Quinta da Roêda - Croft Port — Attraction in Alijó

Quinta da Roêda (Croft Port): A Disappointing Tour Experience

Our visit to Quinta da Roêda, part of a Douro Valley tour booked from Porto, involved an early start and a 2.5-hour drive to get there. Unfortunately, the tour itself proved to be quite average, and frankly, a bit of a letdown.

The person hosting our tour seemed largely uninterested in sharing the rich history or fascinating details of Croft Port. There was no mention of its heritage, no photos, and none of the engaging storytelling one hopes for at such an iconic vineyard. Instead, the conversation veered significantly, focusing almost entirely on American wholesalers, the perceived dominance of American wines over European ones, and the impact this has had on trees.

It felt like a quick wrap-up, and we were rushed into the port tasting area where we were essentially left to our own devices, without much explanation or guidance through the different ports. It's a real shame, as this is a beautiful estate with a significant legacy.

Given this experience, I would personally recommend bypassing this particular tour format. For anyone truly wishing to delve into the world of Douro Valley wines and port, booking a private tour would undoubtedly be a more beneficial and...

The domaine is beautiful and not to far by foot from the train station. Unfortunately we didn’t feel welcome there. The visit was 10 minutes when we were told 30 minutes. The guide obviously wanted to be some place else. The tasting was ready for the big groups but they literally forgot us, that were there as a couple. When we asked for our wine, they poured it without even telling us which was which then left. People started smoking during the tasting right next to us ??? Wine is like 80% nose, how can this be permitted? We changed tables cuz the smell was disgusting for us. Then a server tells us our new table is reserved and change us again. Did I forgot to mentioned we had to change tables twice at the beginning too? Basically we changed tables 4 times it’s no apologies . In all the moves I broke a glass that I haven’t touched yet, right in front of the server. I wasn’t offered replacement, even tho the tasting is 3 sips of wine. I understand this was my fault but still. I worked as a server 9 years and I couldn’t believe this level of low service, or should I say no service at all. The wine was good. I wish I would’ve been any where else...

We decided to explore from Vintage House (See my review of this extraordinary hotel) so we meandered along the path at the side of the Douro River, in this peaceful village of Pinhão. As we walked, we came upon a sign for Croft Cellars (Fladgate Partnership) and decided to follow the road. Our desire to explore was absolutely worthwhile and ended with a wonderful surprise for us because we really had no idea where we were going on this road. We strolled next to vineyards, pruned and resting for Winter, and arrived at the Tasting Room. There we were greeted by three very welcoming and friendly staff members. As we talked with them, it became very clear that they possessed a level of knowledge that was beyond knowing a script. Their responses to our specific questions were in detail and this enhanced our enjoyment of the two flights of Port. The offerings were, in part, the original Pink Port developed by Croft, a LBV, and a Reserve Tawny Port, a 10 Year Tawny Port and a 20 Year Tawny Port. This was a relaxing and informative visit to one of the oldest Port producers and should be on your itinerary when you enjoy...