Dão is one of the most prominent wine regions located in Portugal just south from the Douro River alongside the Dão River after which it is named. Surrounded only by mountains, the Dão region is shielded both from the direct influence of the continental climate and from the cold winds and rains from the Atlantic Ocean. The average altitude of the region is around 500-600 m which makes it quite high with cool nights, reflecting in good acidity and aromas. It is known for elegant red and white wines worth keeping for a long time in the cellar. In the recent history of Dão wines, they were practising old-fashioned winemaking methods, unusually long maceration with bitter stalks and extended ageing before bottling so that the wines tasted hard instead of fruity. Nowadays, these practices are over and the wines are more pure and elegant with fresh fruit expression of the grape varietals. Another specification of the region is the vineyards which have been in the same family for generations, and more than 30,000 grape-growers (Quintas), some with very tiny plots, producing about half the quality grapes. Dão is an exciting wine region with a rich history, and its wines are consistently gaining popularity, awards and accolades.