The origins of Peso da Régua date back to Roman times, when a presidium was established here, making the territory an important point of communication with surrounding regions. Its strategic location along the Douro River would prove essential to its development over the centuries.
The first references to Régua as a village appear in 1687, in a charter granted by King Pedro II authorizing the holding of a fair. However, some historians suggest that the settlement may date back to the reign of King Sancho I. Officially, it was King Manuel I who granted the town its first foral (charter) in 1513, formalizing its administrative status.
In the 18th century, the Marquis of Pombal, one of Portugal’s most influential statesmen, created the world’s first regulated wine region. He ordered the demarcation of the Douro Valley vineyards using granite markers, defining the areas for producing the finest wines and laying the foundation for the region’s global reputation.
Regional delicacies
Falacha; Rebuçados da Régua; Rabelos; Ferreirinhas; Cabrito com redução do Porto; Doce Dourado; Enguias de escabeche com broa de milho frita; Arroz no Forno com Cabrito; Rancho com Grão de Bico
This marked the beginning of the great journey of Douro wine and led to the gradual settlement of populations along the riverbanks. Generations of men and women have since devoted their lives to this land, shaping its landscape and preserving a winemaking tradition that continues to this day.
Not to be missed ...
Casa da Companhia Velha (actual Douro Museum); Port Wine Solar
