The historic port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto, are where Douro wine is aged and shipped. Graham's, Taylor's, Cockburn's and Sandeman all run tours and tastings, and the riverfront Espaco Porto Cruz adds a modern rooftop view. The natural bookend to any Douro trip.
Tip: Take the scenic train down the valley to Porto and walk the Gaia waterfront; the lodges cluster within an easy stroll of the Dom Luis I bridge.
North-west of the Douro, the green, rain-fed Minho makes Portugal's famous fresh, lightly spritzy Vinho Verde. Alvarinho from Moncao and Melgaco and Loureiro from the Lima valley are the serious wines, a complete contrast to the Douro's powerful reds and Ports.
Pours: Vinho Verde, Alvarinho, Loureiro
Tip: Aim for the Moncao and Melgaco sub-region for the most age-worthy Alvarinho; it is a different Portugal of lush valleys and granite quintas.
Just south of the Douro, the granite-soiled Dao around Viseu is one of Portugal's oldest wine regions, sheltered by mountains. Elegant Touriga Nacional reds and the mineral Encruzado white are the calling cards, often cooler and more restrained than Douro wines.
Pours: Dao Touriga Nacional, Dao Encruzado white, Dao red blends
Tip: Encruzado is one of Portugal's finest white grapes and barely leaves the region; the Dao is the place to drink it at the source.
Beyond the mountains north and east of the Douro lies remote Tras-os-Montes, a high, wild plateau of small farms, old vineyards and the chestnut-and-new-wine traditions of Sao Martinho. Its rustic reds and untouristed villages offer a glimpse of an older Portugal.
Pours: Tras-os-Montes reds, Local field blends
Tip: Combine wine with the regional cuisine of smoked meats and the Castanha da Terra Fria chestnuts; this is deep, traditional inland Portugal.
Where the Douro becomes the Duero and forms the Portugal-Spain border, the Arribes DO clings to steep canyon walls on the Spanish side. Wines from the indigenous Juan Garcia grape and dramatic gorge scenery make a long but distinctive crossing from the Douro Superior.
Pours: Juan Garcia reds, Arribes field blends
Tip: The international stretch of the river runs through a deep natural-park gorge; pair the wine trip with a boat ride between the two countries.
Just south of Regua, the historic town of Lamego pairs the baroque Santuario dos Remedios staircase with Portugal's traditional-method sparkling at Raposeira, plus the cooler, fresher wines of the Baixo Corgo. An easy half-day from the central Douro.
Pours: Raposeira sparkling, Baixo Corgo Douro reds, Port
Tip: Lamego is the home of Portuguese traditional-method sparkling; tour the Raposeira cellars for a different side of the Douro story.