Douro DOC, Protected wine region in northern Portugal
Douro DOC is a protected wine region in northern Portugal that stretches across steep hillside terraces running alongside the Douro River. The terrain features schist and granite soils where numerous grape varieties flourish.
In 1756, the Portuguese crown established this as the first demarcated wine region in the world, setting standards for production and quality. This early regulation became a model for protected regions everywhere.
Winemakers here work their vineyards by hand on narrow terraces, using knowledge passed down through families for centuries. This way of life shapes the rhythm of villages and connects people deeply to their land.
Three zones make up the region: Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior, each with its own estates and tasting options. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the steep terraces and uneven ground demand careful footing.
More than 80 grape varieties grow here, and many estates blend different grapes within a single vineyard rather than keeping them separate. This approach lets each producer develop a personal signature in their wines.
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