Morgadio da Calcada — Hotel in Sabrosa

We only had the pleasure of eating at the restaurant as we stayed across the street. However, the dinner was recommended by our host and we were able to get last minute reservations on a Tuesday evening. All we were told was that they were serving fish.

When you arrive you are greeted by a beautiful courtyard surrounded by centuries old structures. As you walk through, Manuel is standing there to greet you and speak about the property a little bit, as well as share a bit about the wine. When 7:30 hit, we were escorted into one of the buildings which opened up to stunning living room setting, with tables set up for each party. There were four courses, each with a wine pairing from the property. He explains the history of the wine and why it pairs well with each dish. The chef is very personable and also comes out to describe each dish. The ingredients are all local and from the property, or the area, with an emphasis on farm to table. The soup, called “farmers soup”, was one of the standout dishes from our entire trip to Portugal. Simple. Delicious. Outstanding. The rest of the dishes were exquisite. Elegant, simple, delicious and made with so much passion for the ingredients.

We loved the food so much, we ended up asking Manuel if we could come back on Thursday. That night was even more special, we got to tour the property a bit more. The history of the house and the family is fascinating and so special. You really feel the generations as you walk through each room and learn about each part of the old house, the family that built it, and their impact on the village.

Our second dinner was just as impressive. It was a fish dish (I think they alternate meat and fish every other night) but it was completely different with different courses. We loved this dinner so much and it took place in a different are of the old house which was more of a formal dining area. There were four tables of six and they were gorgeous.

These dinners were exceptional and a highlight of our ten days in Portugal. The chef is creative, without being pretentious. The food is both comforting and elegant. And Manuel is warm, kind and so passionate about his property and family history.

When we went back to pay on Friday, Daniela was so kind in helping us remember what bottles we enjoyed and we picked up 3 to take back to the States. Do NOT sleep on the Reserve port. That is fantastic. And the white is exceptional as well. I’d love to stay here next time and experience the rooms, breakfast and pool area.

Do not hesitate to book. And, be sure to give some ear scratches to his sweet pup who makes sure to escort you around the property next to Manuel.

Manuel and team, thank you so much!! From...

We booked the Nogueiras premier double room. This is located at the rear of the main property with the room opening out onto the vineyards and nearby swimming pool. The room was of a good size and comfortable. More or less as described in the on-line sites. Good AC and WiFi.|A good breakfast is offered. There is also the option of dining-in together with a wine tasting of the wines produced by Morgadio da Calcada - this we did. The diner was fabulous with the dishes presented and explained by the chef. Ditto the wines which were presented by the owner. Well worth the additional cost.|There are several hectares of vineyards at the property with open access to guests. Great to stroll through on those warm balmy afternoons.|We did not get to use the outdoor swimming pool as the weather was cool and somewhat changeable at the time of our visit.|There is free off-road parking for guests.|The property is located on the outskirts of Provesende, a small village to the north of Pinhão and the eastern Douro valley. This is the heart of Port and the Douro wine region. Provesende is a great base if you plan to visit this region of Portugal.|One note of warning: The property does not accept credit card payments. This came as a bit of a surprise as my booking was made through one of the larger hotel booking organisations which take your credit card details as a booking guarantee. Payment by cash or with bank-approved cards are accepted.|We would not hesitate returning again if visiting this region of Portugal...

Will start with the positive:|Fantastic location above the Douro Valley. the Manor House is located in a vineyard but the wines are made elsewhere. Only a small number of rooms so reserve early. The courtyards outside the rooms are lovely. As is the terrace overlooking the vineyards.|Manuel the owner was a fantastic host and wine expert. Daniela his asssitant was great and very helpful. |Meals are served in the old Manor House:|The breakfast was great with fresh eggs and bread.|The dinner (get the wine option!) was fantastic and guided by Manuel with each of the 4 wines.|Negative:|The photos of the pool on the website are a bit misleading. The pool was small, too cold, and need a cleaning.|The rooms are unusual. They are built into part of the Manor House They are fairly small and have no functioning windows to let in fresh air. There are windows in the door covered by shutters so you can let in natural light, but to let in air you have to leave the door open. I would recommend putting in windows in the door that can be opened.|Overall I...