Situated on the left bank of the Douro, Quinta de Ventozelo is one of the largest and oldest in the region. Legend has it that during the Middle Ages, the land in Ervedosa do Douro (São João da Pesqueira) was cultivated by the monks of the Order of Cisterh, founders of the famous Port wine. It was after much hand jumping that the 400 hectares property – of which 200 are vineyards – came to belong to the Gran Cruz family, the largest port wine exporting company in Portugal.
The architectural rehabilitation project, completed in 2019, is a bow to the old days. The farm now has a four-star country hotel where the buildings in shale and wood reign. There are suites, complete houses and two bedrooms that are in old cement balloons where wine was stored.
In the restaurant Cantina de Ventozelo is tasted the local gastronomy with the advice of chef Miguel Castro e Silva, who privileges the seasonal and farm to table ingredients. Noteworthy is the menu served at the chef’s table, which is entirely made on fire. But there’s plenty beyond good food.
In addition to the swimming pool, guests have at their disposal walking routes with audioguide, bike or jeep tours, vintages and wine tastings. There are also activities in nature, such as bird watching, night tours or partres. The visit to the Chapel of Our Lady of Pleasures is indispensable, as well as to the lagar, the still and the cereal shop, where you travel in time.