Beyond Borders: Galicia & Portugal - Rias Baixas & Vinho Verde Tour
Condado de Tea Valley, Arbo
Vinho Verde, Melgaço
Tower of Melgaço
Views over the Miño to Galicia
The Miño River, a natural border
Arbo, Deva River and old mill
Bodegas Fillaboa Chapel
Horreo (Granary) at Bodegas Fillaboa
Vineyards at Bodegas Fillaboa
Bodegas Fillaboa
Vats in th cellar at Bodegas Fillaboa
Barrel cellar at Bodegas Fillaboa
Wine Tasting at Bodegas Fillaboa
Quinta de Soalheiro Winery
History of Quinta de Soalheiro
Tasting must in the cellar at Quinta de Soalheiro
Grape Harvest at Quinta de Soalheiro
Quinta de Soalheiro Vineyard visit
Quinta de Soalheiro Vineyard views
Tasting at Quinta de Soalheiro
Sparkling Wine tasting at Quinta de Soalheiro
Tasting and lunch at Quinta de Soalheiro
Quinta de Soalheiro dessert
Traditional Lunch at Quinta de Soalheiro
Quinta de Soalheiro Private Group Lunch
Quinta de Soalheiro for private lunches
Cured Meats and Cheese at Quinta de Soalheiro
Cured Meats and Sausages at Quinta de Soalheiro
Portuguese Pork at Cured Meats and Sausages
Melgaço´s old town
Walking Old quarter of Melgaço
Solar do Alvarinho in Melgaço
Pesqueiras to catch Lamprey Eel, Miño River
Live Lamprey Eel at Lamprea Festival in Arbo
Full Day (Duration: 9hrs approx.)
Vigo
Price from: 219.00 euros
On this private wine tour, discover a hidden area nestled along the picturesque Miño River Valley, the wine regions of Condado de Tea, Rías Baixas, and Vinho Verde in Portugal offer a unique journey through some of the most celebrated and historic vineyards of Galicia and northern Portugal.
Highlights
- Rich Winemaking Tradition - Condado de Tea & Vinho Verde boast historic vineyards & ideal terroir.
- Top Wineries - Visit Bodegas Fillaboa, Quinta de Soalheiro & compare wines from each side of the border.
- Miño/Minho River Connection - This scenic river unites Galicia & Portugal´s wine heritage.
General Overview
- ID: EW3408
Country: Spain
Region: Galicia
City: Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, Baiona
Duration: Full Day (Duration: 9hrs approx.)
Type: Private Full Day Tours
Theme: Food & Wine Tours, Tasting & Visits, Private Shore and Chauffeur Guided Excursions
Group Size: 2 to 12+ People (larger group sizes on request)
Price from:
219.00€
Transport: (More details)
Introduction
Exploring the Bordering Wine Regions of Condado de Tea, Rías Baixas, Galicia and Vinho Verde of Northern Portugal
Discover a hidden area nestled along the picturesque Miño River Valley, the wine regions of Condado de Tea, Rías Baixas, and Vinho Verde in Portugal offer a unique journey through some of the most celebrated and historic vineyards of Galicia and northern Portugal. Known for their crisp white wines and lush, green landscapes, these regions are rich in tradition and renowned for their Albarino and Vinho Verde varietals.
Condado de Tea & Salvaterra do Miño (Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain)
Located in the heart of the Rías Baixas DO (Denomination of Origin), Condado de Tea is a region steeped in history and exceptional winemaking. The area’s unique terroir, with river valleys and granite soils, is perfect for the cultivation of the Albariño grape. Vineyards here benefit from the cooling influence of the Miño River, creating wines that are fresh, aromatic, and crisp.
Bodegas Fillaboa stands as one of the region’s standout wineries, offering wines that highlight the purity and elegance of Albariño, crafted with care and tradition.
Venture into the village of Salvaterra do Miño, where ancient winemaking practices meet modern techniques, producing wines that speak to the land’s maritime character. Here is where they celebrate the wine festival of Condado de Tea.
Vinho Verde & Melgaço (Northern Portugal)
Just across the border in northern Portugal, the Vinho Verde region offers a unique terroir influenced by the cool winds and river valleys of the Miño. Famous for its light, effervescent white wines, Vinho Verde captures the essence of the lush, green hillsides of the region.
Quinta de Soalheiro, one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in the area, crafts exceptional wines, blending traditional and contemporary methods to highlight the region’s natural beauty. Soalheiro’s Alvarinho wines are recognized for their balance of acidity, fruitiness, and freshness.
The Lamprea Legacy: Arbo and the Miño River’s Rich Tradition
Known for its Lamprea (lamprey), a delicacy native to the region, Arbo is also an essential stop for food and wine lovers. The Miño River, famous for the lamprey catch, pairs perfectly with the white wines of the region, offering a delicious gastronomic experience that combines seafood, river fish, and local wine.
A Shared Heritage Along the Miño River
Stretching between Galicia and northern Portugal, the Miño Valley is a region defined by its shared history, cultural exchange, and winemaking excellence. The Condado de Tea, Rías Baixas, and Vinho Verde regions are connected by the Miño River, which winds its way through rolling hills and fertile land, creating a fertile ground for some of Europe’s most distinctive and aromatic wines.
Galicia and Northern Portugal provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wine experience.
Day by day itinerary
DAY 1:
VIGO, BAIONA OR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - SALVATERRA DO MINHO (CONDADO DE TEA WINE COUNTRY) - MONÇAO - MELGAÇO, PORTUGAL (VINHO VERDE WINE COUNTRY) - ARBO (CONDADO DE TEA WINE COUNTRY) - VIGO, BAIONA OR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
- Bordering wine country: Condado de Tea & Vinho Verde alongside Miño River (Duration: 9hrs approx.)
- In the morning meet your private English-Speaking Food & Wine Expert Guide in the lobby of your hotel or pick up from the cruise ship port.
- Today we drive by highway to the Condado de Tea Valley, a sub-zone of the D.O. Rias Baixas wine region, and hop over the river to the Portuguese Vinho Verde wine country!
- The 1st stop will be at the Bodegas Fillaboa winery. The winery is located in south-eastern Galicia in the border area between Spain and Portugal. Found on the banks of the Miño River.
- We will enjoy a special visit to the vineyard, and winery, and a tasting of their wines.
- Then we cross the border over into the Vinho Verde wine region of Portugal into Monçao following along to Melgaço.
- To get the best views of the wine regions on both sides of the Miño river we will visit the tower of Melgaço in the old quarter of the town with panoramic views of the vineyards. A magical land, true wine country life on both sides of the border.
- We will stop to enjoy a tasting at the Quinta de Soalheiro winery. You will compare how the Albariño (or should I say Alvarinho as we are in Portugal!) grape variety tastes on this side of the border! Lunch at the winery after the visit.
- After lunch, we will go down to the natural border and cross the Miño River between Galicia/Spain, and Portugal. A must is to get a photo in the middle of the bridge between two countries!
- We will walk right down to the Miño River to see up close how they still use the Pesqueiras (Granite Stone walls in the current of the river) to catch the lamprea (Lamprey Eel) which is a delicacy (NOTE: We don't have included in the tour to taste as some love it and some do not but if did want to include in the lunch we can arrange on request) in the area when in season and has been caught here in this river since the Roman times!
- Return by highway to Vigo, Baiona, or Santiago de Compostela
- Ending at your hotel or cruise ship, and a final goodbye from your guide.
L
END OF PRIVATE WINE TOUR SERVICES
Included
- Transportation in Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Sprinter Minivan with driver (NOTE: Or larger Minibus, depending on group size, see Transportation section)
- English-Speaking Food & Wine Guide Expert
- 2 Winery visits at selected wineries with a tasting of between 2 to 4 wines at each winery
- Entrance fees to sites when with your guide
- (L): 1 Lunch: based on various courses of traditional locally-sourced Portuguese cuisine at the winery
- Local Taxes
Excluded
- Not including any meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Not included any transportation not specified in the itinerary.
- Travel Trip Cancellation and Medical Insurance are not included. It is mandatory to purchase insurance and send us the policy details to ensure you have purchased for your trip.
- Train or Airfare not included.
Pick up
- Vigo, Baiona or Santiago de Compostela city centre hotels or apartment pick-ups
- Vigo Cruise Ship port pick-ups right at your cruise ship
- Vigo or Santiago de Compostela Airport
- Vigo or Santiago de Compostela Train Station
- Other pick-up locations are available on request from the surrounding towns of Vigo, Baiona or Santiago de Compostela
Drop off
- Vigo, Baiona or Santiago de Compostela city centre hotels or apartment drop offs
- Vigo Cruise Ship port pick-ups right at your cruise ship
- Vigo or Santiago de Compostela Airport
- Vigo or Santiago de Compostela Train Station
- Other drop off locations are available on request from the surrounding towns of Vigo, Baiona or Santiago de Compostela
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations that are made in writing more than 72hrs before the start time will be refunded fully.
- Cancellations 72hrs or less are 100% non-refundable.
Lodging
Transport
NOTE: Larger group sizes will be in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 19-seater vehicle. Or similar type vehicles changing depending on the group size.
Map
PICK UPS and DROP OFFS in Vigo, Baiona and Santiago de Compostela
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