Hotel Vintage House, Covas do Douro

The hotel lies on the very edge of the river Douro and is surrounded by the famous port vineyards of the worlds oldest demarcated wine region. All the hotel facilities overlook the river and the mountains, carved in dramatic slopes by men, creating an astonishing natural scenario. The elegant and light decorated rooms open to this landscape, with terraces and balconies providing an instantaneously sensation of peace and relaxation in the guest. The two outdoor terraces framed by the central building and the iron made railing with the ceiling covered by the leaves of several Vitis Cognatiae are the perfect areas to enjoy the view with a glass of port a book or to have a meal inside the hotel the very formal restaurant requires appropriate clothes especially in the evening. The candlelight reflects in the painted frescos of the walls and excellent food and wine make the rest. The library bar is probably the most appealing of the social areas all year round, during day or in the evening, whispering constantly the stories and the history of the old manor house dating back from the xviii century. There on the shelves the old books can be touched and consulted in their wisdom, while waiting for the traditional ceremony of the opening of the vintage port with the iron tongs. When weather conditions are favorable, breakfast at the outdoors, breakfast room terrace can be the beginning of a special day. The several red bougainvilleas create a warm shadow from the top and silence is broken by the birds or by sound of a boat passing by. Variety and careful presentation are the musts of this early meal and often commented by guests. Morning is the best part of the day to enjoy a river cruise on a typical boat and the afternoon can be reserved to visit the lodge, the wine shop, the visible face of the wine academy project.