The Douro is one of the world’s oldest - and most spectacular – wine regions, with its meandering river, terraced vineyards perched on steep hills, picturesque quintas and bright blue sky. At first glance it would seem impossible to better a destination that has been described as “perfection in a bottle”. Yet the stars of the Douro wine scene, the four-winery grouping known as the Douro Boys, are poised to do just that…
From 11-16 May 2026, the ‘Boys’ and their families will open their doors and personally guide discerning guests through their UNSECO World Heritage region in conjunction with bespoke travel operator, Luxury Tours Portugal by Wine Tourism in Portugal and passionate wine entrepreneur Cláudio Martins. The Douro Boys’ Port and still wines are now viewed as valuable collector’s items, but this exclusive trip promises to create a lifetime of priceless memories.
Noone knows the Douro Valley quite like Quinta do Vallado, Niepoort, Quinta do Crasto and Quinta do Vale Meão. Not only have they put the region on the world’s wine map over the last 25 years, but their wineries are run by families who count direct descendants of Douro pioneers such as Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (the 19th century businesswoman known as the ‘Mother of the Douro’) among their ranks.
It is this pioneering spirit that the Douro Boys now want to share with the launch of this personalised journey. A six-day immersion into the very heart of the Douro. They have carefully curated every experience to maximise enjoyment and discovery. Naturally exquisite dinners, relaxed BBQs and intimate wine tastings feature on the programme but what sets this trip apart is the presence of the ‘Boys’ themselves. Guests can experience their legendary hospitality and infectious spirit first-hand – not to mention a few colourful stories!
This is a trip with VIP access, Douro style. Set sail along the Douro River aboard a vintage wooden yacht, harvest grapes with the Olazabal family, dine under the stars at the stunning five-star Six Senses spa resort and luxuriate in boutique accommodation – from striking architectural wine lodges to peaceful riverside retreats.
And of course, as befits the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, visitors can discover the vinous secrets that have flowed in the blood of these Douro families for generations. From a guided tasting of Niepoort’s legendary Port wines, led by Dirk or his son Daniel Niepoort at their historic cellar in Gaia and a splendid vertical tasting by Quinta do Crasto’s swimming pool (the site of some legendary parties) to the creation of the ultimate souvenir, a custom Quinta do Vallado wine blend complete with label and exclusive access to the Quinta do Vale Meão chapel, followed by a spot of (light) grape harvesting.
While grape picking is best done by hand (just as it has been for centuries), no expense has been spared when it comes to this journey through the Douro from 11-16 May 2026. A chauffeur-driven car, vintage 66-foot vessel that once plied the high seas and guided e-bike tour will ensure a select few see the Douro Valley from every perspective – both from the land and the water.
This promises to be a journey like no other. One that embraces all the senses. Tailor-made to suit the most discerning guest. And a guarantee that friendships formed in the Douro and those authentic experiences will create the memories of a lifetime.
Do great minds think alike? Absolutely – especially when passionate and talented winegrowers are involved. Since 2003, four wine producers from the Douro Valley have been working together on one common goal: supplementing their famous Port wines with top-quality reds and whites, to show the world the incredible potential of this special valley.
Douro Boys
Douro Valley
Portugal
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