Forrester Essence Douro Hotel

The people who looked after us made this stay unforgettable. Daniela was probably the warmest person we’ve met on this trip. One morning I was reading in the common room while my husband slept in, and she brought me a blanket without me asking. She also asked what pastries we’d enjoy the next day, then made a personalized boulangerie based on our preferences, including a delicious new recipe she tried just for us. Our breakfast table was already set up before we arrived, even though it was low season and no other guests were dining. Every request was met kindly and thoughtfully. I know we may not get that same level of personal attention in busier seasons, but they really went out of their way. Jessica, the front desk manager, was kind and fun to talk to, and made us feel like family. Christina led the wine experience like a fun aunt who also knows a ton about Pico wine history. She gave us the best wine tasting my husband and I have ever had, and made us feel at home too. We love finding unusual, sometimes tiny places to visit and explore, hoping to avoid crowds, and Pico Vineyards was a wonderful choice. The hotel felt virtually new, while the service felt like that of a well established place. The staff encouraged us to have the experiences we wanted. Christina, Daniela, and Jessica deserve recognition for the care they gave us. We’ve already recommended Pico Vineyards to friends and family, and hope others get to experience it too. Thank you, pico vineyards, and thank you to the ladies of pico vineyards for making our stay so memorable.