
THE WINES OF PORTUGAL
Tradition, Diversity and Excellence
Northern Portugal is renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Winemaking in Portugal has a deep-rooted history, dating back to the Romans, who are believed to have introduced viticulture to the area. By the 12th century, trade with England had intensified, and wine quickly became a crucial export for Portugal. This close trade relationship laid the foundation for the country's enduring wine culture.
​
One of the unique aspects of Portuguese winemaking is its adherence to traditional methods. Unlike many other wine-producing countries that standardized production and focused on a select few "famous" grape varieties, Portugal preserved its diverse and ancient viticultural practices. Today, more than 300 grape varieties are still used across the country, many unique to specific villages. This incredible diversity makes Portugal one of the best places in the world to explore the history of wine and enjoy a wide array of flavors and styles.
​
In the Minho region, where Casa das Descobertas is located, wine is highly local and community-driven. Almost every village has its own cooperative, supporting local winemakers with knowledge, technology, and resources. As you travel through the region, you can visit small wineries, taste their distinctive wines, and enjoy the stunning rural scenery. Vinho Verde, the region’s most famous wine, comes in a variety of styles—from crisp, lightly sparkling whites to more complex and aromatic versions.
​
Just south of the Minho region lies the Douro Valley, one of the world's oldest demarcated wine regions. The Douro River winds its way through the valley, starting in the mountains and reaching the Atlantic Ocean at the vibrant city of Porto. The valley is best known for its Port wines, which have been produced here for centuries. Legendary wine houses like Taylor's, Sandeman, Graham's, and Churchill's were established by British merchants, and their rich, fortified wines are now synonymous with the region. Beyond Port, the Douro Valley is also home to exceptional red and white wines.
​

Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde is a light, crisp, and slightly sparkling wine from Portugal's Minho region, known for its fresh, youthful character. Despite its name, which means "green wine,” Vinho Verde comes in white, red, and rosé varieties, with white being the most popular. Its refreshing nature and low alcohol make it an ideal choice for warm days and casual gatherings.

Our own wine
On Casa das Descobertas, we produce our own white Vinho Verde wine. We work with the classical Ponte de Lima-related grape Loureiro, which we find most interesting and best. Today, we have a small vineyard and offer our guests our very traditional wine. Just now, a larger vineyard is under construction, with the vision of producing a big wine in the future.

Wine tasting
We offer tailored wine tastings for enthusiasts, featuring a variety of exceptional wines. You can enjoy local wines in our house or visit nearby Quintas, renowned for their outstanding wine production. We can also arrange trips to the Douro Valley, one of the world’s premier wine regions, where you'll taste port, red, and white wines at a high level.