About Us
Discover our premium services
“Relationships are at the very heart and soul of good business. I treasure the relationships with my Grape Essence partners, my colleagues and friends, and my guests.”
We believe that traveling is about creating unforgettable memories, experiencing new adventures, sharing stories, and creating bonds. To that end, our mission is to curate unique and exclusive moments tailored to each client’s profile.
At Grape Essence, we specialize in tourism across all of Portugal’s wine regions, with a special focus on the historic Douro River Valley, where we are based. The Douro region, one of the oldest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is our pride. While the Douro is the most famous, Portugal is home to hundreds of wineries and grape varieties. Our knowledgeable guides are experts in the history, culture, and gastronomy of each region. With our modern and luxurious fleet, we offer private and group transfers, as well as exclusive excursions, always ensuring your safety and comfort.
Years
Operators
Our Values
Excellence
We offer an exceptional service, exceeding expectations through dedication and specialized partnerships.
Authenticity and Respect
We offer genuine experiences that honor local traditions and wine culture.
Sustainability
We support responsible tourism by promoting local producers and protecting the environment.
Human and Emotional Connection
We create emotional connections, making customers feel part of the wine story wine.
Sophistication and Elegance
We guarantee a luxurious and elegant experience with high-quality vehicles and premium tastings premium.
Personalization and exclusivity
We offer exclusive and personalized wine experiences, aligned with the client's preferences. preferences.
Pedro – Fundador da Grape Essence
A personalized trip for wine lovers with the guidance of an elite sommelier
With classical training, both at the Portuguese Tourism Institute and in the workplace, Pedro has proven experience in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. Over the years, he has worked in some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in the Douro. A restaurant manager and sommelier with a keen eye for detail, Pedro has a reputation for exceeding guests' expectations. With a wealth of local knowledge and personal relationships with many of the region's leading wine producers, Pedro brings his vast knowledge and warmth to all his guests.
Testimonials
Take your travel experience to the next level! The world is yours to explore
Peter Bowman
Creative director
We cannot recommend curating your time with Pedro enough. My husband and I were lucky enough to spend a day with him in Spring of 2023. The Duoro native, cyclist and avid cook picked us up from our hotel to bring us to two distinct wineries with stellar views and design. After touring and tasting, Pedro took us to a different venue for a multi course -delicious- lunch. After lunch we skipped the line to take the barge down the stunning River Duoro before visiting a few port makers in the afternoon. Pedro topped off our experience by teaching us to saber a bottle of sparkling wine – a fun party trick that reminds me of our Portugal day with Pedro every time I do it back at home. In addition to planning a perfect day, Pedro’s friendly & fun personality make him a delightful companion.
My husband and I took an anniversary trip to Portugal and Pedro was one of our drivers / guides. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional, but also personable and friendly – it was as though we were traveling with a good friend. His familiarity with food and wine was amazing and we had some incredible meals based upon his recommendations. I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed his tour of the wine country. I encourage you to take advantage of his expertise and sign up for a tour. You will love it!
Pedro was the perfect tour guide for our adventure in the Douro Valley. With six of us having different interests, he knew just how to personalize the experience for each of us so that we could enjoy it all together. He chose great stopping points for photos, sometimes spontaneously by sensing our moods and interests. He provided just the right amount of history and cultural perspective so that we could truly enjoy this beautiful wine region. And thank goodness we left the driving to him with the Douro Valley’s narrow, winding roads! Can’t wait to return and explore more of Portugal with Pedro as our guide.
Pedro was the perfect tour guide for our first trip to the Douro Valley. He is extremely knowledgeable and shared with us so many interesting facts about the area, the wines, and Portuguese culture. He arranged wineries for us to visit that we would have never found on our own and even set up time for us to meet the wine makers themselves- such a special experience! Pedro is warm and friendly and also extremely professional. I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a fantastic experience in the Douro Valley filled with wine, laughter and learning. I can’t wait to return to Portugal one day and know I have just the guy to call when I do!
