The Douro Valley, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich wine heritage, is currently grappling with a severe crisis. A combination of declining Port sales, low grape prices, and devastating wildfires has left many growers contemplating abandoning their vineyards altogether.
The Douro Valley has seen a significant decline in Port wine sales, with a 13% drop in volume between 2021 and 2023. This downturn has led to a reduction in the amount of must that can be legally used for Port production, decreasing by over 22% from 116,000 pipes in 2022 to just 90,000 pipes this year—the lowest figure since 1993.
Many growers are now facing unsustainably low grape prices, making it increasingly difficult to continue farming. A delegation of growers recently traveled to Lisbon to urge President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to take action, presenting a manifesto that outlines their concerns and demands for reform.
In addition to economic challenges, the Douro Valley has been severely affected by wildfires that have ravaged vineyards across Portugal. The Dão region has been particularly hard hit, with many vineyards completely destroyed. Growers have reported that some winemakers have had to defend their properties from the flames themselves.
