Set in the heart of the port wine region casa de varais overlooks the enchanting douro valley with its typical walled terraces above the clouds covered with endless green vineyards although the present building dates back from the early 18th century the original construction is believed to be from the 15th century casa dos varais has witnessed a somewhat turbulent history having been invaded by napoleonic troops in 1808 and almost completely destroyed by fire in 1940 today it is back to