Vale De Mendiz can be explored through its wine landscape, the history of Douro winemaking and various tasting options. The PR19 route passes through terraced slopes; historic boundary markers and a round wine press offer insights into the demarcation and processing of the wine region. There are also paths across a wine estate and the parish church of Igreja de São Domingos. When planning, you can focus on the landscape, cultural history or wine tastings.

The Douro Wine Landscape on the PR19

The PR19 circular hiking trail, “Trilho de Casal de Loivos – Vilarinho de Cotas – Vale de Mendiz,” starts and ends in Vale De Mendiz. It is part of the Alto Douro wine landscape, which UNESCO recognizes as a living and evolving cultural landscape. Along the way, the route passes through several historic Douro wine estates with terraced vineyards.

Local people created these terraces on the steep, rugged slopes of the Douro Valley and its main tributaries. The vineyards are used almost exclusively to produce Port wine. The PR19 thus combines a hike with a landscape whose form and use are closely connected to viticulture. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Boundary Markers, Wine Press and Church

Granite boundary marker No. 4 belonged to a group of around one hundred similar markers that geographically demarcated the Alto Douro wine region. The stone bears the inscription “FEITORIA 1758.” It is 172 centimetres high and 48 centimetres wide. The inscription and measurements turn the region’s demarcation into a tangible object: the marker was part of a larger group, not an isolated boundary stone without context.

Another testament to wine processing is the round wine press in Vale De Mendiz. It was built in the 19th century and is unique throughout the Alto Douro region. Together, the marker and press offer two different perspectives on the history of viticulture: the geographical demarcation of the area and the processing of the grapes.

The parish church of Igreja de São Domingos also offers a distinct perspective on local architectural and landscape history. It stands alone in a rural setting in the Cima Corgo landscape subregion. The settlement lies on a rocky outcrop above the Pinhão River; traditional buildings stand on both sides of the road that runs through the settlement. The church, settlement and river can thus be viewed as parts of the same landscape described here.

Tastings and Paths on the Wine Estates

At Wine&Soul, wine tastings include a visit to the winery in Vale De Mendiz and always end in the wine shop. Wines and Wine&Soul products are available there. If you would like to combine a tasting with a look inside the winery, this itinerary is a practical starting point for planning.

At Quinta dos Lagares, visitors can discover native woodland, old vineyards at high elevations, centuries-old olive trees and cork oaks along two paths. The stops also include five granite lagares and the estate’s chapel. The paths therefore link different landscape and architectural features; they offer a different focus from a winery visit and wine tasting at Wine&Soul.

At the estate entrance, Quinta dos Lagares has a tasting room that also serves as a shop for the wines and olive oil produced there. In addition to the two paths, a tasting featuring the estate’s products is therefore also described. Wine and olive oil are presented here not only as themes of the landscape, but as tangible products.

By the Pinhão River

A travel article published on 11 December 2024 recommended Praia Fluvial do Passadouro, also called Vale de Mendiz, for swimming in the Pinhão River. The Pinhão flows into the Douro. Swimming conditions and facilities can change; check both before your visit and before including this option in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Pópulo, Alijó, Favaios, Castedo, Vilar de Maçada, Cotas, Pinhao, Santa Eugénia.

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