Casa da Calcada, Douro Valley

Hotel. One of the most beautiful and popular boutique hotels in Western Europe, Casa da Calcada, is a charming retreat amidst the Douro Valley’s famous vines. The hotel fits perfectly amongst Portugal’s magnificent beauty and historic significance. The one time base of Portuguese and English commands during the Napoleonic Campaigns, the hotel has since been revamped while still retaining that old world allure. The views from the rooms and suites capture the elegant river and the antique town of Amarante, which sits between the Douro Valley and cosmopolitan Oporto. Rounding out the luxury experience with a round on the hotel links allows golf lovers to play one of the most popular courses in the country.

Wine. Although the vineyards only occupy about 100,000 acres of the Douro, this is the oldest wine-producing region in the world so clearly something has been working right. Vines prosper because of the perfect combination of climate, soil and genius. Called the “Land of the Port Wine,” most of the hillsides have been turned into terraces making more room for more grapes to take advantage of this location and of the soil. In 2001, UNESCO classified the Alto Douro as a part of the cultural landscape of World Heritage. After all there is evidence that the Romans began cultivating wine here thousands of years ago. Casa da Calcada has created a list of the best places and vineyards to visit in Douro exclusively for guests.

Dining. The original palate of Chef Ricardo Costa comes to life at Largo do Paco Restaurant. The recently updated new menu shows off the fresh precuts of the area and the best of Portuguese Gastronomy. With a sommelier on site, the meal is sure to have an added flare of local Douro wine.