Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WINES OF THE DÃO REGION
The velvety reds of the Dão region, south and east of Viseu, have been cultivated for over 2000 years, and are
today among Portugal's best drops. Vineyards are mostly sheltered in valleys at altitudes of 200m to 900m just
west of the Serra da Estrela, thus avoiding the rain of the coast but also the harsh summer heat that comes further
inland. This, together with granitic soil, helps the wines retain their natural acidity. Dão wines are often called the
burgundies of Portugal because they don't overpower but, rather, are subtle and full of finesse.
Some three dozen Dão vineyards and producers offer multilingual cellar tours and tastings; most require ad-
vance booking. You can pick up a list in Viseu's
turismo
. Two popular wineries near Viseu are
Casa da Ínsua
(
232 642 222;
www.casadainsua.pt
; Penalva do Castelo) , 30km east on the IP5 and N329-1, and
Casa de
Santar
( 232 942 937;
http://casadesantar.com
;
Santar; guided visits 11am & 3pm Tue-Sat) , 15km
southeast on the N231. Both have fine grounds and lovely architecture, and the former operates a plush five-star
country hotel.
For a hearty meal on the wine trail, head straight to
Tres Pipos
( 232 816 851;
www.3pipos.pt
; Rua de
Santo Amaro 966, Tonda; mains €9-16; lunch Tue-Sun, dinner Tue-Sat) , which is found in the small village
of Tonda, 20km south of Viseu near Tondela. Excellent regional cuisine is served in atmospheric dining rooms
with old wooden ceilings and thick stone walls. There's a good selection of Dão wines on the list and also a shop
selling wine.
The
Comissão Vitivinícola Regional do Dão
(CVRD; 232 410 060;
www.cvrdao.pt
;
Rua Aristides Sousa
Mendes, Viseu) regulatory body eventually plans to open its headquarters - Viseu's 16th-century Antigo Paço
Episcopal - as a posh Solar do Dão where the public can sample Dão wines.
White Dão wines are also available, though the full-bodied reds are generally better. But do try the sparkling
white wines of the separate, small Lafões region, northwest of Viseu.
