Santa Clara Hosts The Amazing Race
🌍 Welcome to Portugal: The Penultimate Push
As the sun begins to set on The Amazing Race Season 37, the remaining four teams face one of their most scenic and demanding legs yet — a whirlwind journey through the heart of Portugal. Episode 11 takes viewers to the breathtaking Douro Valley, where lush vineyards meet centuries-old traditions, and the pressure to make the final three is palpable.
With the stakes at an all-time high, the four remaining teams touched down in Porto, Portugal, ready to battle it out for a spot in the season finale. From the get-go, it was clear that this leg wouldn’t just be about speed — it would require grit, grace, and a deep connection to local culture. And nowhere was that more apparent than at one of the most visually stunning and meaningful stops of the race: Quinta de Santa Clara.
🚣‍♀️ Little Atlantis & the Barrel Roll Challenge
One of the most memorable moments of the episode unfolded at Quinta de Santa Clara, our family-run winery nestled along the Douro River. There, teams faced a physically demanding but incredibly picturesque challenge that brought out both their determination and their awe.
To begin, teams paddled small wooden boats across the Douro River to a hidden inlet affectionately known by our children as “Little Atlantis.” The peaceful cove, surrounded by early 19th century-old, hand-carved schist walls and vibrant greenery, looked like something out of a fairy tale — a stark contrast to the chaos of the competition.
Once ashore, the real challenge began: each team had to roll a heavy wooden wine barrel up the steep, cobblestone road that winds through the vineyard. The barrels, authentic and worn with age, echoed Portugal’s winemaking history — and made for a backbreaking task in the spring heat.
At the top, in front of the winery warehouse built in 1911, teams were greeted by Humberto, Quinta de Santa Clara’s own Vineyard Manager, who handed them their next clue with a nod and a warm smile. His presence — deeply rooted in the vineyard’s legacy — added a personal, heartfelt touch to the leg.
🏞️ A Scenic Masterpiece
From beginning to end, this episode was a love letter to Portugal’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The vineyards rolled endlessly across the hills, framed by the sparkling Douro River. Ancient stone buildings and winding country roads set the stage for moments of both triumph and frustration. The production team made full use of Portugal’s golden light and dramatic topography, capturing drone shots and slow-motion sequences that felt more like a travel documentary than reality television.
🔥 Down to the Wire
Tensions ran high as the leg progressed, with all four teams hungry for a spot in the finale. The puzzle challenge at São Bento station separated the leaders from the laggards, and the episode ended with a bittersweet farewell for one team — just steps from the finish line.
🍷 Final Thoughts
Episode 11 of The Amazing Race Season 37 will be remembered not just for the drama and competition, but for its deep cultural immersion and breathtaking visuals. Quinta de Santa Clara, with its old-world charm and challenging terrain, offered the perfect blend of heart and hardship — a highlight of the entire season.
As the race heads into its final leg, the bar has been set high. But for viewers, this episode was already a win — a visual and emotional journey through one of Portugal’s most beautiful corners.
What an experience! If you didn’t catch the episode, you can find it here: Amazing Race Visits the Douro Valley.