Best Farm Stays and Vineyard Hotels near Porto

Casa Lata Agroturismo is a popular farm stay & vineyard hotel near Braga, Portugal in the heart of the Vinho Verde wine region. As well as vineyards, olive groves, and other fruit trees occupy the surrounding fields and there’s a small farm with free-range chickens and turkeys. THE ACCOMMODATION: The old farmhouse buildings at Casa Lata have by now been renovated completely. They seem very modern in one sense but have also kept much of their vintage aesthetic. Their fine, sturdy stone walls are largely left untouched for example, and the furniture throughout the building leans more toward the antique. The B&B rooms are comfortable, and stylishly minimalist, and come with flat-screen TV and private bathroom. There is a sociable dining and lounge area at the property as well as two outdoor swimming pools in the gardens. THE WINE: The main attraction here seems to be the wine though and the owners are always happy to show guests around, teach them about the wine-making processes, and take part in tasting sessions. At the moment they produce red and white wines under the Terras de Amares brand with its white Loureiro being a particular favourite. THE LOCATION: The Vinho Verde region of Portugal, up in the north near the border with Galicia, Spain, is the country’s largest wine-growing region and has been producing wine for at least two thousand years. Most visitors to the area will have an interest in wine though in itself the region is pleasant to travel around; classic Northern Portuguese terrain with fertile, green hills all around, meandering rivers, and gently sloping valleys. You’ll find the area around Casa Lata Agroturismo less touristic than the Douro Valley to the south, the majority of the wineries here are small-scale family affairs but some of them do offer visits and tours. The owners at Casa Lata Agroturismo are always happy to advise on other vineyards to visit as well as their own. Nearby towns of note include historic Guimarães, with its famous castle, the beautiful city of Viana do Castelo where the Lima River meets the sea, and of course Braga just to the south of Casa Lata, with READ MORE