The Wine Barrels at Quinta da Pacheca are an astounding success, even in times of pandemic. The incredible and luxurious lodgings in the shape of a wine barrel are taking reservations all the way until 2023. Something a bit unprecedented and unexpected, especially at a challenging time for the sector.
Since its opening in 2018, the Quintas’ unique proposal of staying in a giant barrel has been a real pull for visitors, not only to Quinta da Pacheca, but also to the region. Besides having opened reservations for 2022 and 2023, there are some periods which have completely sold out, in the specific case of barrels. This does not mean that it is impossible to book a date until then: you can still find several free nights on the site in the coming months/years. It’s just getting more difficult to find them.
The Wine Barrels were designed by the architect Henrique Pinto and are located in a high area of the property, with a stunning view over the vineyards. They opened in Quinta da Pacheca, which started out as a producer of Douro and Port wines and a beautiful wine tourism facility. It is also one of the oldest vineyards still operating in the Douro region. Located in Cambres, Alto Douro, in the Lamego region, it has remained a focus of wine tourism since 1998.
Next to it, operating since 2008 as a hotel unit, The Wine House Hotel was created, which joins lodging and wine tourism. It adds grape harvests, history, and nature. The elegant four-star rural hotel was built in a typical 18th century house and its main structure has 15 rooms equipped with furniture of the period. In the rest of the space, guests have access to the gourmet kitchen which offers meals with local products and a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. It is also possible to taste and buy the wine produced at Quinta da Pacheca.
As if this weren’t enough, 10 wine barrels were added in July 2018. The Pacheca Wine Barrels, a type of accommodation that, only a few months old won the “Best Real Estate Development” award at the Lisbon Real Estate Exhibition in October of the same year. They are not really barrels, they are luxurious double suites with 35 square meters, a skylight to see the stars, a deck with a view over the vineyards, and custom-made furniture.
In August of 2020, 25 more rooms were inaugurated, most of which have fantastic views over the Douro. The new wing of The Wine House Hotel at Quinta da Pacheca doubled the number of beds in the hotel unit and is adjacent to the main building of the estate. The focus was on a more contemporary look without spoiling the original architecture. The rooms were designed not only for couples. There are options suitable for entire families.
Last year an elegant spa was also inaugurated, equipped with an indoor pool, Scottish shower, and a series of therapeutic and wellness treatments. A new 17 by 5 meters outdoor pool was also installed, and the goal is to use it in the hot summer days, with breaks to taste the Pacheca wines served at the bar.
It is also possible to make an incursion into the world of art in the ‘Atelier d’Or’, with resident artist Óscar Rodrigues, who organizes workshops of several kinds: pottery, sculpture or painting.
The pandemic has inhibited most people from traveling but Quinta da Pacheca guarantees that all safety measures are taken in terms of hygiene of spaces and physical distance between guests and staff. Prices for Wine Barrels start at 250€, with breakfast included.
