Since 1616, the Quinta's produce has been transported to Porto by Rabelo boat.
Despite the advent of the railroad in the 19th century, Rabelos were used until the 1960s. In addition to wine, Quinta da Vacaria has always produced olive oil and cereals, initially to feed the Colégio de S. Lourenço and later for commercial purposes, alongside planting fruit trees.
Also contributing to the Quinta's income was its own ferry boat—the Barca do Corgo—which transported passengers and goods between the riverbanks and the fishing grounds on the Corgo, where bogas and barbels were caught.
The Douro Terroir
The symbiotic relationship between man and territory is evident at Quinta da Vacaria. Here, plantations thrive due to agriculture that respects the soil, plants, and surrounding ecosystems while maximizing the Douro terroir to extract the best possible products.
