Outdoor & Sensory Experiences in Monverde
“Monverde Explorer Experience” is an activity where families are invited to explore the property and have a closer contact with the vineyards and landscapes that are part of the Monverde property, including programs like: Storytelling & Vineyard Trek; Wine & Art; Picnic Box.
A tour of the property begins accompanied by the wine tourism technician and an “Explorer Kit”, consisting on a straw hat, t-shirt and water, showing the differences between the different grape varieties, and with some surprises to be unraveled in this process. At the end of the walk, participants will be invited to put into practice their most artistic vein by making a canvas painting with the Vinhão grape, a dyeing grape variety of the region, and which will be a souvenir of their stay. Along with the painting with wine, participants will be invited to taste some of the most traditional tapas of the region, and with fresh and seasonal products, along with the tasting of wines from the local production at the Vinho Verde region.
Kids are not forgotten
There’s a Family Tasting Experience, where parents enjoy a tasting of 3 wines while children perceive wine culture in an interactive way, tasting juices with the aromas of the wines presented. This activity includes a Kids Wine Book, with interactive and wine-themed drawings and games. They also have the opportunity of making a blend to their choice, followed by bottling, label customization and corkage placement, just like the adults.
Children’s activities © Monverde
Surprise the kids with a family program at Quinta da Aveleda!
On World Children’s Day, Aveleda prepares a program for all kids to immerse themselves in the magical environment of the gardens, in a day full of adventure, learning, and fun. In full contact with Nature, children will walk through 8 hectares of romantic gardens exploring all the corners, such as the porter’s house, the goat tower, the duck pond, and even the tea house while interacting with the animals freely. The program also prepares musical moments, lively choreographies, a magic show, a tour of the vineyards and Adega Velha, and many other surprises. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult throughout the activity.
Quinta da Aveleda is a magical place to celebrate this family day, but also to participate in family activities throughout the year, like the recently created Aveleda Escape Garden. This experience stands out as a unique escape game in the world, carried out among vineyards and gardens and associated with the universe of wine.
“Aveleda Escape Garden” © Quinta da Aveleda
Discover immersive experiences at Six Senses Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is not just for looking at, especially when you are visiting the Six Senses Douro Valley: explore and get involved in it!
There are several other activities that families can experience together in this beautiful atmosphere, such as: tile painting, the Alchemy Bar Workshop, Portuguese Kitchen Tales, the “Pickles, Yogurts and Sprouts” workshop, Wall Climbing, Rappel and water sports. Head to the river for canoeing and water skiing, with boat trips being a highlight. Up in the air, try aerial yoga, bird watching or helicopter tours. On land, take the family on a cycle tour or leisurely picnic to climb trees in the woods.
Property landscape © Six Senses Douro Valley
For young hearts and young at hearts
Well-being starts young around here, is not just for grownups: vacations are a great time away from routine for youngsters to understand more about what’s going on inside them and in the world around them. And who says it can’t be fun? “Grow With Six Senses” incorporates the six dimensions of wellness (social, environmental, physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual) so kids can reconnect with nature and gain useful life skills through play. This program focus is on out-of-the-ordinary experiences: everything from the active (flying yoga, organic gardening, cooking workshops) to the relaxing (spa treatments, simple meditation, singing bowl workshops) and the creative with a local twist (Vietnamese origami, Portuguese tile painting, basic Arabic). It’s an adventure, and as kids journey through each activity, they’ll get a new stamp for their personal Six Senses passport.
A creative family spirit in Quinta da Pacheca
Quinta da Pacheca is one of the most recognized properties in the Douro Demarcated Region and has been consecutively awarded in wine tourism experiences. While visiting this estate, one of the highlights to consider is the “Atelier d’Or”, responsibility of the artist Óscar Rodrigues. It’s a space designed to test the visitor’s artistic vein. But also to mark for posterity their passage through the Douro and Quinta da Pacheca.
“Atelier d’Or” © Quinta da Pacheca
The activities consist in painting, pottery, tiles, and sculpture. With different and original challenges, visitors are invited, for example, to sculpt on old vine stocks. Then, paint on a canvas whatever their creativity dictates. Or model clay paste having as inspiration the clipping of vineyards on the banks of the Douro. In the end, besides the playful moment and the time they spend in communion with nature and family, visitors can take the works created with them. So they eternalize their passage through the oldest demarcated region in the world. This has marked a new approach to wine tourism and has become a must for art lovers.
Source and Photo Credits: Monverde | Quinta da Aveleda | Six Senses Douro Valley (cover photo) | Quinta da Pacheca
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