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You can enjoy a free wine and Port tasting at Quinta da Padrela, less than two hours from Porto. This family-run farm in the Douro Valley offers free campervan parking and paid onsite accommodation if preferred. You can find Quinta da Padrela’s website here.

If you don’t have your own transport you can get a train to Peso da Régua and then a taxi to Quinta da Padrela.

Arrival at Quinta da Padrela

We arrived at around 6pm and were greeted warmly by Pedro, one of the owners, who helped us organise our vineyard tour for the next morning.

That evening, we took a short stroll through the vineyard and watched the sunset over the valley—a perfect way to unwind and admire the vines. 

Vineyard Tour

The next day, we were met by Jose, another owner, who guided us on our free vineyard tour. Unlike many tours operated from Porto, this was an intimate experience—just us and one other couple. We visited in November, so it can definitely be busier at peak times.

Jose struck the perfect balance between being informative without overwhelming us. The tour started with a brief history of the vineyard, which was purchased by his grandfather.

We then walked through the site, learning about the many factors that influence wine production—things we hadn’t considered before as beginners!

For instance:

• The age of the vine affects the wine’s complexity.
• Whether the vine is on a south-facing or north-facing slope impacts the flavour due to sun exposure.
• The height of the grapes from the ground can influence the final taste.

We had assumed that to be classed as Port wine, grapes just needed to be grown in the Douro region. Jose expanded on this and explained that the shale rock in the soil is essential—it retains heat and enhances flavour.

Aside from wine, the farm also produces olive oil. Jose even let us pick some olives, which we are currently curing in our van! If you too wish to do this, please seek permission beforehand.

Winemaking Process

After about 45 minutes, we headed inside to learn more about how grapes are turned into wine and Port.

Jose provided fascinating insights into the winemaking process, explaining how:

• More expensive wines are aged in newer barrels as they receive more flavours from the Oak. Before this tour I’d have definitely thought the opposite!
• The pomace (grape skins and seeds) is used to make brandy, which can then be added to stop the fermentation process and create Port.

And, for those wondering—yes, they still stomp grapes by foot when there are enough volunteers! But Jose warned us—it’s way more exhausting than it looks and takes hours!

Wine Tasting

Now for the best part—the tasting!

We sampled:

• Three red wines
• One 20 year old Tawny Port. It was actually 28 years old Port but is classified as 20 years. Jose explained they’d rather create a great 20 year Tawny rather than allowing two more years and creating an average 30 year old Tawny.
• Homemade olive oil, fresh bread, and local cheeses

Unfortunately, their white and rosé wines were sold out, but what we did try was fantastic.

At some tastings, I’ve felt a little awkward when asked my opinion after every sip, but Jose made it completely relaxed and enjoyable. My favourite was the Reserve, while Rachel preferred the Douro Red. But as Jose wisely put it—there’s no such thing as good or bad wine, just wine you like or don’t!

Purchasing Produce

Please consider that this is a complimentary experience and purchase their amazing produce generously! At the end of the tasting, we couldn’t resist taking some of the delicious produce with us. 

We bought:

• 1 bottle of Douro Red
• 28-year-old Tawny Port
• A carton of olive oil
• Paprika-infused sheep cheese

Total cost: €73.50 (£61.43 at the time).

Even on a tight budget, this was amazing value. We got two nights of free accommodation, including a hot shower and toilet.

For context:

• A Port tour from Porto typically costs €60–€100 per person and is often crowded.
• In Porto, we did another Port tasting with food pairing—more quantity, but nowhere near as high quality, informative, or personal—and it still cost €62 (£51.67).

If you want an authentic, budget-friendly experience away from the crowds, Quinta da Padrela is unbeatable.

Please support this family-run vineyard when visiting Porto!

Exploring the Surrounding Area

After the wine tasting, we were in no state to drive—and why would we want to?

We spent the rest of the day soaking in the stunning vineyard views before taking a 25-minute walk to the small town of Barcos.

At a local bar, we ordered:

• Three glasses of red wine
• Three beers
• Two boiled eggs
• Three empanadas
• A couple of bowls of crisps

Total cost: €10!

With full bellies, we made our way back to Quinta da Padrela. (Bring a torch—the walk is along a road, and it’s dark at night!)

After a great night’s sleep, we said our goodbyes to Jose and headed back to Porto—already planning our return.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a unique, intimate, and budget-friendly wine and Port tasting experience, Quinta da Padrela is a hidden gem.

Skip the tourist-heavy experiences in Porto and Peso da Régua—this is the real Douro Valley.