Two Nights at Casal dos Capelinhos - Douro Valley

The property

Casal dos Capelinhos - Quinta Nova ("quinta" means “farm,” but do not be mistaken, there’s nothin’ but glorious grapes surrounding you) is a family-owned vineyard that allows guests to join in on the history and heart that goes into their property. With only eight rooms on site, there is an immediate intimacy to your stay. The staff is small and attentive, there to provide recommendations on how to explore the area, or whip up a charcuterie board if you are feeling peckish while poolside.

Our room itself was clean and comfortable, and the bathroom was beautifully stocked. Three guest rooms were in one building, and in the common space of that building was a Nespresso machine and a wine dispenser, the gadget that I never knew I needed, but am dreaming of having in my own home one day (apologies to my husband).

How to get there

We were on a road trip in northern Portugal, so we rented a car for our journey. While there are some tight and windy roads, I would still recommend a rental car to anyone exploring this region. Only an hour and a half from Porto and a 40-minute drive from Pinaho, Casal dos Capelinhos is a great location for anyone who is seeking the serenity of the vineyards, while still allowing for day trips or additional port wine tastings, out and about.

The overall experience

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the chef and given a tour of the grounds, then we were left to admire the view with a glass of their vintage port wine. Had it been warmer (we visited in March) we would have likely spent the remainder of the afternoon by the pool.

What I loved about staying on the property was that we were encouraged to walk through the vineyard — they will even make you a picnic and send you on your way if interested. The team provided us with a guided map, and at different points there were QR codes to connect us with an audio tour, walking us through the grape growing process. The owner himself, Pedro, led us through a private wine tasting that evening, allowing us to experience three of their wines and one port, all coming from the vineyard itself.

While you would think the highlight of our stay was the wine, it was also just as equally the food. Casal dos Capelinhos has a team of two incredible chefs, one who covered breakfast and one who covered dinner. The care and personalization that went into these meals was truly unmatched. The food was fresh and curated to show off the region and whatever was in season at that time.

Plan on taking a day trip to Pinhao from Casal dos Capelinhos to experience a river cruise, or a full day tour to other quintas for more wine tastings! Your advisor can recommend the best fit, however we had a fabulous experience with Douro Tours.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Portugal page.