The Vibe: Soul and sense of place.

The Area: Just three kilometres away from pretty Pinhão, which sits right on the River Douro. Quinta da Côrte is perched high in the hills above the river surveying the 25 hectares of vineyards it owns which roll down the steep slopes beneath it. Porto is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away.

The DNA: In 2012, French winemaker Philippe Astray – who owns several domains in France – fell in love with Quinta da Côrte while looking for a Douro Valley estate to buy. The buildings were in a lamentable state, and a chronic lack of maintenance was everywhere in evidence, but the potential of the property was clear to see. The domain was selling its grapes to some of the famous Port Wine houses, but started producing quality red and port wines under its own brand. Situated at the heart of the house, the kitchen contains a monumental tiled fireplace and an expansive dining table whose tiled top is an original creation representing the countryside of the Douro Valley. Here, Marie-Hélène, will provide simple meals which make good use of fresh local produce. You could become addicted to her toasted almonds, her home-made jams, her husband’s honey, the Quinta’s own olive oil – all these products are produced on the domain. A variety of antique furnishings make the various sitting rooms, library and reception room feel particularly warm and lived-in. Outside, the vineyards await plus a wonderful garden with natural swimming pool (unheated).

Suite-Me-Up: Four room are available in the main house with its old-style windows and shutters and whitewashed walls which blend the colours of the surrounding greenery with the sparking yellow of the sun. Another four are set in various outlying buildings. carefully contrived blend of luxury and simplicity. Rooms feature embroidered metis bed linen, designer rugs, bathrooms entirely lined with delicately-toned Portuguese artisanal earthenware tiles, walls hung with paintings, lithographs and pastels. Not to mention, all rooms offer fabulous views over the Douro Valley.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 8 rooms (20-25m2) (215-268 sq ft) • hotel opened: april 2018 • interior design: Pierre Yovanovitch ✅ free on-site parking • no pets allowed • wheelchair accessible