Tailor-Made
Wine Tours of Dão
Whether you seek elegant reds or aromatic whites, Dão wines offer a delightful taste of Portugal's winemaking heritage.
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A Hidden Gem for Wine Enthusiasts
Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the Dão region is a hidden gem that beckons luxury travelers and wine enthusiasts alike with its serene landscapes and rich viticultural history. The rolling hills are dotted with ancient vineyards, majestic pine forests, and quaint villages that offer a picturesque backdrop to every visit.
Here, luxury meets tradition; visitors can indulge in private tours that not only showcase the exquisite wines but also delve into the region's historical depth, from centuries-old wineries to art-laden monasteries. The culinary scene is equally impressive, offering dishes that perfectly complement Dão's wine portfolio. For those seeking an exclusive experience steeped in culture, beauty, and flavor, Dão offers an unmatched escape into Portugal's winemaking legacy.
Discover other wine regions in Portugal
Portuguese Grape Varieties:
Dão
The Dão region is located in central Portugal, in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountain range. The region's vineyards are planted at high altitudes, which helps to create a unique microclimate that is cooler and wetter than other regions in Portugal resulting in enhanced freshness. The region's soils are also unique, with granite-based soils that are rich in minerals enhancing finesse and structure.
In the heart of Dão, grape varieties are as distinct as the landscape. Touriga Nacional is known for its depth and complexity, adding bold flavors and an aromatic bouquet to the region's reds. Encruzado stands out in the white wine category, offering elegance and freshness. Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Alfrocheiro with its deep color and berry flavors, and Jaen's delicate finesse highlight Dão wines' versatility. These grapes embody Portugal's viticultural heritage, thriving under Dão's unique terroir to produce wines of exceptional character.
Dão producers take pride in their sustainable winemaking practices, with many implementing organic and biodynamic farming methods. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also results in high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
Highlights
Rich Wine History: The Dão region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to Roman times. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the region's wines were particularly popular with Portuguese nobility.
Historic villages: The Dão region is dotted with charming villages, each with their own unique character and history. These villages are a must-visit for wine enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Dão region is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Historic Centre of Viseu and the Alto Douro Wine Region. These sites are a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and add to its appeal as a top wine tourism destination.
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Stay at Parador Casa da Insua
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Situated in Penalva do Castelo, just 30 kilometers from Viseu and a leisurely 1 hour and 30 minutes from Oporto, Parador Casa da Ínsua seamlessly blends its historical significance with its idyllic natural surroundings.
Indulge in the everlasting charm and sophistication of the 18th century that permeates this boutique hotel. With an exquisite wine-tasting cellar, regional gastronomic delights, and inviting outdoor swimming pools, Casa da Ínsua presents itself as the perfect destination for an exceptional stay or hosting memorable events throughout the year.
An added touch of distinction is the hotel's unique offering of remarkable culinary experiences and wine tastings. Savor their own delightful cheese selection and other exquisite local produce, all impeccably crafted in-house.
Savor Dão Wines at Cabriz Wine Estate
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Discover Cabriz, a prestigious Dão wine estate producing exceptional wines reflecting the region's unique terroir. Amidst scenic landscapes, indulge in elegant reds and crisp, aromatic whites, showcasing the signature Encruzado grape and revealing their complexity and aging potential.
Stay at Madre de Água Hotel
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Nestled amidst Dão's vineyards, Madre de Água Rural Hotel offers a serene retreat with inviting décor in earthy hues. Choose from 10 cozy rooms, each named after Portuguese grapes, or opt for a private apartment or studio. Indulge in exceptional comfort, quality service, and warm hospitality.
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Explore the Dão Wine Region
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Revel in a private tasting and picnic at Quinta do Soito Wine Estate, a promising young producer. Explore the aristocratic village of Santar, its award-winning gardens, and visit the historic Casa de Santar for wine and cheese tastings. Conclude the day at Cruzeiro Wine Estate, savoring organic wines crafted by Julia Kemper.
Sample Itineraries
Discover Wine Pairing Trips
You're in control
At Into The Vineyard, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer you complete freedom to build your perfect trip. Start with one of our many sample itineraries and customize as you desire, or start with a blank page, and with the help of our expert Trip Planners, we can create your dream wine-inspired travel experience.
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Testimonials
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Heather Hale
My husband and I took an amazing two-week trip to Portugal this past June, which was the second time that we booked through Into the Vineyard. Colin and the team were receptive to everything we wanted to experience and planned and customized every detail--from our accommodations to activities to wine & food and even transportation--meticulously. They also worked to help coordinate with two of our friends to join us on the second week.
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George Rudnitsky
We booked a trip to Portugal through Into the Vineyard, and we were 100% satisfied with our itinerary, their follow-up, and the quality of our experiences. The team checked in with us all along the way, and our trip went exactly as planned. We saw some beautiful places, drank some great wine, and didn't have to worry about anything. I would highly recommend this company if you want to see any of the best wine regions in the world.
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Jen Bernauer
Thank you Into the Vineyard for planning and executing our amazing trip to Spain & Portugal last month. Our custom trip was twelve full days of food, wine and culture. We loved it all. This was our second trip with Into the Vineyard. Every winery (we visited 19!!!!), guide, restaurant & hotel was selected with great care. We moved to 8 different hotels through this trip, which was honestly easy when every transfer went smoothly and our driver was waiting for us every time as scheduled.
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Katy Word
Our trip to Spain and Portugal would not have been the same without Into the Vineyard. I valued the planning process where we worked together with Colin to design our itinerary. He listened carefully to our likes and dislikes, our preferences and our "must-haves". Every detail was executed perfectly. Our drivers were always on time and courteous. Our guides were passionate and knowledgeable about wine and their region. They made tweaks to our plans for the day to ensure the best possible experience. Spending time with our guides was more like getting together with a friend. We learned so much about the wines, food and culture of these regions. The meals were amazing! Our lodging was great. Our only question is - "Where do we go next?"