SThere are many places of interest in this vast region, so we chose to highlight those in the Alto Douro region, with special emphasis on those closer to Casa do Lobo à Serra (for more details click here
The Casa do Lobo à Serra is located in Sedielos, a parish of Peso da Régua (14 km / 20 minutes away) located on the border with the town of Mesão Frio (7 km / 10 minutes away). Both towns sit on the right bank of the river, at the beginning of the Demarcated Douro Region (RDD). .
This region, renowned for its wines - Port (DO), Douro (DO) and Regionais Durienses (IG) - extends along the Douro river valley for about 120 km, from Mesão Frio to Freixo-de-Espada -à-Cinta. It is the oldest demarcated and regulated wine-growing region in the world, dating back to 1756 and currently covers 250 000 ha, of which only 48 000 are used for wine production.
Due to its climatic and geographical characteristics, the Douro Region is subdivided into three sub-regions: Baixo Corgo (from Mesão Frio to Covelinhas and Armamar), Cima Corgo (until São João da Pesqueira) and Douro Superior (from Ferradosa to Barca d'Alva and Freixo-de-Espada-à-Cinta).
The Casa do Lobo à Serra is situated within Baixo Corgo where, unlike the rest of the Superior Douro subregion, the temperatures are more pleasant and it rains more frequently. Due to greater rainfall and deeper soils, among other factors, this subregion is more fertile, as the vines take on greater importance, occupying about a third of its area.
The Alto Douro region, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2001, comprises only 10% of the vast Douro Region, with an area of 24 600 ha spreading along the slopes of the Douro River and its tributaries Corgo, Varosa, Távora, Torto and Pinhão. It was distinguished for its perfect representation of the scenic beauty of Demarcated Douro Region.
Due to their proximity, some points of interest are worth mentioning, such as the Beira Douro region, which is located within the geographical limits of the Demarcated Douro Region and encompasses the towns of Tarouca, Moimenta da Beira, Sernancelhe and Penedono, as well as parts of Lamego, Armamar, Tabuaço and S. João da Pesqueira. Inside this region, there is one of the most recent Portuguese wine regions, the Távora-Varosa Demarcated Region.
The geography and the climate are two of the most captivating aspects of the Douro, marked by the sweeping landscape, where the terraced vineyards are like real-life paintings that will take your breath away and can be enjoyed all year-round.
It is the combination of all these factors that make the extraordinary Port, Douro and Regionais Durienses wines possible. But it's not only wine that makes this region special. Its valleys are also ideal for growing olives, almonds and other fruit species, especially apple, orange, cherry and peach.
POINTS OF INTEREST
SThere are many places of interest in this vast region, so we chose to highlight those in the Alto Douro region, with special emphasis on those closer to Casa do Lobo à Serra (for more details click here
Routes
Many itineraries can be traversed in order to enjoy the region’s landscape, as well as the historical and cultural heritage of the region, among which are the following (for more details visitwww.mesaofrio.com.pt/guias-turisticos/guia-turistico -do-douro.php):
Port Wine Routes- Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior
Cister Vineyard Routes - Amongst vines and chestnut trees
Olive Oil Routes – From the capital of the Manueline to the Rock Art of Vale do Côa, at the heart of Trás-os-Montes, in a land of wines and outstanding olive oils
NIn the town of Peso da Régua there are two itineraries: Mountain Circuit - Northwest Area of the Municipality (+/- 30 km in 3h) and Circuito das Varandas, overlooking the Douro - Northeast Area of the Municipality (+/- 30 km in 3h))
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Several local tourism agencies offer a wide range of programs that allow you to experience unforgettable moments in the Douro region:
Boat trips (including Rabelo boats and sailboats), aircraft flights, train rides, off-road trails or horse-riding
Quinta tours with wine tasting
Cruises
Food experiences
Grape harvest experiences
Wine Tasting Workshops
Water activities (kayaking, water skiing)