Quinta Nova
The Douro Valley is one the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world, and Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo is one of its oldest producers. Known as Quinta Nova for short, the Teixeira family built their first winery here in 1764, attracted by the vines which predated their arrival. They were here when the Marquis of Pombal created the Real Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, formalising the process for creating port wine – one of the Marquis’ famous feitoria marker stones still sits on the estate. They also survived Spanish rule, invasion from France, the Portuguese civil war, and the dark days of phylloxera which decimated vineyards across Europe.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and the characteristic, ordered terraces which roll in parallel bands across the undulating estate wouldn’t look unfamiliar to those early wine pioneers. The manor house is altogether different: its 18th century roots, its hand-wrought oak beams, stout granite walls, and intricate cornices are all intact. However, its cosy and relaxing interior has all of the modern amenities you’d expect from a contemporary rural hotel. There are six premium rooms in the main manor house, and their décor is a careful mix of traditional Portuguese and comfortable rural luxury. A converted wine store houses the five terrace rooms – they open onto a shared, shaded sun terrace overlooking the vineyards with the river beyond.
The quinta’s Terracu restaurant is your opportunity to sample the region’s seasonal cuisine, perfectly paired with Quinta Nova’s port and DOC table wines. Outside, a treelined terrace is the social focal point of the quinta, where guests can relax with morning coffee or an evening glass of the Quinta Nova’s own Reserva Touriga Nacional, and the nearby outdoor pool has an enviable view of the Douro River as it snakes its way east to Porto and the Atlantic Ocean.
