Peso da Régua

Did the name Peso da Régua just roll off your tongue? Don’t worry, most people just call it Régua. Right here, nestled on the banks of the mighty Douro River, Régua is the heart and soul of Portugal’s oldest protected wine region. It all started way back in 1756 when a forward-thinking statesman named Marquês de Pombal decided this region was something special. He established the “Companhia Geral das Vinhas do Alto Douro,” an organization that literally put the Douro Valley on the map by outlining its vineyards with granite markers. These markers, known as “Marcos de Feitora”, weren’t just for show. They signified a commitment to quality, a promise that the wines produced here would adhere to the highest standards. This move catapulted Peso da Régua from a sleepy riverside town into the bustling hub of the Port wine trade. But Peso da Régua isn’t just about business. It’s a place steeped in history, its roots reaching back to Roman times. The Romans, known for their love of wine, recognized the potential of this fertile valley and left their mark, which you can explore at the Estação Arqueológica da Fonte do Milho. Today, Peso da Régua is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich past with a thriving present. As you stroll along the riverbank, raise a glass of Port to the visionaries who shaped Peso da Régua into the world-renowned wine capital it is today.