Chelan Ridge Winery
Secrets of the Douro
River Cruise | Emerald Radiance
About This Voyage
Set off on an unforgettable cruise along the Douro River with William 'Bill' Swayne of Chelan Ridge Winery aboard the Emerald Radiance. Seven nights passing Portugal's sweeping vineyards, stunning landscapes, and charming villages — from Porto to Porto.
Stretching across the full width of Portugal from east to west, the Douro has long been the country's lifeline — a symbol of Portugal's birth and growth as a nation, shaping its history through winemaking and trade. Departing from the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley where terraced vineyards rise from the riverbanks, historic landmarks pepper distant horizons, and charming townships lie hidden in the rural hillsides. Salamanca shines both day and night, and a kayak experience in Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro. Connect with local culture during on board cooking demonstrations, mosaic tile painting classes, live music performances, and cocktail making using traditional port wine.
Ports of Call
Porto · Porto / Pinhão · Pinhão / Vega de Terrón · Vega de Terrón / Salamanca · Pocinho / Régua · Régua / Porto · Porto
Starting From
From $5,445 per person
Per person, price includes taxes and fees, based on double occupancy. Balcony staterooms. Price subject to change based on availability.
Your Host
William "Bill" Swayne
Chelan Ridge Winery · Manson, WA
Bill Swayne acquired Chelan Ridge Winery in 2021 through Chelan Ridge Holding LLC. Located along the majestic north shore of Lake Chelan in Manson, Washington, Chelan Ridge is a family-owned and operated gravity-flow designed winery and estate vineyard. The winery is the largest production facility in the Lake Chelan AVA, built in 2003 and known for its outstanding estate wines and hospitality. Chelan Ridge also has a tasting room in Woodinville, Washington, with live music and special events ongoing at both locations.
Day by Day
Ports of Call
Porto, Portugal
Embarkation
Welcome to Porto, where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board with your host Bill Swayne of Chelan Ridge Winery. You will remain docked in Porto overnight, allowing you to explore this vibrant city after dark.
Porto & Pinhão
Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of cruising through the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area builds on two millennia of wine-producing history, and viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape, with small, sleepy villages surrounded by dozens of terraced vineyards. A highlight will be seeing Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe. On board, learn how to make the iconic Portuguese sweet treat Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) during a cooking demonstration.
Pinhão & Vega de Terrón
A hidden gem just a few hours from Porto, Pinhão is a tiny village in the heart of the Douro Valley, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful countryside. Visit the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard — an 18th-century estate using organic, traditional viticulture methods — for a wine tasting. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the Pinhão River or enjoy a guided active walk through the vineyards.
Vega de Terrón & Salamanca
Just across the Spanish border, Vega de Terrón is the gateway to the ancient city of Salamanca — the 'Golden City' — known for its stunning Renaissance architecture built from Villamayor sandstone, which glows golden, pink, and ochre at sunrise and sunset. Explore the World Heritage-listed Old Quarter, Plaza Mayor, Casa de las Conchas, and one of Europe's oldest universities, dating to 1218. In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional 'tuna music' from a local group.
Pocinho & Régua
The tiny village of Pocinho sits surrounded by river and mountains near the Spanish border. Visit the charming medieval hilltop town of Castelo Rodrigo, with its 16th-century walls and narrow medieval streets. Back on board, enjoy a Port wine cocktail lesson as you cruise down the river — learning how brandy added during fermentation creates this strong, sweet, high-alcohol style.
Régua & Porto
Get an insight into Portuguese life in Régua, a busy town at the western edge of the Port wine growing region, backed by the stunning Serra do Marão mountains. Visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, including the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. Enjoy a rural lunch at a local Quinta wine estate, and a mosaic tile painting workshop on board. Cruise to Porto in the afternoon, remaining docked overnight.
Porto, Portugal
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating mix of modern and ancient architecture. A guided coach tour introduces you to its highlights — from the bustling waterfront to its colourful buildings and iconic bridges, including the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. This evening, a charming evening cruise shines a different light on Porto's skyline.
Porto, Portugal
Disembarkation
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Emerald Star-Ship and fellow guests, taking memories of terraced vineyards and authentic Portuguese culture with you.
About the Winery
Chelan Ridge Winery
Award-winning, classically-styled wines handcrafted in limited quantities from premium estate grapes.
Chelan Ridge Winery farms vine-to-vine to maximize the potential of each individual vine and cluster of grapes. Eleven acres of white and red varietals are planted on the estate, managed by vineyard manager Enrique Hernandez, who has two decades of experience with vine maintenance and actually planted Chelan Ridge's vineyards.
Each block of vines requires different irrigation, pruning, thinning, canopy management, and harvest criteria to maximize quality. The harvest is most often in multiple stages due to the variations of varietals and maturity of fruit in the individual blocks throughout each vineyard — a meticulous process that gives Chelan Ridge wines their award-winning foundation.
Your Journey
Along the Route
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Contact us to check availability, ask questions, or reserve your stateroom.