A light and refreshing wine, Vinho Verde is found nowhere else in the world. It goes well with fish and shellfish and is perfect on a hot day. The region of Minho is in northern Portugal. The grape vines climb trellises on the hilly terrain near fields scattered with traditional espigueiros (grain stores). Granite mansions and historical buildings rise out of the green countryside and are well worth visiting.

Start on the coast, in Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira. On the banks of the River Minho, you’ll find the pretty town of Valença. Further north, the towns of Monção and Melgaço are the main producers of one of the most famous types of Vinho Verde, Alvarinho. Not far away is the Peneda-Gerês National Park, with mountain villages full of history, like Castro Laboreiro and Soajo.

Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima owe their names to the rivers that make them attractive and cool, like Viana do Castelo, at the mouth of the River Lima. Visit Barcelos, on the River Cávado, and Braga, with its traditional regional heritage.

And why not take a trip to the ancient town of Guimarães, a World Heritage site, then see the sights at Amarante, another historic riverside town? Don’t leave without visiting the region’s most well known estates, equally famous for their stately homes as the quality of their wines.