Join in our exploration of the essence of Port wine and its related areas, which are steeped in centuries old traditions. Porto, (Oporto in Old English) and its sister city Vila Nova de Gaia across the river, provide historical perspective before we head up river to the enchanting Douro River Valley. These sibling cities are almost unrecognizable from a decade ago. They still hold the same charm, but there have been a lot of improvements made to the infrastructure. We offer our discerning guests an unparalleled “insider’s view” of these historic treasures and an opportunity to gain an incredible wealth of knowledge and tasting experience. With a focus on wine, culture and gastronomic experiences, renowned Port experts Roy Hersh and Mario Ferreira will guide you on an unforgettable week-long adventure to these exciting ports of call.

The foundation will be set in Porto, the pre-Roman city once known as Portus Cale (Port of Cale) which lent its name to the country which later became Portugal. Porto has a population of 1.5 million, and is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Porto is the industrial heart of the country. It is chock-full of World Heritage Sites and is the historical center of the Port wine trade. Both the Port & Douro Wine Institute (IVDP) and Factory House reside on this side of the river. On the other side, is history-rich Vila Nova de Gaia, formerly known as the “entreposto” (1926-1986) a couple kilometers from where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

In Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll visit a variety of ancient Port lodges, filled with enormous wooden casks and millions of bottles; meet some of the principal players in the industry, and of course, have the pleasure to taste an astounding number of incredible Ports from nearly every possible category. You may enjoy a boat ride on the Douro or a scenic train ride from Porto to the Douro Valley, but you can count on many sumptuous gourmet meals from catered events to dinners at award-winning restaurants, or at the homes of the owners and take pleasure in a couple of fun surprises along the way.

After our time in Porto and Gaia, we’ll head out for a scenic excursion up the Rio Douro (river of gold) heading east towards Spain. The Douro River meanders up into the Douro Valley, and the scenic vistas en route are magnificent. The Douro Valley is protected from the Atlantic influences by the Serra do Marão mountain range, but the desert-like temperatures can exceed 110 degrees during the peak of summer in the growing region. When you arrive at the first quinta and walk into the grape-filled vineyard overlooking the Douro River, it is a moment you will always remember for its tranquility, steep inclines and breathtaking views of terraces, and the curvaceous river which stretches as far as the eye can see. It is during this part of your journey in which you may experience the sights and sounds of the harvest, while likely participating in the vineyards and foot treading of grapes in ancient stone lagares. You will be treated like a VIP at every stop, whether by a well-known producer or the most legendary personalities in the Port trade. The scrumptious regional petiscos (appetizers) of dried meats, cheeses, salted nuts and desserts paired with a variety of Douro Whites, Reds or Port wine will make for a complete sensorial awakening.

The educational factor, and some tutored tastings which Roy plans for guests, always have a specific goal in mind, but these dynamics change at every stop to provide a broad overview and present the strength of the Port producer we are visiting. On the rare exception where we visit a quinta two years in a row, we change up the tastings to give our repeat clients a unique experience! We provide access to the rare and exceptional, as well as the latest vintage and may include horizontals, verticals or matrix tastings. Occasionally, there may even be a surprise or two included that the producer will add on the spur of the moment, sometimes directly from tonel or balseiro (casks). We love when that happens and so will you!