Wine tasting in the Dão Wine Houses
Territory
It is in the north center of Portugal in the province of Beira Alta that we find the region of Dão wines. Established in 1908, it was the first demarcated region of non-liqueur wines of the country. It is a territory that spans mountains and valleys, but that is sheltered by more prominent mountains that surround it: the imposing Serra da Estrela, Caramulo, Nave and Buçaco. Three major rivers run through this winding granitic soil of the region: Dão, Mondego and Alva. In the sunny slopes and subject to the coarseness of the soil, the vines appear sublime and vigorous. They are mainly grown between 400 and 500 meters of altitude, in the seven sub-regions: Alva, Besteiros, Castendo, Serra da Estrela, Silgueiros, Terras de Azurara and Terras de Senhorim.
Wines
The rugged terrain, predominantly granitic soils and microclimate variations influence the nature of the vineyards, providing particular characteristics to the wines of this region. But this differentiation is also due to the traditional varieties grown in the territory, including Touriga Nacional, the most noble among the reds, Alfrocheiro, Aragonez (Tinta Roriz) and Jaen, and the whites Encruzado, Malvasia Fina, Bical or Barcelo. Velvety and full-bodied, with exceptional acidity, red wines have great aging potential. Whites, rosé and sparkling wines have fruity aromas and great freshness.
Experiences
Walk the paths of the hills and the banks of rivers and soak up the natural beauty. Explore the corners of the historic villages, taste the Dão wine on farms and wineries. Climb Serra da Estrela and feel the tranquility of the landscape that is lost on the horizon. Visit Viseu, Penalva do Castelo, Board, Santa Comba Dao or Gouveia. Taste the cheese from Serra da Estrela, the Bravo apple from Esmolfe, the goat or sausages. Proposals abound to visit and let yourself be enchanted by this region.
Welcome Center of the Dão Wine Route in Viseu
Housed in the distinguished manor house Solar do Vinho do Dão, a building that dates back to the 12th century, the Welcome Center of the Dão Wine Route was created to embrace wine tourism aficionados and to provide them a full wine-related experience, with the possibility of purchasing wine, seeing promotional videos or art exhibitions.
The Welcome Center has a wine shop, an exhibition room and a tasting spot with a wine dispenser, since every week the Welcome Center has 8 different Dão wines for tasting. It also organises wine tastings for groups up to 30 guests.
The Dão Wine Route is driven by the goal of promoting wine tourism in the Demarcated Dão wine Region. It embraces 47 wine producers within a territory of 16 municipalities.
The Route is divided by 5 different routes, organized and certified, with a diversity of characteristic landscapes, stately homes, ancient and modern cellars, historic villages and beautiful clear water rivers. The vines are hidden behind pine trees, bushes and stone walls.
The Solar do Vinho do Dão in Viseu can be reached within a 50 minute drive from Quinta da Palmeira – Country House Retreat & Spa.