In 1756 the Douro region became the first demarcated wine region in the world. One of the most intriguing and beautiful DOC regions, the Douro is ruggedly mountainous and wild. The region is sharply cut through in deep twists and turns by the Douro River. Following this river, the Douro region starts at the Spanish border and ends about 55miles from the city of Porto where the Marão Mountain rises up, protecting it from Atlantic influence. In the center of the region is found it’s defining and historic, narrow, stonewalled terraces. These man made contours were named an UNESCO World Heritage Site, but modern guidelines call for a wider terraces, buttressed by mounds of earth. In poor schistous soils, the vines defy gravity on the steep mountain slopes along the river banks. Historically known for their fortified Port wines, mostly found in the Cima Corgo sub-region, the Douro is now making a new name for themselves as producers of world-class red and white still wines.