Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

Style

Grape-to-glass gratification

Setting

Vines and hilltop views

In the Cima Corgo wine region of the Douro Valley, Quinta Nova de Nossa Sonhora do Carmo hotel and winery sits on its own hilltop on a 120-hectare vineyard estate – and goes a step further than simply pleasing fans of a Portuguese red. Sure, people come for the wines but also to learn how they’re produced and to absorb the history of the estate. Connecting with the landscape here is vital – seeing the grape on the vine then swilling the end product with a view of the valley is what it’s all about. Throw in some of the Douro region’s finest food, and you’ve got the full-bodied experience. Premium rooms in the main house lean towards more classic Portuguese styling, and Superior Terrace rooms, decked out in wine-blushed tones, have tranquil terraces just steps away from the vineyards.

Facilities

Rooms

11 all, six in the main part of the manor house, and five more with terraces and vineyard access.

Checkout

12pm, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 3pm.

More Details

Rates include a traditional Portuguese breakfast with fruit, preserves, homemade pastries, garden-fresh fruit juice, and eggs cooked to your liking.

Also

One of the superior terrace rooms is wheelchair accessible.

Hotel Closed

The hotel and restaurant close from 23 to 27 December. The wine tours and facilities are unavailable between 23 and 27 December and also on 1 January.

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pool

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

At the Hotel

Wine museum, wine shop and tasting room, wine cellar, board games available in the bar, free WiFi. In rooms: Free WiFi, tea and coffee-making facilities, complimentary still and sparkling water, plant-based 8950 toiletries.

Our Favourite Rooms

Premium rooms in the heart of the hotel are refined in feel and elegantly furnished, but we’re plumping for one of the comfy Superior Terrace rooms for that extra whiff of adventure. Decked out in subtle pinks, reds and purples, these rooms have direct access to the vineyards, giving you a keener connection with that awe-inspiring landscape outside. Each comes with its own terrace, set with comfortable seating from which to make the most of the river and valley vistas from sun up to sun down – prepare jaws for a genuine floor drop.

Poolside

The outdoor pool might be the most panoramic in Portugal, with views over the vine-strung terraces and neighbouring hills.

Packing Tips

Swimwear for the outdoor pool, sturdy shoes for hiking the vineyard trails and the latest edition of Hugh Johnson's pocket wine book to guide you on your vinous journey.

Also

Take some time to visit the estate’s little chapel, built in 1795 to protect sailors navigating a tricky section of the river below. Inside, you can visit the statue the men prayed to: a granite effigy of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Our Lady of Mount Carmel).

Children

The hotel doesn’t specifically cater to children, but under-fives can stay for free, and five to 12-year-olds stay for the price of an extra bed in the room.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

The best table is without doubt a terrace table. Sit beneath the old curling vine and raise a glass or five to that remarkable scenery.

Dress Code

Think unfussy LBD or casual linen.

Hotel Restaurant

At Terraçu’s Winery Restaurant, chef André Carvalho has worked alongside winemaker Jorge Alves to create a fine dining menu that celebrates the best seasonal offerings of the Douro region. There’s an à la carte list of delicately balanced dishes – special nods go to the free-range chicken stuffed with pistachio, truffle and mushrooms, and the cod confit with truffled mashed potato. There’s also a highly recommended three or five-course tasting menu: the diner picks the dishes, which are then paired with wines from the winery. The interior dining room is a classic, table-clothed affair, a fitting tribute to this historic family residence, with a view out to the more romantic terrace dining space.

Hotel Bar

Sample wines by the glass or the bottle in the Aeternus bar, which is well stocked with Douro reds, whites, rosés and ports, or invent an occasion worthy of a vintage bottle from the cellar. Each year a selection of these special wines are earmarked to benefit the Bagos D'Ouro Association, founded by the hotel to support the education of children and young people in the region. Buying a bottle gives the doubly warm fuzzy feeling of a heritage wine in the belly and the knowledge that 50 per cent of the purchase price is going back into the community. Also consider adding a Portonic (port and tonic) cocktail to your tab – it’s a firm favourite here.

Last Orders

Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 10.30am, lunch from 12.30pm to 3pm and dinner from 7.30pm to 10pm.

Room Service

For in-room dining there’s a menu of lighter meals, or you can order from the standard â la carte restaurant menu.

Planes

The nearest airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, around an hour and 40 minutes’ drive from the estate.

Trains

Use the Douro railway line for a scenic chug along the river past vine-clad hills and alight at Ferrão station – you can book a free transfer to the hotel from here.

Automobiles

It’s around an hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Porto and around four hours’ drive from Lisbon. After the winding climb up to Quinta Nova, park up and head straight to the terrace for your reward: fresh air and a welcome glass of the estate’s finest, with a view that doesn’t disappoint.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

The estate itself has enough activities to keep you entertained for days on end. Try lazy wine-tasting sessions bolstered by high-end tapas from the house chef, take a wine tour to find out about the production process from start to fruity finish, or view the collection of vintage port-making paraphernalia and bone up on traditional production methods at the onsite wine museum. Summon your inner vintner on the ‘Winemaker for a day’ experience, where you can bottle, cork and label your own wine to take home (or ditch the endurance test and just crack it open – no one’s judging), or take to the vines themselves for a grape harvest. Grab a water bottle and your walking boots, plus a free map from reception, and stride out for a self-guided tour of the estate trails. Alternatively, opt for a laidback tour of the scenic Douro River by boat.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .