Savoring the Flavors of Portugal - An Iberian Adventure [September 16-21, 2024]
An Iberian Adventure - Savoring the Flavors of Portugal
Portugal is simply breathtaking, a glorious mixture of history and culture. As one of Europe's oldest territories, the traditions and people make this country of only ten million inhabitants a truly hidden gem of the Iberian Peninsula.
Come with us on an intimate exploration of the incredible wine and cuisine of Portugal. Join Into the Vineyard, a premier travel experience planner, and award-nominated culinary educator and writer Adam Centamore, of Commonwealth Wine School, for an in-depth and up-close adventure through some of Portugal's most cherished culinary centers and wine regions.
Relax with a glass of wine on the bank of the Douro River in Porto, taking in the beautiful architectural kaleidoscope at the water's edge. Enjoy a walking tour through the city's UNESCO world heritage neighborhoods, soaking up the 12th-century history.
Marvel at the idyllic landscape of the Vinho Verde, visiting wineries making impossibly energetic and captivating wines. Taste traditional Portuguese cuisine during private lunches. Sample century-old port while learning all about Portugal's most famous wine. Take a cruise down the Douro River and experience how wine was transported centuries ago...
Indulge in this special, once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience all the charm and elegance in one of Europe's most underrated culinary destinations - Portugal!
CWS Trip Educator - Adam Centamore
Price per Person: $4995 based on double occupancy. $485 Single Supplement. . Room upgrades are available.
BOOK THIS TRIP with INTO THE VINEYARD
Expanded Itinerary
Day 1: Porto
Capital and gateway to the North of Portugal, Porto is both the city that provided a nation with a name and a fortified wine famous world-wide: Port Wine. With its splendid geographical location on the mouth of the river Douro and an architectural heritage of exceptional quality, the historic centre of Porto is a World Heritage Property declared by UNESCO. Its hard-working inhabitants are noted for their commercial enterprise, always standing firm against outside impositions and foreign invaders, which explains why Porto has become known as the “unvanquished” city. When discovering Porto, you will find a traditional welcoming and conservative environment, but also a contemporary and artistic city. This is shown in the streets, in the architecture, monuments and museums, and in the lively terraces, restaurants and leisure areas.
Welcome to Porto!
Upon your arrival, make your way to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the day exploring your new surroundings while the entire group arrives. (Private transfers are available upon request.)
Later today, we propose an enriching afternoon walk tour through the UNESCO city center of Porto. Accompanied by an experienced guide, this tour aims to provide you with a captivating introduction to the city's cultural and historical highlights.
During this exploration, there is the opportunity to visit the Port Wine Institute (IVDP), where you will gain insights into the intricate Porto Wine Certification Process. Additionally, the tour includes a visit to the iconic Bolsa Palace, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage and architectural wonders of Porto.
Conclude the tour with a stop at a local cheese shop in the city center for a tasting of Portuguese D.O.P. cheeses paired with wines before returning to your hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Authentic Portuguese Dining Experience
Tonight, you're set to experience a delightful and authentic Portuguese tapas-style dinner with Portuguese wines included at a tavern-style restaurant in Gaia, by the river and surrounded by the Port Wine Lodges (transfers are included).
Day 2: Porto Discovery
Meet your driver at your accommodation, and set out together on a morning filled with an enriching visit and tasting. (Organized by CWS)
At 11:00 AM, a member of Ramos Pinto will host you at the designated meeting spot, the Ramos Pinto Visitors Center, located at Avenida Ramos Pinto 400 in Vila Nova de Gaia.
After introductions, embark on an private tour of the esteemed Ramos Pinto Museum and Cellar, immersing yourself in the rich history and craftsmanship of this renowned winery. Experience an insightful tasting session of three Reserva Ports – White, Ruby, and Tawny, accompanied by expert commentary on the exquisite range of Ramos Pinto Port Wines.
The program concludes, leaving you with a memorable and indulgent exploration of the world of fine wines and allowing for some leisure time for lunch (to be paid directly).
You will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of your day, perhaps engaging in some leisurely exploration and shopping.
Graham’s Port Wine Cellar with Lunch
You may wish to indulge in a 3-course lunch at Graham’s restaurant & wine bar, Vinum.
This establishment it was created from a passion for wine and a deep attachment to the beautiful Douro vineyards. Surrounded by 3,200 oak barrels where the fine wines of Graham's are aged; the main dining room at Vinum is situated in the heart of a magnificent 19th century wine cellar.
Following lunch, you will be welcomed to Graham’s Port Wine Cellar to enjoy a private visit of the facilities and the extensive cellar. The cellar has a collection of over 3,500 barrels of aging port, some of which date back more than a century. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of 5 Ports.
Graham's was founded in 1820 by William Graham, who was a Scottish wine merchant. The company quickly established a reputation for producing some of the finest port wines in the region. In 1970, Graham's was acquired by the current owners, the Symington family, who have been involved in the port wine trade for more than 130 years. The Graham's Port Wine Cellar is housed in a beautiful 1890s building that overlooks the Douro River.
Fado Show with Traditional Dinner
This evening, make your way to a special dinner with Fado show in a historic neighborhood.
A symbol of identity, Fado music is widely sung in Lisbon and represents a distinctly Portuguese multicultural synthesis of Afro-Brazilian music, local genres of song and dance, rural music, and urban song patterns of the early nineteenth century. Fado is typically performed by a solo male or female singer, accompanied by an acoustic guitar and the Portuguese guitarra, a pear-shaped twelve-stringed lute. It is performed professionally and informally in grass-root associations and often transmitted over successive generations within the same families. Fado has been inscribed by UNESCO as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2011.
Your special dinner will include a traditional menu with house wines from the restaurant, all while you attend to a very intimate Fado performance from well-known local artists.
Return at leisure to your hotel at the conclusion of dinner.
Wine Tasting at Barao de Vilar
This evening, you might want to consider a private visit and tasting at Barão de Vilar, a wine producer near Porto. Enjoy an extensive commentated tasting of Porto wines from the Feuerheerd's Colheita from 1974 to their own Barao de Vilar 10 Anos to a Douro Grandes Reservas Zom Touriga Nacional from 2011.
The title of Barão de Vilar was originally conferred by D. Maria II in 1836 upon Cristiano Nicolau Kopke, an ancestor connected to the Van Zeller family through marriage. Revitalized by the 14th generation of the oldest family lineage in Portugal, renowned for their involvement in the wine trade and production, this noble title now serves as the symbolic core of a brand rooted in centuries of accumulated expertise and experience.
These options are not included in pricing below.
Day 3: Porto to Douro Valley via Minho
Minho
Minho is a region located in the northwest corner of Portugal, known for its lush green landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant culture. The region is also home to a thriving wine industry, producing some of the country's most beloved white wines, including the crisp and aromatic Vinho Verde. Wine tourism in Minho is a popular activity, with visitors coming to taste the local wines, visit the vineyards and wineries, and learn about the history and production of this unique wine. Along with wine, the region offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, including historic cities like Braga and Guimarães, beautiful beaches, and the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Douro Discovery
Following your breakfast and check-out this morning, anticipate a warm welcome from your private guide at the hotel. Embark on a scenic journey towards the Douro Valley, with an enriching detour to the Minho region in Northern Portugal.
Kickstart your day with a visit to a notable destination, such as Quinta do Tamariz, nestled in the Vinho Verde Wine Region. Here, a member of the estate, possibly the owner, will guide you through a detailed tasting session. The experience extends to lunch, featuring traditional cuisine from northern Portugal thoughtfully paired with wines from the estate.
Post-lunch, immerse yourself further in the Vinho Verde wine region's traditions with a private guided visit and tasting, such as at Santa Teresa Wine Estate—a Vinho Verde producer situated on the border between the Vinho Verde and Douro wine regions.
As the day progresses, resume your journey towards the Douro Valley, where your attentive driver-guide will seamlessly guide you to your accommodation for check-in.
In the late afternoon, rendezvous with the guide at the hotel and proceed to a Douro wine estate for an authentic wine harvest dinner.
Additional Options for Day 3
Cooking Class
Tonight, meet your driver in the hotel lobby and depart for a promising culinary adventure at Tourais Estate or an equivalent small family vineyard nestled in the enchanting Douro region. Join the owner and oenologist, Fernando Coelho, accompanied by his wife Liliana, as they not only share their passion for wine but also provide a hands-on cooking lesson, blending a delightful fusion of love, wine, and culinary expertise.
Indulge in the delectable meal you've crafted, complementing it with their exceptional wines.
After dinner, we will arrange your return journey, ensuring a seamless and comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
These options are not included in pricing below.
Day 4: Douro Valley Exploration
Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is one of the oldest and most renowned wine regions in the world, famous for producing some of the best port wine. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by terraced vineyards that slope down towards the meandering Douro River, surrounded by rugged landscapes and historic towns. Along with the wine, the Douro Valley offers stunning scenery, traditional cuisine, and a warm and welcoming local culture.
Douro Valley Exploration
After enjoying breakfast this morning, your private guide will accompany you for a delightful day amidst the vineyards and rolling hills of the Douro Valley.
Embark on your journey at an estate such as Mourão Estate or a similar venue for an exclusive visit with the winemaker and a tasting of Ports, including a rare 100-year-old Port.
Next, venture to Quinta do Crasto, renowned as one of Portugal's top wine producers. A private lunch will be arranged outdoors by their house and vineyards, boasting a breathtaking view of the river and valley. The highlight of the meal is the famous country duck rice paired with Crasto wines.
Proceed with a transfer from the estate down to the river dock. Upon arrival, embark on a private cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional "Rabelo" boat (50 minutes). Exploring the Douro Valley in this enchanting manner is a truly captivating experience. The boat, a replica of a traditional Rabelo boat, harks back to centuries when it transported casks of young wine from the Douro Valley downriver to the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Upon disembarking, continue to Wine and Soul Estate for a visit and tasting. Wine&Soul has embodied the spirit of the new wave of high quality and strong individuality Douro wines sourced from very old individual vineyards, low yields limited production wines that showcase the character of each particular vineyard, the very special nature of each unique terroir. Wines made with a minimal winemaking intervention giving way for nature and terroir to take the lead and speak for themselves.
After the visit, your guide will return you to the hotel for a brief refresh before dinner.
For dinner, enjoy a culinary experience at Quinta do Bom Retiro Wine Estate from Ramos Pinto (Organized by CWS)
Quinta do Bom Retiro
At 4:30 PM, arrive at the charming Quinta do Bom Retiro, and embark on a captivating tour of the Port wines vinification center, gaining insights into the meticulous process behind the creation of these exceptional wines. Explore the picturesque vineyards, absorbing the beauty and essence of the terroir.
At 5:30 PM, indulge in an extended tasting session featuring a curated selection of Ramos Pinto wines.
As the evening progresses, at 7:00 PM, partake in a delightful aperitif, setting the stage for a memorable dinner experience.
At 7:30 PM, the dinner commences with a thoughtfully curated menu featuring an appetizer, main course, and dessert, complemented by carefully selected wines to enhance the culinary experience.
As the clock strikes 10:00 PM, the program concludes, leaving you with a day filled with vinicultural exploration and gastronomic delights at Quinta do Bom Retiro.
Day 5: Dao to Porto
Dão Wine Discovery
Set out for a day of exploration in the Dão wine region this morning, accompanied by your private driver and guide.
Begin the day with a warm welcome at a producer such as Quinta Vale des Escadinhas. Founded more than 5 generations ago, Quinta Vale das Escadinhas is a family business, with vines aging from 30 years, in addition to two vineyards which stand out at 80 years of age. They produce wines exclusively from their own vineyards, and reflect a very unique way of working the land, the vineyards and then the final blend. Stop here to enjoy a visit and a tasting.
Proceed to a local restaurant for lunch, where you'll savor wines from QVE and engage in a commented wine pairing session with the owner, Pedro Figueiredo.
Following lunch, journey to the Bairrada wine region for a private visit and tasting at a renowned estate, Luis Pato, with one of the members of the Pato family.
João Pato began bottling the wine from his vineyards in 1970, becoming the first wine grower in the Bairrada region after its demarcation.
As your delightful day draws to a close, your transfer will take you to your accommodation for check-in.
Tonight, indulge in a farewell dinner with a transfer to the historic Porto restaurant renowned for its traditional Portuguese gastronomy— the "Escondidinho" restaurant. Enjoy a three-course meal featuring starters, a main course, dessert, and accompanying wines.
Day 6: Departure
After checking out of your accommodation, make your way to the airport for your departing flight.
(private transfers available on request)