HD Mountain Bike Tour in the Wine Landscape

Classified has world heritage by UNESCO, this region where Man and Nature had to gather efforts to produce an unequal wine, is one of the most amazing landscapes in the world, worked by Men. The home of port wine, the Douro Valley is spectacular with the hills covered with terraces of centenary vines falling steeply down to the river banks, planted with the effort and the sweat of many and many men.

This was the first region in the world to be officially demarcated in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal, first minister of Portugal during the reign if the King Jose I.

Besides natural beauty this region combines the tradition of Port wine with the Excellency of the table wines. Evidence of port production can be seen on the large placards of big port companies displayed on the hills, world famous names such as Taylors, Cockburns and Sandeman appear frequently. As well as port wine, regular red and white wines are produced on the valley. They are a good accompaniment to the local cuisine that is based on meet dishes rather fish, though fresh fish is readily available like everywhere in Portugal.

The scenery of the valley is spectacular with the variations of colour in accordance with the seasons, it is particularly beautiful in autumn when the vines take a reddish and golden colour, but also in February-March when the almond blossom gives an added white pinkish tone to the region.