The Douro Valley for wine lovers jancisrobinson.com

No one can dispute the fact that the Douro Valley in Portugal is breathtaking. As I stand on top of a paddleboard, amidst the darting grey mullets just beneath the water and the echoing birds flying over the ancient vineyards, I watch the sun set over the town of Regua. You ask for a wine lover’s guide and here it is – but man, the Douro is so, so much more than that.

When my partner and I planned this trip, it started off as a race to visit as many quintas as possible. Yet the Douro has a way to subdue your inner tourist, especially in the calm, serene surrounds and understated elegance of our hotel, Lamego Hotel and Life. Our mornings begin with an indulgent breakfast filled with local pastries, and our afternoons were spent either gazing at the view from the hotel patio while sipping on white port and tonic, or lazing at the pool. The hotel offers a host of activities through third parties, including paddleboarding, hikes, and even cooking classes.