Discover the magnificent Douro valley and its splendid autumn colours. This season brings unique shades of gold to the vines which, after the harvests, are getting ready to hibernate before regenerating next spring.

It is here, in the Douro valley, that production begins for Porto CRUZ ports, made from a blend of different specific grape varieties. For CRUZ Tawny, Ruby and Pink ports, these varieties are Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Cão. For Porto CRUZ White port, we select varieties such as Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Moscatel Galego, Rabigato and Viosihno. All these grapes that produce the different ports are, by definition, grown in this region of the Douro valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as a living cultural landscape. They are all harvested by hand in these steep vineyards. Find out more about the grape varieties of the Douro Valley : https://www.porto-cruz.com/en/port-grape-varieties

After the harvests, which take place in September, it’s time for the vines and port wines to rest. The vineyard settles down to sleep in order to prepare for the following year, while the port wines begin ageing to develop their character and aromas. Find out more about the ageing of Port wines : https://www.porto-cruz.com/en/ageing

Visiting the Douro is also an excellent opportunity to visit Quinta de Ventozelo, a unique place that has recently been refurbished, situated on wine estate in a natural and authentic setting. It offers a host of activities based on wine tourism, nature and gastronomy. There are spectacular views to be seen when strolling through the hillsides of the Quinta, where you can see the terraces that plunge down into the Douro, on which vines and fruit trees are grown. You can also taste all the specialities of the Quinta, such as Porto CRUZ ports and olive oil.