The Wine House Hotel - Quinta da Pacheca

Set amid the fertile wine region of the Douro Valley, Quinta da Pacheca is a picturesque spot surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. Combined with the historic nature of the property itself, the atmosphere is rustic yet luxurious, and this stretch of the bank along the Douro River feels like a little world of its own.

Rooms at The Wine House Hotel have a classic feel, with wooden four-poster beds, plush carpets and furnishings and floral textiles. There’s just 15 rooms here, lending the hotel an intimate atmosphere, and all overlook the rolling vineyards and pleasant hotel gardens. In contrast to the traditionally styled rooms, bathrooms have a more voguish, almost industrial aesthetic. The rooms’ amenities are modern, too. For a stay with a difference, opt for one of the barrel accommodations, comfortable rooms housed in wooden cabins built to resemble oversized wine barrels.

Food at The Wine House Restaurant is a traditionally Portuguese affair, with classic dishes served up using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Douro region. Breakfast is a self-serve selection which transcends standard hotel fare, with delicious crepes, cured meats and cooked options among the dishes on offer. At lunch and dinner, the emphasis is on hearty, traditional dishes based on the fresh produce of the countryside, such as slow-roasted pork with Douro vegetables.

There are no spa facilities at Quinta da Pacheca, but there’s no shortage of opportunities to relax. After dinner or wine tasting, there’s nowhere more welcoming than the hotel’s second-floor lounge, a cosy spot where you can curl up with a good book or see out the evening playing cards or dominoes.

It’ll be no surprise to learn that wine dominates the agenda of activities here, with a number of tours and tasting sessions available at the vineyard. As well as learning all about the wine production process, you can lend a hand (or a foot) yourself, as you help out with grape treading and harvesting. Cooking workshops are also held regularly, where you can learn to whip up delicious dishes to accompany your wine. A variety of outdoor activities are also on offer to help you explore the beautiful Douro region – these include hiking, cycling, canoeing and canyoning.