Dão Epic Trip
Several factors give a unique beauty to this region, that extends over more than 375 000 hectares of land. From the mountains to the granite soils and the gently sloping valleys, Dão Region awaits to be discovered!
Two-days Itinerary
Beautiful, notable, and irresistible! Dão Region geographic location allows the production of some of the best wines in Portugal. Protected by the mountains from the Atlantic winds, with temperate climate as a result, and with schist and granite soils, this is the birthplace of Touriga Nacional, the queen of Portuguese grape varieties. It is thus known as the ‘Portuguese Burgundy’.
The Dão wines are gastronomic wines, with an exceptional acidity of complex and delicate scents. It fits perfectly with the local food, like Serra da Estrela cheese, due to its complexity, elegance, balance, and maturity.
The vineyards make unforgettable landscape, naturally adapted to the cold rainy winters and the hot summers that thus give the demarcated region of Dão, unique climatic conditions that provide the unparalleled characteristics of Dão Wine.
Formed by determined people and rich gastronomy, the region presents a consonance between the traditional and the modern. This is especially verified in the techniques and infrastructures used, capable of combining the best that the past and the future have to offer.
It is said that Nature was particularly generous to Dão Region. As Saramago once said, “Everything in these parts is greatness” but only those who really experience the Dão can say that. So, enjoy the incredible flavors of these wines and find out all this region has to offer!
Journey Schedule
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 1
Exquisite wine and food tour in Dão Region
This epic trip through Dão Region begins with a visit to a producer of the famous Serra da Estrela cheese! Here you’ll learn how to make it, followed by a memorable cheese tasting, paired with local products and the famous Dão wine.
Following this, and for a superb lunch, we suggest a 17th-century estate that used to produce olive oil, fruit and wine to supply the markets in the city of Porto. In this restaurant, the chef presents a especially challenging menu, that is well worth the visit!
Later in the afternoon, you will proceed to a Dão wine producer that combines tradition with modernity. In a unique visit and tasting, you’ll enjoy all the aromatic richness of Chocolate combined with the fragrant palette of wines. This is a true luxury experience for wine and chocolate lovers!
Return to the Hotel in Nelas.
DAY 2
Discovering Paiva’s walkways
Get your day off to a good start with a visit to one of the oldest wineries in Portugal. Although its records date back to 1255, historical research has revealed that its occupation is much older and dates back to the 1st century, with the inheritance of a Roman Villae! We invite you to discover the Roman wine press and the forest before starting the vineyard tour. It will finish in the Barrel Top Walk, a wooden walkway built high above the barrels room where the wine rests in the silence of time. At last, tour ends with a magnificent Wine Tasting in the Wine House.
For lunch, there’s a different concept: local Portuguese snacks in a restaurant located in a regional winery. In a privileged location, this is a very pleasant place where the chefs Rui Vieira and Luís Almeida, have created a menu of snacks and dishes that combines both traditional flavors and signature cuisine.
After that, you’ll head to the Paiva walkways. These are Portugal’s best known and most awarded walkways, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Here you’ll also find the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, recently opened to the public.
Return to the hotel in Nelas, for a well-deserved rest.
Join us on this itinerary and explore Dão Region history and cultural traditions, combined with a glass of wine!
