Where to Stay for Festa das Vindimas do Douro

The Festa das Vindimas do Douro celebrates the annual grape harvest (vindimas) in the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley wine region. Held in Peso da Régua, the capital of the Douro wine region, the festival features traditional grape stomping in stone lagares, wine tastings from local quintas, folk music and dance performances, a river parade of rabelo boats, and regional gastronomy. The festival coincides with the actual grape harvest season, when the steep terraced vineyards of the Douro are alive with activity. Visitors can see (and participate in) the traditional methods of grape harvesting and wine production that have been practised in this valley for over 2,000 years. Peso da Régua is just 25 minutes from our Vila Real apartments by car, making them the perfect base for experiencing the Douro harvest. Vila Real itself is considered the gateway to the Douro Valley, and the drive along the river is one of the most scenic in Portugal.