Grapegarden - Quinta do Vale da Ermida

Quinta do Vale da Ermida was born in 2008, result of a dream of entrepreneurs who found in the wonderful region of Alto Douro Wine Region – classified by UNESCO in 2001 as Heritage of Humanity, and which landscape is the result of nature’s charms and men’s effort and imagination in its transformation – the perfect terroir for a wine tourism project.

Quinta do Vale da Ermida is located in the Corgo’s river margins, half way between Régua (13km) and Vila Real (10 km), and inside the perimeter around the vineyards that in 1756 Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo - The Marquês de Pombal - was carefully demarcated by 335 large rectangular, flat, or semi-circular granite markers – called Feitoria as the place with the highest quality wine, the only that could be exported to England, commonly known as “Port Wine” from what was the first demarcated and regulated wine region in the world.

The Douro Valley Wine Region – a UNESCO World Heritage Site - has been producing wine for some 2,000 years and its landscape has been moulded by human activities. The components of the landscape are representative of the full range of activities associated with winemaking - terraces, Quintas (wine-producing farm complexes), villages, chapels and roads.

The villa, a cozy wine tourism that integrates the existing heritage and nature with modern architecture providing an atmosphere of discreet luxury, natural beauty, peace and tranquillity is located inside a Port Wine vineyard in the margins of Corgo River, has been built with modern clean lines, a strong emphasis on white throughout, with a profusion of wood, steel, concrete and glass to create an inspiring and unique experience.

The surrounding area is now a fully protected area under Portuguese law and UNESC rules, providing privacy and tranquillity. The furniture, modern in design with clean lines and minimalist design provides a stylish, cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

This house is built on two independent spaces and three levels with a minimalistic interior. The main house with four large bedrooms and one master suite and a maximum capacity of 10 persons. A large living and dining room that includes a fully equipped kitchen and a fireplace has direct access to a fabulous 100 m2 balcony with a privileged view of the vineyard, the river and the beautiful valley. An independent studio (100 m2 accommodation unit) with a bedroom, living room (with a sofa bed) whit a fireplace, kitchenette and bathroom can comfortably support 4 persons. This studio can also function as an event room with direct access to the 150 m2 infinity pool deck.

There is also an old wine cellar, completely out of the harvest season, it becomes a multifunctional space (dining area, event space, workshops, etc.)

Being part of a vineyard – Quinta-, the villa was designed for outdoor living, with spacious common areas to enjoy the days indoors or outdoors in perfect relaxation and rest. However, if you are willing to enjoy a more active holiday, you can walk through the vineyard, and you will also find many fantastic, signposted trekking and cycling trails nearby. In addition to the pool, it is also possible to relax, swim or boat on the river with direct access from the vineyard.

Two golf courses are available within a 50-minute drive.