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For 112 km, the river forms part of the national border line between Spain and Portugal, in a region of narrow canyons, making it an historical barrier for invasions and a linguistic dividing line. This isolated area has now a protected status: the International Douro Natural Park. The Douro region have a microclimate allowing for cultivation of olives, almonds, and especially grapes that are important for making the famous PORT WINE. The region around Pinhão and São João da Pesqueira is considered to be the centre of Port wine, with its picturesque "quintas" or farms clinging on to almost vertical slopes dropping down to the river. Many of these quintas are owned by multinational wine companies and are worth a visit.
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