The Douro River valley is the birthplace of Port Wine, that’s now internationally recognized. The Rabelo boats that can be seen on the river are a flat bottom boat that were historically used to ferry barrels of Port Wine to the city of Porto. 

Portugal has a microclimate with hot summers and cold winters, the slate rich soil creates an ideal agricultural environment for the cultivation of grapes. The geographical contours of the country is a kaleidoscope of colour, mountains ranging in scale from 2,350 to 900 meters gives this shadow of protection to the region. Springtime has the vineyards coming to life then the grapes are appearing green and dark, as they ripen. Watch the protection nets hanging from the rows of vines. Decks of vineyards on the slopes give that tiered effect to help drainage and prevent landslides. For a country its size, Portuguese wine is very popular in the world ranking of wines. 

The Douro river has undergone extensive development and changes throughout the 20th century. With the steep gradients and rocky terrain, dams and locks have governed the flow of water. Hydroelectric power stations have been built, you experience the thrill of going through the deepest Lock in Europe. Built in the 1960s it was the first dam on the Douro; the rise of the water is 35 metres, the dam is 85 meters long and 12 metres wide. A number of power stations have been built, while reducing the need for fossil fuels somewhat, these dams have a restriction on the flooding that the valley’s were prone too this in turn has given farmers a steadier income. 

Travelling on the cruise ships that traverse the Douro, we get to see Portugal from that beautiful perspective of the water. No seasickness, (for anyone prone to it), docked beside the towns and cities that we visit. Meeting the local people, tasting their produce, packing and unpacking once. The safety and knowledge of being only a phone call away should one need medical attention.

Written By Joe Fahy