The Douro region of Portugal is centered around Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, and the Douro River that originates in the mountains of Spain and runs east to west to the Atlantic at Porto. Everywhere one looks, there is a vineyard, from the river’s edge to the top of the many hills! Mile after mile of vineyards! Endless in all directions!
The mountain slopes are terraced, some vertically, some horizontal. Some terraces are new with young vines; others date from the Roman Empire era.
There are many quintas (farms) with large homes and wineries. In other places, the vineyards are small, in the yard of a smaller country home. Many vineyards are found in the small towns! It seems like every inch of dirt grows a grapevine!!
Occasionally, one sees an old overgrown terraced area with no grape vines. These areas are called “graveyards “. Many years ago, a root destroying disease killed the grapes and remains in the soil. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the old terraces cannot be destroyed. Some “graveyards” have been replanted with olive trees but the ancient terraces are undisturbed.
All in all, a remarkable sight to see!!
