The Feitoria stone's mark on Douro Valley history

I wrote last month about Quinta do Tedo’s 4.5 km nature trail that proudly includes feitoria stones.  Think feitoria = fattoria = farm, and in Douro Valley a farm means a vineyard.  What is the reason for these stone markers ?

As a way to solve rampant over-production of wine in 1755, when growing prosperity had led to corruption and wine adulteration, it was decided by the Marquês de Pombal, Prime Minister of Portugal, to establish a demarcated Douro wine region, the 1st official wine region of the world.  Between 1755 and 1761 a rigorous land survey registered all vineyards in the Douro, an official map  and the A – F vineyard classification system were created, that is still used today. 335 feitoria stones, large rectangular granite markers were erected with the word Feitoria and the year chiseled on the face; the best quality wine was made within these boundaries, destined to the export market.  Made of long-lasting granite as opposed to the softer schist so typical of the Douro region, today 103 are still standing and 2 can be found at Quinta do Tedo.

Hiking Trail at Quinta do Tedo

We are proud to announce an addition to Quinta do Tedo: a 4.5 km/2.8 mile nature trail, almost complete!  In fact, for the Armarmar concelho, or county, where Quinta do Tedo is located, this is the first of its kind.   This is an officially approved trail clearly marked with shist posts, and includes 2 stations for bird watching, a perfect way to view our Quinta's mascot migratorial bird oenanthe leucurus, in addition to many other birds.

An alternate route of our nature trail includes 2 famous feitoria stones (to be discussed in next month's blog), put into place in the 1700s when the Marquis de Pombal demarcated Douro Valley as the first viticultural appellation of the world. Our B&B (agroturismo) guests and visitors to the quinta are welcome to walk the trail, that will follow the Tedo river and meander through the vineyards and traverse the Mediterranean scrub; markers will provide information regarding the flora, fauna and our estate.  While hiking the trail you may be joined by our dogs, they are friendly and know the lay of the land.

For the wine lover and nature lover alike, what better way to understand the "terroir" than to walk it.  I am proud that Quinta do Tedo is promoting Douro Valley, not only in her viticultural richness but also in her natural beauty.