We both have deep connections to dignitaries in the vast majority of Portuguese wine regions, knowledge of young and ancient wines, chefs and dozens of dining destinations. Both hosts are members of the Port Wine Brotherhood; one is part of the Madeira Confraria too. In 2021, we’ll apply our passion to the experience of planning and leading more than 50 extraordinary Portuguese wine tours since 2005; these dynamics deliver an unparalleled experience for our tour guests. This is exactly why they continue to join us, again!

FOUNDER

Roy Hersh

Roy Hersh’s diverse career in Food & Beverage management spanned nearly four decades. Port wine discovered Roy in 1983. He finally achieved his objective to visit Portugal in 1994, after which he started writing articles about it. Considered a leading authority and journalist on Port and Madeira; in June 2003, Roy was one of just two Americans selected at that time for induction into the Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Brotherhood). To honor his oath to the Confraria, Roy quit his day job and started the FTLOP newsletter in February 2004, and by mid-2005 the website and travel business were both launched.

Roy is a passionate student of wines from around the globe. Since 1999, he’s served as a professional judge at wine competitions in North America and the Iberian Peninsula. He has taught classes and written hundreds of articles on Port and Madeira for FTLOP, other websites and wine magazines such as Somm, and The World of Fine Wine. Roy travels extensively throughout North America to promote the wines of Portugal, presenting educational wine tasting seminars to consumers, private organizations and members of the wine trade. Roy’s annual adventures guiding small groups on exclusive once-in-a-lifetime “insider’s tours” to discover authentic wine and food culture within Portugal’s wine regions have gained media attention and a loyal following.

In 2016, Roy’s FTLOP website was inducted into the Port Wine Brotherhood, as the “first non-human entity” enthroned in the organization’s history and in the very same year, Hersh was also inducted into the Confraria da Vinha Madeira. More recently, in June 2017, Roy was the first American to be promoted to the rank of Infanção by the Port Wine Confraria, and the first individual to become a member of both Portuguese Brotherhoods beyond the confines of the Portuguese wine trade. Roy recently embarked on a new adventure in life, and permanently moved to Porto, in June 2022. He’ll continue co-hosting tours and writing about Portuguese wines, with easy access to his favorite regions!

TOUR DIRECTOR

Mario Ferreira

Mario is from Alcobaça, Portugal and majored in Social Communication and Marketing. From 1998-2004 he worked for the Port wine industry while living in the USA: having spent one year as “Sandeman Port Wine Ambassador” and followed by five years in the marketing department of the Port Wine Institute (IVP/IVDP).

In 2005, Mario decided to further explore adventures on the African continent and seek out business opportunities there as well. Nowadays, he spends most of his time traveling throughout a variety of countries in Africa, while consulting for a Spanish-based company (non-wine/beverage related). Also in 2005, Mario partnered with Roy to develop and co-host bespoke Port, Douro and Madeira wine and food explore-vacations. In more recent years, they have branched out and now blanket twelve wine regions throughout Portugal and Madeira. Mario remains committed to FTLOP’s oenotourism program and together, he and Roy have brought more than four dozen groups to visit his country.

After more than two decades working for Sandeman, the Port Wine Institute and For The Love Of Port; Mario’s unmistakable knowledge and expertise in Port Wine plus promoting Port throughout North America, (based in NY and SF) and being at the forefront of the fledgling oeno-tourism sector, was recognized by Port industry professionals. In June 2019, Mario was officially selected for enthronization into the Confraria do Vinho do Porto, (Port Wine Brotherhood) in a solemn ceremony in Porto, followed by an evening of celebration.