The Douro Valley in pictures

It took me all of three seconds to accept and invitation to spend the weekend at Quinta da Romaneira in the Douro Valley, where co-owner Christian Seely had invited a sprinkling of lucky wine journalists to help celebrate the estate’s 10th birthday under his stewardship.

The journey to Romaneira was not for the faint hearted, the last leg involving wince-inducing twists and turns up perilously steep slopes, with mere inches between us and a deadly drop down the mountain. I kept my eyes on the horizon and steadied my mind by focusing on the glass of chilled tawny that awaited.

One safely stowed, we decided to make the most of the late afternoon sun and filed down to the pool, where we were treated to chilled rosé and a view over the snaking, olive green river words fail to do justice to. The only sounds, other than our banter and the clinking of glasses, were the occasional hum of a passing boat and the chatter of birds. Photo credit: Colin Hampden-White

Befitting of a region where the pace of life is languorous, our mode of transport trip was a fleet of white golf buggies.

In addition to an outdoor infinity pool, the estate boats an Olympic-sized indoor pool prettified with floating boats.

Keen to prove that the Douro Valley is more than just a one-trick pony, Seely has made dry reds his focus at Romaneira, where he has put his faith in Petit Verdot and Syrah among other varieties, though also makes vintage, LBV and tawny Port at the estate.

Wine writer Margaret Rand snuck off post tasting to forage for almonds, which could be enjoyed fresh from the tree. She also relieved the estate of a fig or three. Photo credit: Colin Hampden-White

With a view like this, it’s easy to see why Seely lost his heart to the Douro Valley

During the three-day celebration, we were treated to some fabulous wines, including Château Pichon Baron 2003 from magnum and the jewel in Quinta do Noval’s crown, Nacional, the 2004 vintage of which Christian is decanting in this pic. It went down a treat with wheels of gooey Portuguese cheese. Photo credit: Colin Hampden-White

With the weather proving unpredictable, running the gamut from piercing blue skies and blazing sun to tempestuous storms, our boat trip had to be put on hold until the final day, when the sun came out to play.

Our captain, Felipe, regaled us with stories of the Douro during our lazy passage down the river. Never have I met a man more content with his job.

The view from above

A pastel pink clad Margaret Rand makes the most of the view

The valley’s steep, snaking slopes

Photographer Colin Hampden-White had the camera turned on him for a change, while he took a rare breather from his signature rapid-fire snapping.

And finally… the closest we came to a spot of traffic