Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, this family-friendly tour is designed to accommodate all ages, though wine tastings are for adults only.

Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, a regional lunch featuring local specialties paired with wine is included.

Can the tour be tailored for dietary restrictions?

Yes, please notify the operator in advance to accommodate dietary needs.

What languages are the tours conducted in?

Tours are typically offered in Portuguese and English; multilingual guides may be available upon request.

Is transportation included?

The tour generally includes private transportation between the quintas and river boat dock.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, and any personal items such as water bottles or medications.

Explore Douro Valley: Private Wine Tours, Lunch & Rabelo Boat Ride Experience

Located in the heart of northern Portugal, the Douro Valley is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of Port wine and one of the oldest demarcated wine regions on the planet, established in 1756. This private 10-hour journey offers an immersive adventure through this iconic valley, blending history, natural beauty, and culture into one unforgettable day. Travelers begin their experience in Vila Nova de Gaia, a city perched on the southern bank of the Douro River, famous for its wine cellars and striking river views. Your day unfolds with exclusive visits to two historic quintas—traditional wine estates where you'll discover the craftsmanship behind the Douro's legendary vintages. Each quinta tour highlights the region’s unique schist terraces that sculpt the hillsides, where age-old grapevines yield both Port and table wines. Here, you’ll engage all your senses with carefully guided tastings, sampling a diverse selection of wines while soaking in breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards and the winding river below. Midday, a sumptuous lunch showcases regional cuisine, perfectly paired to accentuate the flavors of the wines. Beyond the estates, an enchanted ride aboard a Rabelo boat offers a rare perspective on the Douro River’s calm flow and dramatic cliffs. These traditional flat-bottomed boats once transported barrels of Port downstream to Gaia and Porto—now they provide a scenic and tranquil voyage through the valley’s heart. This intimate cruise showcases dramatic geology: steep, rocky slopes, terraced vines clinging to the escarpments, olive groves, and patches of cork oak. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot local bird species like the gray wagtail or even an occasional otter near the water’s edge. This bespoke experience stands out by marrying luxury, tradition, and natural splendor, offering travelers a personal connection to the Douro’s heritage and its exceptional landscape. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a lover of beautiful river scenery, or simply eager to dive deep into Portuguese culture, this exclusive tour provides a richly textured day framed by one of Europe’s most scenic terroirs.

About Vynea

Vynea is a wine tourism operator based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, specializing in private and small-group wine tours across northern Portugal. The company organizes tailored day trips to the Douro Valley, Vinho Verde, Dão and Bairrada, offering visits to family-run quintas, guided winery tours, tastings and regional meals. Signature experiences include full-day 10-hour tours visiting three quintas with wine tastings and a paired three-course lunch, private harvest (vindimas) experiences with grape picking and stomping, and scenic boat rides on the Douro River.

Vynea arranges visits and tastings at the historic Caves Poças, including a 90-minute guided tasting in renovated cellars, and a gastronomic cellar experience featuring menus paired with Porto and DOC Douro wines by chef Pedro Braga. Several itineraries highlight Alvarinho and Loureiro wines in Monção and Melgaço and include local smoked meats and regional cheeses such as Queijo Serra da Estrela.

Tours are led by local guides who coordinate private transfers, winery access and curated tastings with emphasis on terroir and production methods. The focus on family-owned estates, private tastings and region-specific meals provides authenticity and context for travelers seeking immersive wine experiences. Based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Vynea connects visitors in Porto with northern Portugal's wine culture and Portugal's oldest demarcated wine region.

Vynea's programs include visits to Caves Poças, family-owned Port producer with a century of history, and experiences that pair gastronomy with wines, also enabling guests to taste DOC Douro, Port, Alvarinho and Loureiro while learning about grape varieties and winemaking techniques.