The Dao region is located in Beira, central northern Portugal, flanked by the mountain chains of Caramulo, Montemuro, Bueaco, and Estrela, which offer protection from the prevailing winds. Within this basin configuration, a wide range of micro-climates is strongly influenced by relatively steep valleys carved out by the Mondego, Alva, and Dao Rivers and their numerous tributaries. The vineyards range from 200 to 700 meters above sea level, and the white varieties are planted on elevated, terraced slopes, where they benefit from cooler microclimates. The wide diurnal temperature shifts of up to 20°C ensure the fruit is endowed with ample natural acidity; Dao wines are renowned for their freshness. The soils are granite-dominated sands, with feldspar, quartz, and mica particles that sparkle in the vineyards. They are lean, free-draining, and relatively infertile soils, which force the vines to struggle, resulting in complex wines. The vines are cultivated sustainably and are pruned according to the double cordon, simple cordon, or Guyot, with the method tailored to control the vigour to ensure the best quality. The grapes are manually harvested.