Nature brings people together by inviting us to be close and share life openly. This spirit shaped our journey through the Douro Valley.

The second edition of “Chaîne Nature” unfolded beneath the vast, sculpted hills of the Douro, where about 40 members from several countries experienced the valley’s overwhelming embrace. Here, where the river glows gold at sunrise and the vineyards ripple in autumn colours from deep red to amber, green to brown the past and future coexist in every slope.

Quinta do Ventozelo welcomed us first. We arrived to the sparkle of espumante and the warmth of a blazing fire-pit, where introductions softened into easy laughter. The evening carried the gentle rhythm of arrival as the essence of the Portuguese table opened the first chapter of conviviality.

Morning revealed the Douro in full clarity: cold, crisp, radiant. After wandering through Ventozelo’s vineyards, we ascended the steep road to Quinta das Carvalhas, one of the valley’s rare 360-degree viewpoints, where the world seems to turn in terraces of light.

There, the spirit of Chaîne Nature truly came alive. The Chefs of Chaîne Portugal, Mauro Alison, Jossara Fernandes, Lídia Brás, under the lead of Vítor Adão, already had the fire alive with ducks roasting, whole ribs hanging and pots bubbling. The table came together as each Chef carried the essence of their region and craft.

Flames rose, aromas drifted along the hillside, and cooking became a shared celebration of landscape, heritage and fellowship. It was gastronomy returned to its most human form: chefs, land, fire and the joy of creating something together. A joy reflected in the quiet smiles and contentment of all who gathered around them.

Later we ascended the staircase of the beautiful manor where the evening’s Induction Ceremony unfolded, presided over by Bailli Délégué Paulo Amado in his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral. New members stepped forward to be welcomed into the Confrérie with grace and quiet pride, the moment crowned by a resonant Vive la Chaîne!

This was followed by a Gala Dinner sophisticated in flavour. The night flowed on in elegance and warmth.

Sunday dawned softer with mist, drizzle and a quiet silver light. We followed the winding roads above the river until we reached Quinta do Crasto, where a single long table overlooking the Douro awaited us, poised above the terraces like a gentle invitation. There, surrounded by fog lifting from the valley and the peaceful rhythm of the river below, we gathered for a final lunch. A repast simple in spirit, elevated by place and companionship.

Farewell until June 16-18, 2026, when a new journey awaits - beginning in Lisbon, pausing in Bairrada and finding its ultimate destination in Porto.

Marie-Anne Ferran
Chancelier