Summer is in full gear and I am in Portugal on a wine adventure. Yes, I know it is a fun place to visit. Moreover, even though I am not a sports enthusiast, I know Portugal just won the Euro Cup. Nevertheless, I have come to Portugal for the wines. Portuguese wines are getting the praise they deserve these days. I look forward to tasting some of these great wines with friends. That is, once I get over the jet lag. Hello Porto, here I come.
I know there are some awesome wines waiting. I know this because my earlier Spaswinefood travels have included a few wine safaris in Portugal.
The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley porto wines and other wines sure leave a lasting impression.
Hello Porto
Let's not forget Porto (Oporto), Portugal is a city with lots of charm. I remember an earlier visit to the historic Taylor's Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto. Obviously this place should top most wine lovers list. Port lodges in Porto number over 50. During a brief visit we were able to visit but a few of these. Our first stop was at the historic Taylor's Port Lodge at the top of the Gaia hillside overlooking Porto. The view was absolutely majestic.
 |
| Hello Porto © Spaswinefood |
The Douro Valley
Indeed I remember an earlier autumn visit to the Douro Valley.
 |
| Quinta do Seixo Vineyard, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood |
These days my Spaswinefood thoughts often shift to the Douro Valley whenever port is mentioned. I also love the wonderful still wines coming from the Douro.
Quintas and port lodges
Let me not forget to mention the many breath taking views of Douro Valley vineyards.
 | |
|
The quintas (or vineyards) where the grapes are grown are also where some visitors like to stay. Thanks to a tip from a fellow wine lover I discovered Quinta do Portal.
Using Quinta do Portal as a base we explored some of the other quintas in the area. The quintas we visited included Quinta do Panascal (Foncesca), Quinta do Noval and Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman).
 |
| Quinta do Portal © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Exploring Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Foncesca Port, Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Window onto Quinta do Seixo © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Sandman Port, Quinta do Seixo © Spaswinefood |
Hello Porto
Let's not forget Porto (Oporto), Portugal is a city with lots of charm. I remember an earlier visit to the historic Taylor's Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto. Obviously this place should top most wine lovers list. Port lodges in Porto number over 50. During a brief visit we were able to visit but a few of these. Our first stop was at the historic Taylor's Port Lodge at the top of the Gaia hillside overlooking Porto. The view was absolutely majestic.
 |
| View from Taylor's Port Lodge © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Entrance to Taylor's Port Lodge © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Taylor's Port Lodge © Spaswinefood |
Later we walked down the hill towards the Douro River waterfront. One of other port lodges included Sandeman's Port Lodge. We were well acquainted with the Sandeman symbol because we had tasted port at Sandeman's Quinta do Seixo earlier in the Duoro Valley.
 |
Sandeman Port Lodge, Oporto © Spaswinefood
|
Obviously I have come back to explore more port lodges.
Fabulous wine, smart wine glasses and wine family time
An earlier visit to the Addegga Wine Market, Lisbon was another perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends. The Adegga Wine Market event was not only an opportunity to connect with friends but also with, family. There is definitely something special about being part of this wine family community. Yes, photos like this one captures some of the community spirit:
An earlier visit to the Addegga Wine Market, Lisbon was another perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends. The Adegga Wine Market event was not only an opportunity to connect with friends but also with, family. There is definitely something special about being part of this wine family community. Yes, photos like this one captures some of the community spirit:
 |
Smart Glasses, Adegga Wine Market © Spaswinefood
|
It was quite special to hang out with friends, meet the wine producers and the winemakers. With 40 producers at that Adegga Wine Market event there was an excellent range and style of wines to check out with the smart wine glasses (wine glasses with a chip).
Onwards
I must get going here.
Yes, it is articles like Asimouv's recent article that reminds me what is so very special about Portuguese wines. While in Portugal this time Spaswinefood looks forward to the best in wine adventures. I invite you to join me in my travels in Portugal and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
Onwards
I must get going here.
 |
| Wines Tasted on Taste Porto Food Tour © Spaswinefood |
Yes, it is articles like Asimouv's recent article that reminds me what is so very special about Portuguese wines. While in Portugal this time Spaswinefood looks forward to the best in wine adventures. I invite you to join me in my travels in Portugal and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
Sharon
July 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment