The 10 best wine hotels in Portugal

When in the birthplace of Port, there are few better accommodation choices than The Yeatman, a space right in amongst Porto’s medieval old centre, facing the Douro River. Sleep in rooms named after famed winemakers and in beds made of wine barrels, most likely dreaming of grapes, after days of winemaking masterclasses, tastings and perhaps even sunset wine parties in summer. Save room for dinner, eating at the hotel’s very own two-Michelin-starred ’Gastronomic Restaurant’, where dishes are paired with wines from the Hotel’s wine cellar which houses 30,000, bottles, the world’s most comprehensive collection of Portuguese wines, including some of the best Port wine Portugal has to offer. Indeed, the wine cellar was recently awarded Best Hotel Wine list in the World by the World of Fine Wine, UK Drinks Magazine.

Main image courtesy of The Yeatman, Porto.

One of the best lodgings near Amarante meanwhile is Hotel Monverde, a 46-room country property recently restored to full glory amongst a Quinta da Lixa vineyard in Telões. Hotel Monverde’s immersive attitude to wine allows guests to learn deeply about the regional wine varieties – Alvarinho, Arinto, Avesso, Loureiro and Trajadura – becoming a ‘winemaker for the day’ and getting creative on wine painting workshops. Choose one of the 10 wine experience suites for added facilities including private pool, garden and fireplace. Guests can also take a hands-off approach to wine, enjoying their grapes on vineyard picnics, on bike rides and during spa treatments. In the region you can also visit the high mountains of Serra do Marão, hiking the trails or driving to viewpoints such as Nossa Senhora de Moreira. Discover your route through wine country with our guide – How to plan your dream Portugal itinerary.

Established in 1710 in the Lima River valley of the Vinhos Verdes region in Alto Monho is Quinta do Ameal Wine & Tourism Terroir, keeping things small and simple with its 5 suites on a 30-hectare farm and Loureiro-variety vineyard (which produces some of the finest green wine Portugal has to offer). On the farm, there are forests of pine, chestnut and walnut to explore, though relaxing with a picnic in the garden or lounging beside the pool is equally blissful. Just 12 kilometres from Ponte de Lima, Quinta do Ameal gives the best of both worlds, allowing for utmost tranquillity upon the river as well as proximity to restaurants and shops in town.

While there are quite a few top-notch accommodation choices in the Douro Valley, few are as quintessential as Quinta da Pacheca, a traditional winery and vineyard established as far back as the 16^th century.  Luckily for us, the bodega now hosts guests across 10 upscale wine barrel rooms within its 18^th-century mansion, all fitted out in low-key luxury interiors with vineyard views from the back patio. Come during harvest season to take part in barefoot grape-treading, or simply enjoy a massage in the shade of the vines at any time of year.

Another heritage stay founded in 1716 in the heart of the Douro Valley is Quinta do Vallado, one of the regions oldest wineries. Split across two contrasting builds – one 18^th century, the other modern – Quinta do Vallado keeps guests guessing, with agritourism activities spanning fishing, hiking trails and tours (jeep, bicycle and kayak!). Besides outdoor action just 10 minutes from Peso da Régua town, the hotel is also a place to relax, besides the pool amidst panoramic vineyard views or from the Turkish bath, jacuzzi or sauna.

Set just 4 kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Évora is the historical treasure, Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa. Set within a 15^th-century convent on 8 hectares of land, the 5-star Convento do Espinheiro hotel is also a national monument and allows for a unique experience in the region. On arrival, guests can take a guided tour of the property, escorted by sommelier to the Gothic Cellar for tastings of a huge collection of regional wines, followed by relaxation by the pool or reclining in the convent’s gardens. A gym and sauna bring the hotel up to date, though it’s the on-site Divinus restaurant that truly enlivens the senses, proudly serving locally sourced Galega olive oil, Montado meat and Guadalupe bread.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova leads our three Alentejo finds, some 28 kilometres outside of Beja in rural surrounds. The estate is made up of five buildings, with an additional property based in the village of Albernoa. At the exclusive main site, enjoy the facilities of the pool and luxury spa, with optional cultural classes covering both wine and campaniça guitar classes. Also in the area, besides the Relais & Châteaux vineyards, olive groves and bee farms, guests can also discover hot-air ballooning, skydiving, and canoeing on the Guadiana River nearby.

The second rural retreat in Alentejo lies this time 4 kilometres from Montemor-o-Novo (and 35 kilometres from Évora), L’and Vineyards. Though the area is most well-known for its agroforestry and farming land, this innovative hotel brings a more refined perspective by way of its sky- and land-view suites, some hosting private patios and plunge pools. Surrounding, you’ll find 6 hectares of various Portuguese red wine varieties – Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah – as well as one white, Gouveio. Join the hotel’s wine club to make your own wine in Portugal with other guests, or try the Vinotherapie spa to feel the surprisingly rejuvenating effects of the local grapes.

Third and finally in Alentejo is Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, whitewashed near the town of Monforte to provide a rustic escape into the countryside. The property has sat here in various forms since 1338, with the hotel a much more recent addition from 2014, inspired by the wealthy lifestyles of the Basilii family who once inhabited the Torre de Palma Roman ruins nearby. Do as the Basiliis do and relax in harmony on the bucolic grounds, discovering the pools, spa, chapel and horse riding arena. Also on site are the orchard, olive grove, forest and even a grocery store, ensuring you will want for nothing during your stay. The winery here produces three wine varieties – Touriga Nacional, Alvarinho and Arinto, the latter two making for a delightfully light Portuguese sparkling wine. Saúde!