The Douro River Valley in northern Portugal is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region (since 1756) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its dramatic, terraced vineyards along the river.Quinta do Vallado, established in 1716, is one of the oldest and most famous estates in the Douro Valley. It belonged to the legendary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira and remains to this day in the hands of her descendants. Today, Quinta do Vallado has 10 hectares of old vineyards planted between the 1920s and 1950s, and the remaining 55 hectares were planted in the 1990s. Located amongst the organic vineyards planted by Quinta do Vallado in the Superior Douro, Casa Do Rio is located between the vineyards and the river, hanging over an orange grove. Built in 2015, it is a balance of luxury, sustainability and seclusion. No other property is within site and with only eight guest rooms you feel like you are staying in a friend’s very luxurious, beautiful home. Leaving the Douro Valley headed to Porto, we stopped in Amarante for a quick break and lunch. Confeitaria da Ponte is a historic pastry shop famous for their phallic pastries, a local tradition. We had less than 24 hours to enjoy the amazing Casa do Rio. It required us to drive miles and hours out of our way but was completely worth every second we got to enjoy on this beautiful property. From the late day sun to the morning sunrise, two amazing meals and walks and bike rides, we felt a world away.