The Douro Valley - A Profile

 

The oldest demarked wine region in the world, since 1756, was initially established for port wine production. Its landscape, full of socalcos –  human-built steps or small terraces, limited by walls of schistous stone - and slopes, very rocky, almost without water and soil, offers us a unique sight. These characteristics combined with the extreme temperatures and aligned with the mastery of the wine producers that makes this region one of the ones with the best wine in the world.

These steps were built during the 70’s and applying new techniques for vineyards and this landscape change contributed to Alto Douro Wine Region being included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2001.

The Douro river flows surrounded by this landscape until reaching the sea in Oporto city, where you can find the Porto wine cellars.