Porto, Portugal

Wine enthusiasts will feel right at home in Porto, a Portuguese city that has a fantastically rich history with the humble grape

Situated on the Douro River in Northern Portugal, Porto is a city renowned for its wine. It even lends its name to its famous tipple: Port wine. The grapes for this beloved drink grow in the steep mountains of the Douro Valley, which has been a winegrowing region for more than 2,000 years.

Porto, also known as Oporto, originally got its name from the Romans, who used it as a port city. With centuries of history embedded in the region, UNESCO has recognised both the city centre and its vineyards on its World Heritage List.

Set on seven acres of land on the sloping hills of the Douro Valley, the Yeatman sits amid the ancient Port wine lodges

No trip to Porto is complete without a wander through the ancient city and a glass of Port after dinner. One place that is known for its well-stocked wine cellar is the Yeatman, a luxury wine hotel and spa. As one of Porto’s top-rated hotels, the Yeatman offers the perfect venue for wining and dining.

Set on seven acres of land on the sloping hills of the Douro Valley, the Yeatman sits amid the ancient Port wine lodges. Any of the 80 spacious rooms and suites will provide striking panoramic views of the city from a private terrace or balcony. Each room reflects the spirit of Porto, and a few – including the presidential suite – even feature a wine-barrel-shaped bed.

The hotel, which opened in 2010, prides itself on being one of the leading wine hotels in Europe. It has won numerous awards for its wine list, and its cellars feature wines from some of Portugal’s finest vintners, including some rare bottles seldom found elsewhere.

Guests can also take a wine masterclass, stock up at the Yeatman wine shop or enjoy a decadent wine dinner. Those who are ready to take their affinity for wine to the next level can even visit the onsite spa, which includes facial and body treatments using ingredients extracted from antioxidant-rich grapes.