Quinta de Santa Clara Project

The restoration of Quinta de Santa Clara is more than a revival of historic walls—it’s a journey through time, uncovering the stories, traditions, and wine-making heritage that have shaped this special place. Once part of a medieval estate and later home to generations of winemakers, the Quinta has long been a place of discovery, hospitality, and craftsmanship. From ancient pilgrim routes to the legacy of Port wine production, every corner of this land holds a piece of history waiting to be shared.

As we bring Quinta de Santa Clara back to life, we honor its past while creating a retreat where travelers can immerse themselves in the magic of the Douro Valley. With each step of this journey, the spirit of Santa Clara will once again stand as a symbol of tradition, transformation, and new experiences yet to come.

To understand Quinta de Santa Clara, you must first step into the rich history of the Douro Valley—a land shaped by time, tradition, and an enduring passion for wine-making. Vineyards have flourished here for over 3,000 years, carving a unique landscape into the terraced schist and granite hillsides that now produce some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

Portugal’s wine-making legacy gained international recognition in the 12th century, when the newly formed kingdom began exporting its wines across Europe. By 1386, the Treaty of Windsor forged one of the world’s longest-standing alliances between Portugal and England, drawing British merchants to the Douro Valley. Despite centuries of war and trade blockades, Portugal’s wines—particularly Port—remained a prized commodity.

Quinta de Santa Clara &
The History of the Douro Valley

In 1756, the Marquis of Pombal revolutionized the industry, creating the world’s first officially demarcated wine region—a full century before Bordeaux’s famed classification. This visionary system solidified the Douro Valley’s status as a global wine-making icon.

Today, Quinta de Santa Clara stands as a testament to this enduring history, inviting travelers to experience the land, the legacy, and the wines that have defined the Douro for centuries.

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…More History

The story of Quinta de Santa Clara is woven into the fabric of the Douro Valley, with its roots stretching back to the 1700s. Originally known as Quinta de Moledo, the estate was once part of a much larger medieval property. Over time, its identity evolved, shaped by the families who called it home and the historical landmarks that remain.

One of the estate’s most intriguing discoveries came when the family’s grandfather unearthed an ancient sculpture of Santa Clara while clearing ruins. In honor of this remarkable find, the Quinta was renamed, and a monument was built to share its legacy with the community. The land itself also holds deep spiritual significance—one of its oldest structures was once a medieval hostel for pilgrims traveling the legendary Caminho de Santiago (Way of Saint James). Nearby, a local road translates to the "Street of the Helpful Ladies," reinforcing the Quinta’s historical ties to the Order of Saint Clare.

Wine has also played a central role in the estate’s history. A Port wine warehouse, built in 1911, once held up to 200 barrels of wine, supplying Casa do Douro, a historic institution in the region. This building stands as a testament to the property’s wine-making heritage, a tradition that continues today.

As Quinta de Santa Clara is restored, the sculpture of Santa Clara will once again take its place, celebrating the past while inviting travelers to become part of its next chapter.