Situated in one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions, and within a cork’s throw of the Douro River, is the Town of Pinhão. Considered to be part of the demarcated port area, it is a popular destination for wine themed river cruises. And with all of the great places in the area where people may kick back with a glass of the region’s famous port, who could blame them?
On the list of beloved wining and dining spots is Quinta do Seixo. It’s nestled on the river’s south bank, just outside of Pinhão. If you were to look for it on a map, it would be found in a huge Douro Valley sub-region called Cima-corgo. Most seasoned wine connoisseurs know it as the Upper Corgo. Its viticulture is said to trace back to at least the 3rd century AD. And many of the region’s vineyards rely on five varietals to make their highly coveted, fortified and dry wines. The list includes Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão and Touriga Franca .
The winery itself sits on 108-acres, more than half of which are dedicated to maintaining the vines. The remaining acreage features what one would expect from a renowned Upper Corgo vineyard. Wine presses, vaults, a tasting area and cellar are all available for public viewing throughout the year. However, one of the nicest times to visit is the fall, when the Douro Valley becomes cloaked in seasonal colors.
Views of the Cima-corgo vineyards are not all that await travelers aboard wine themed river cruises headed to Pinhão. There is also the Pinhão Train Station, CS Vintage House Wine Academy and DOC on offer. The DOC is a lovely place that serves up regional wines and local cuisine of the finest order. To find out more and take a wine themed river cruise to Pinhão in the months ahead, download the itinerary below.
