Why
Choose Us
We are a small, dedicated company, specialized in private tours in the stunning Douro Valley. We pride ourselves on being a local tour company with deep roots in the region, giving us unparalleled knowledge and close proximity to the local wineries, and allowing us to offer bespoke tours that are carefully crafted to provide a truly authentic experience.
We treat each tour with the utmost importance, ensuring that every detail is tailored to your needs. We don’t just focus on numbers—we prioritize quality, with highly experienced and certified guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and making your journey unforgettable.
When you choose us, you're not just booking a tour; you're choosing a personalized experience that highlights the best our region has to offer.
Meet our
Tour Guides
Born in Porto in 1987, João Koehler discovered his passion for the Douro Valley when he moved there at the age of five. The Valley’s beauty and rich wine culture sparked his interest in tourism and viticulture, leading him to pursue a degree in tourism, which he completed in 2010.
That same year, João began his career as a tour guide at Sandeman Port Wine Cellars, where he combined his love for wine and people. His journey then took him to the esteemed Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, where he gained invaluable experience from some of Portugal’s top winemakers.
In 2015, João joined Quinta do Bomfim, part of the renowned Symington Family Estates. Here, he delved deeper into the intricate world of Port wines, working closely with the Symingtons’ master of production.
João’s thirst for knowledge led him to complete the Portuguese sommelier certificate program in 2016. The following year, he became a sommelier at Six Senses Douro Valley, the region’s premier hotel. During his two-year tenure, he honed his skills in tasting, serving, and sharing his passion for wine with guests from around the globe.
In 2019, João launched his own tour company, Sommelier Tours: Into the Wine. His deep expertise in the Douro wine region, formal sommelier training, and unrelenting passion ensure that guests enjoy the most informative and luxurious wine tours, paired with exceptional wines and exclusive experiences.
5 star rated on
TripAdvisor
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Registered with
Tourism Authority of Portugal
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What Our Client Says About Us
Alex_B
Our day with João was truly one of the best we’ve ever had. João was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and the wineries and restaurant he selected for the tour were all fantastic and places I doubt we would have discovered otherwise. Really can’t recommend this private tour enough, you won’t regret it!
Elaine_C
Extraordinary experience!! We had an amazing time in Douro Valley, the best in Portugal!! Joao is impressively knowledgeable and a superb guide, off the charts!! We enjoyed learning and sight seeing was breathtaking. Loved this tour, totally recommend when in Portugal!!
Noel_B
Our day with Joao was exceptional and I'd highly recommend the tour to anyone visiting the region. He's incredibly knowledgeable about the region, the wines, and the culture. Every place we visited was great and they treat you like family when you're visiting with Joao. Lunch was fantastic and the conversation even better. If you're thinking of a tour, this is the one you should be booking.
