Douro Vineyards

Port wine. Douro wines

Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior
Spanish and Portuguese river. The third most important in the Iberian Peninsula, after the Tagus (Center of Portugal) and the Ebro (Navarra, Spain). In the northwest region of this same peninsula, it is the most important.

Its source is in Fuentes del Duero, south side of the peak Urbión (Duruelo de la Sierra, province of Soria) in Spain, the about 2160 meters above sea level. Of its almost 900 km long (897 km, to be exact), more than half (572 km) run in Spanish territory. In other words, it is a river that is more Spanish than Portuguese. 112 km are considered international territory, as they accompany stretch of the border between the two countries. And, in Portuguese territory, it is exactly 213 km until it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, between the cities of Porto (right bank) and Vila Nova de Gaia (left bank).

Heritage of Humanity

Despite crossing regions of great beauty in Spanish territory, the great wonder of the Douro, however, is in Portuguese territory. Gift of nature, undoubtedly. However, it was the work of man, for centuries, that shaped this beautiful valley, making it a true treasure in terms of natural beauty. Which is why, with great justice, Unesco classified part of this magnificent valley - the Douro Vinhateiro - Heritage of Humanity.

Mountains and Valleys

In Spanish territory, the Duero crosses the provinces of Soria, Burgos, Valladolid, Zamora and Salamanca. After the 112 km border between the two countries, with Miranda do Douro on its right bank, the Douro enters Portugal just before the town of Barca d'Alva.

From Barca d'Alva to Porto, it is 210 km, passing through the cities of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, São João da Pesqueira, Lamego, Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Gondomar, Vila Nova de Gaia (left bank) and, finally, Porto (right bank).

When speaking of Douro, reference is made to:

1. Douro River

2. Douro River Valley

3. Alto Douro or Douro Wine Region

4. Douro Superior

5. Douro wine

As for the Douro Vinhateiro its area extends from Mesão Frio to the Spanish border.

The territory of this vast wine region comprises the following terroirs: Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior, as the image below.





The vineyards of the Douro Wine Region and the hard work of its people for centuries made known its noblest products (initially, the Port Wine; the Douro wines, then) as well as Portugal to the whole world. Port wine has been the engine of the economy of the North of Portugal and the country.

Main Wine Producer

The municipality of Alijó is the first Douro Wines producer.