Pinhão: Quinta Do Bomfim Visit and Tasting

In the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, the historic Quinta do Bomfim winery offers visitors a chance to experience the charm of Pinhão. Through a guided tour, guests can explore the vineyard’s terraced slopes, learn about the unique schist-based soil, and savor a tasting of the region’s acclaimed wines and vintage ports. With breathtaking views of the Douro River, this winery visit promises an immersive and unforgettable glimpse into the rich winemaking heritage of the Upper Douro.

Key Points

• Guided visit and tasting at the historic Quinta do Bomfim winery, owned by the Symington family for five generations in the Upper Douro Valley.
• Tour includes a walk through the winery’s steep, terraced vineyards and a visit to the old 1896 lodge used for port wine storage.
• Tasting experience features Douro DOC wines, including white, red, and reserve, as well as premium vintage ports like Dow’s 2007 and 2011.
• The winery’s schist-based, nutrient-poor soil and traditional, low-yield viticulture contribute to the production of high-quality Douro wines.
• The tour lasts 1-1.5 hours, is available in English and French, and is priced from $43.52 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The activity is a guided visit and tasting at Quinta do Bomfim, a winery owned by the Symington family for five generations in the Upper Douro Valley.

The tour lasts 1-1.5 hours and is limited to 10 participants. It’s available in English and French. Priced from $43.52 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes a walk through the vineyard and a tasting of 3 wines, with scenic views of the Douro River from the terrace.

Winery Experience

Quinta do Bomfim, owned by the Symington family for five generations, is located in the Upper Douro Valley.

The winery features an old wine cellar, vineyard, and on-site museum. The tour includes a walk through the vineyard with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain vineyards and dry stone terraces from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visitors can also explore the notable structure – an old lodge built in 1896, which was used for over 100 years for port storage.

The property’s historical significance is highlighted through its acclaimed ports, including the Dow’s 2007 and 2011 Vintage Ports.

Vineyard and Terraces

As visitors explore the winery, they’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain vineyards and the intricate dry stone terraces dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These terraces, hand-built over generations, are a testament to the arduous labor and ingenuity of the region’s winegrowers. The following table provides key details about the vineyards and terraces:

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Terrain | Steep, rugged slopes |

| Soil | Schist-based, nutrient-poor |

| Infrastructure | Dry stone walls supporting terraced rows |

| Viticulture | Traditional, low-yield, high-quality grapes |

These historic vineyards and terraces are the foundation of Quinta do Bomfim’s acclaimed Douro wines.

Historical Lodge

Built in 1896, the old lodge at Quinta do Bomfim has stood for over a century as a testament to the estate’s rich history.

This significant structure was used for over 100 years to store the family’s acclaimed port wines. Visitors can explore the lodge and learn about its past:

• Examine historical photographs and documents related to the property and Douro region

• Marvel at the architecture and design, a reflection of the building’s age and purpose

• Gain insight into the everyday workings of the estate through the lodge’s former use

• Appreciate the lodge’s strategic location overlooking the Douro River and vineyards

• Imagine the generations of winemakers who’ve passed through these hallowed halls

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Douro DOC Tasting

After exploring the historical lodge, visitors can explore the Douro DOC tasting experience at Quinta do Bomfim. The tasting includes three glasses of Douro wines, showcasing the distinct terroir and winemaking traditions of the region. Guests can savor the complex flavors and aromas as they take in the scenic views from the winery’s terrace overlooking the Douro River.

| Wine | Aroma | Flavor |

| — | — | — |

| Douro White | Citrus, stone fruit | Crisp, balanced acidity |

| Douro Red | Red berries, spice | Robust, structured tannins |

| Douro Reserve | Dark fruit, oak | Full-bodied, long finish |

Vintage Port Tastings

Moving from the Douro DOC tasting, visitors can now explore Quinta do Bomfim’s renowned vintage port offerings.

Visitors can now explore Quinta do Bomfim’s renowned vintage port offerings after the Douro DOC tasting.

The premium vintage port tasting includes:

• Dow’s 2007 Vintage Port, awarded a perfect 100 points by Wine Spectator, showcasing the estate’s exceptional quality.

• Dow’s 2011 Vintage Port, nominated as the "N°1 Wine in the World" by Wine Spectator in 2014, demonstrating the longevity and complexity of these iconic ports.

• Dows Old Tawnies, offering a taste of the estate’s artfully aged and oxidized fortified wines.

• All tastings are accompanied by the scenic backdrop of the Douro River, creating an immersive and memorable experience.

Scenic Terrace and River Views

As visitors make their way to the tasting area, they’re greeted by a scenic terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Douro River.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and terraced vineyards, this outdoor space provides the perfect setting for sampling the estate’s acclaimed wines. Guests can relax and soak in the serene atmosphere as they savor each pour, gazing out at the meandering river and lush surrounding landscape.

The terrace’s panoramic vistas complement the tasting experience, creating a memorable and immersive connection to the Douro Valley’s natural beauty and winemaking heritage.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Visitors can find the Quinta do Bomfim Visitor Center, the meeting point for the winery tour and tasting.

It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early. Participants should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Based on 202 reviews, the overall customer rating is 4.6/5, with high praise for the knowledgeable guide (4.9/5) and value for money (4.5/5).

Reviewers highlight the tour’s beauty, cleanliness, and the knowledgeable personnel.

The Sum Up

Quinta do Bomfim offers a captivating winery experience in Pinhão, nestled within the stunning Upper Douro Valley. Visitors can explore the historic vineyards, learn about the unique terroir, and savor a tasting of the region’s acclaimed wines, including exquisite vintage ports, while taking in the breathtaking views of the Douro River. This visit provides a chance to take in the charm and rich winemaking heritage of the Douro DOC.

You can check availability for your dates here: