A Little More About Douro
The vision from the river to the two margins is a unique experience.
1678
Port Wine Designation of Origin
The Porto Customs House records the first official export of Port Wine through the Douro River bar, marking the beginning of its international expansion.
1703
Methuen Treaty
The Methuen Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Cloth and Wine, was signed in 1703 between Great Britain and Portugal during the reign of King Peter II of Portugal. Under its terms, Portugal agreed to allow the import and consumption of British textiles, which had previously been prohibited, while Great Britain granted preferential customs duties to Portuguese wines, allowing them to be imported at reduced or even exempt rates. Comprising only three articles, the treaty is considered one of the shortest texts in European diplomatic history. It played a decisive role in strengthening commercial relations between the two nations and significantly contributed to the international expansion of Portuguese wines, particularly Port Wine.
1756
The World’s First Officially Demarcated Wine Region
In 1756, during the reign of King José I, the Marquis of Pombal established in the Douro the world’s first demarcated wine region, stretching along the river to Barca d’Alva.
1791
Cachão da Valeira demolition
Completion of the demolition of the Cachão da Valeira, which began in 1780, and that allowed the navigation of the Douro to Barca d’Alva and the Spanish border.
1861
Death of Joseph James Forrester, Baron of Forrester
Joseph James Forrester (1809–1861), a pioneer in the study of the Douro, died in a shipwreck at Cachão da Valeira; his body was never found.
1865
The Arrival of Phylloxera in the Douro Valley
Phylloxera, an insect native to North America, devastated much of Europe’s vineyards, becoming the most destructive pest in the history of viticulture. The solution was to graft Douro vines onto American rootstocks, naturally resistant to phylloxera.
1872
The Beginning of the Construction of the Douro Railway Line
Following the governmental decision of 1867, the construction of the Douro Railway Line began in Porto.
1880
The Douro Train Line arrives to Pinhão
The Douro Train Line gets to the heart of the Douro demarcated Port wine region.
1887
The Douro Train Line arrives to Barca D’Alva
The Douro Train Line arrives at Barca D’Alva through 35 bridges and 23 tunnels. Barca D´Alva is on the Portuguese border, and from there it had connections to Madrid and Salamanca.
1896
The Legacy of Dona Antónia Ferreira Marked by Her Passing
Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (1811–1896), known as “Ferreirinha,” was one of the most remarkable Portuguese entrepreneurs of the 19th century and a key figure in the history of Port Wine. Born in Godim, Peso da Régua, she inherited a significant wine-producing estate in the Douro Valley. Widowed at 33, she took control of the family business with determination and exceptional vision. She modernized viticulture, fought the phylloxera crisis, and sought the most advanced winemaking and vineyard protection methods in England. She expanded her properties, including the iconic Quinta do Vesúvio, strengthened exports to the United Kingdom, and became known for her resilience and social concern for her workers. At her death, she left a considerable fortune and an enduring legacy in the Douro Valley.
1971
Carrapatelo Dam
The Carrapatelo Dam is completed, equipped with a navigation lock with a 35-meter elevation difference.
1973
Bagaúste Dam
The Bagaúste Dam is completed, featuring a navigation lock with a 28.5-meter head difference.
1976
Valeira Dam
The Valeira Dam is completed, featuring a navigation lock with a 33-meter head difference.
1983
Pocinho Dam
The Pocinho Dam is completed, featuring a navigation lock with a 22-meter head difference.
1986
Crestuma-Lever Dam
The Crestuma-Lever Dam is completed, featuring a navigation lock with a 13.9-meter head difference.