Quinta do Vallado — Winery in Vilarinho dos Freires

One of the oldest quintas in the Douro, with roots going back to 1716. The estate was once home to the legendary Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, the "Rainha do Douro" (Queen of the Douro), the most influential wine figure of the 19th-century Douro. Today the house combines a rich port tradition with modern, dry table wines that are making waves internationally. The wine hotel was designed by the Porto architecture practice Menos é Mais, known for its clean, site-sensitive designs, and won the Douro Architecture Prize in 2011. Tastings take place in the modern pavilion with a panoramic terrace over the Douro. Tours of the beautiful vineyards and historic buildings are offered daily, explaining both the centuries-old history and the latest developments in winemaking. Booking recommended, especially in high season. The estate also occasionally hosts small concerts in the courtyard. The wine hotel, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza Vieira, has 13 rooms, and the infinity pool is spectacular. Walking routes have been marked out across the estate.