), travel by air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi, visits to three distinct Douro Valley vineyards with guided tastings of various wines (including port), honey and olive oil samples at select stops, plus a four-course traditional Portuguese lunch served at a family-owned winery before heading back in the evening.