Page 112 - Luxury Guide Turbilhão 05

LUXURY EXPERIENCES

Quinta do Crasto Quinta da Vacaria

© Hugo Carvalho Araújo

recido), saiba que este é também o espaço certo which recently opened a 5-star boutique hotel in
para o fazer, quem sabe sob um céu estrelado como the heart of the oldest delimited wine region in the
nenhum outro. world, are incomparable refuges that live in per-
Em retrospectiva, o que levamos desta viagem fect communion with nature and wine culture. The
excede o simples acto de beber. Uma visita a Portu- most demanding travellers can count on carefully
gal é e será sempre sobre pessoas, cultura, tradição planned itineraries, from private Douro cruises to
reinventada e generosidade. Por isso, celebremos. breathtaking helicopter tours, every moment is
Um brinde!// The vineyards cultivated on slopes designed to stimulate the senses.
along steep hillsides immediately give away where From the Douro we head to the Dão, where the harsh
we are. We are in Douro, a region that benefits from winters and hot summers provide the ideal condi-
a microclimate and sun exposure that promote the tions for growing high-quality grapes and producing
perfect ripening of the grapes and where its schist elegant, balanced table wines. This is the main reason
soils also give the wines a distinct character and why visiting farms and listening to their producers
unrivalled mineral complexity. during unforgettable tastings is an essential part of a
And it is precisely here, in Douro, that we begin this trip to a territory that offers a combination of ancient
sensory journey... Around the table, at A Cozinha da vineyards and discreet modernity.
Clara, with a privileged view of the river that lends Hidden in the serene hills of the Dão, we find Quinta
its name to the region. In this restaurant, at Quinta de Lemos, a true “jewel” of the region, whose nec-
de La Rosa, the inspiration is traditional and from tars are the fruit of patient and experienced hands
Trás-os-Montes, but the secret lies in the fusion with that have dedicated themselves to looking after the
the contemporary and in the balanced harmonisa- region’s indigenous grape varieties. As well as excep-
tion with the best wines from Trás-os-Montes and tional wines, Quinta de Lemos expresses its genu-
Alto Douro. For the most demanding enthusiasts, ine flavours at the table, more specifically at Mesa
the gastronomic offer in the Douro region extends de Lemos, the restaurant which, under the creative
to private lunches or dinners in vineyards or intimate direction of chef Diogo Rocha, has already won a
cooking workshops. Michelin star for its sustainable gastronomy.
A visit to the Douro wouldn’t be complete without To prolong the experience, serene hideaways in
exploring its farms and wineries, many of which the heart of the vineyards are a must stay. Located
were designed by architects and have already won between the Estrela and Caramulo mountains, the
several architectural awards. After all, some of the Valverde Santar Hotel and Spa offers a deeply inti-
best wines in the world are produced right here. mate stay. This aristocratic 17th-century manor house
Immersing yourself in the world of wine and get- is set in four hectares of vineyards, so it enjoys an
ting to know the complete winemaking process is intimate connection with nature and offers a range of
therefore a unique experience, where wine comes outdoor activities, such as picnics, pilates and yoga.
to life through the voice of its own producers. The For the more fearless gastronomic lovers, this hotel
Vallado, Manoella and Vale Meão estates are excel- has designed personalised or group cooking classes
lent options to consider, not only for visiting their with chef Luís Almeida.
unique terroirs, but above all for the quality of their The Alentejo is the next stop on this route, where you’ll
productions. A discerning curation of Port wines or also find wineries that are true architectural master-
Douro whites and reds can be tasted in private and pieces. The undulating plains as far as the eye can
exclusive tastings. see and the typical slowing down of the region leave
Finally, Quinta do Crasto, a century-old house on no room for doubt. Its great diversity of soils and the
the banks of the River Douro, or Quinta da Vacaria, Mediterranean climate that qualifies it are some of