Relais & Châteaux arrives in Dão and Taboadella 

Taboadella started out as one of the best kept secrets of the Amorim family, and is now the first wine producing estate in the Dão to assume the Relais & Châteaux insignia with Casa Villae 1255, joining the Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, in the Douro. 

 Situated in Silvã de Cima, near Viseu, Casa Villae 1255, measuring 720 m2, is an eight-bedroom mountain house overlooking the foothills of Serra da Estrela, originally built in medieval times. This charming village can now be reserved exclusively for those who want to enjoy unique moments with family and friends in a private and extremely comfortable environment. For Luísa Amorim, CEO of the company, «Dão is one of the most emblematic regions of Portugal with enormous potential for new wine tourism projects. Casa Villae 1255 was converted with the intention of feeling the atmosphere of a wine farm. For the interior decoration, we brought together several local artists and craftsmen who created exclusive pieces with an emphasis on natural wool and the porridge blanket, creating a cozy and sophisticated environment» 

 At Casa Villae 1255, everything is thought out in detail: in addition to the breakfast service, included in the stay, there is a welcome basket with a variety of groceries so that guests feel right at home, an invitation to try self cooking in a kitchen with luxury details and a large counter that promotes conversations and dishes around wine. For those who like to be surprised, it is also possible to hire a meal service or schedule a dinner with a chef. 

 One of the most attractive spaces is undoubtedly the outdoor terrace, the ideal place to relax and admire the immensity of the landscape while observing the contemporary architecture cellar, designed in wood and cork by the architect Carlos Castanheira. The building, already emblematic in the region, has an extensive balcony in the tasting room, creating a harmonious relationship with the vineyard and a pleasant feeling of well-being. 

 Guests at Casa Villae 1255 can also enjoy numerous experiences such as visits to the cellar, tastings and activities around wine, basketry and ceramics workshops led by local artisans, yoga and pilates classes, among others. In the garden of Casa Villae 1255, we find the Roman wine press built on the monolithic rock near the old barn of the property that gave rise to the Taboadella wine shop and tasting spaces, where cheeses from Serra da Estrela and sausages from Dão are also tasted, serving as a showcase for local handicrafts. 

 In this region dominated by the magnificence of the five mountain ranges, the possibilities for leisure are endless, including walks and bike rides through the forest, stand-up paddle and diving in the Côvo River to routes through the historical monuments in Viseu and surroundings, activities that complete the best shapes Taboadella’s wine tourism programs and help visitors discover the different terroirs in Dão. 

About Relais & Chateaux 

Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an association that creates exceptional travel with 580 exclusive hotels and restaurants around the world, run by independent entrepreneurs, almost always families, passionate about their projects and deeply committed to cultivating authentic relationships. with your customers. Present on five continents, the association has been promoting and elevating the richness and diversity of cuisine and hospitable cultures around the world. Relais & Châteaux members are involved in preserving local heritage and the environment, in line with the vision presented at UNESCO in November 2014.