Gourmet Wine Travel Portugal
Discovering Porto & Douro in Portugal from 22.03. – 26.03.2018
Discover Porto & Douro – one of the UNESCO world heritage wine regions and one of the most exciting wine regions in Portugal,
Enjoy unforgettable moments during your awesome group travel
Experience 4 and 5 Star Hotels, excellent cuisine and a Michelin Guide restaurant
Enhance your wine experience and bring unforgettable moments with you back home
Thursday 22 March to Monday 26 March 2018
Beyond Portugal’s coastline of sandy beaches and jagged cliffs lies a diverse land steeped in over 800 years of rich history. Here, past and present are inextricably intertwined, and life’s simple pleasures reflect the abundant heritage. A place of sun, sea and mountains, history and cosmopolitanism. The truly relaxed and carefree spirit of Portugal’s inhabitants is balanced by its robust cultural diversity.
Geographically, Portugal is defined by its distinctive Atlantic flavor, which encompasses nature, beaches, gastronomy and entertainment. In this land filled with sunlight, the past reinforces the sense of the present. Here, medieval castles stand alongside modern architecture; Roman, Gothic and other monuments punctuate a landscape of beaches with deep blue seas and rolling green plains.
The never ending contrasts of historic villages and luxury resorts, the cuisine of great modern chefs and simple culinary traditions, contemporary art museums and prehistoric rock drawings, world class golf courses and busy vibrant avenues reflect the welcoming juxtaposition of Portugal. Here, people are creative, open and welcoming, and wish to share with you the best of everything they have and know.
Portugal’s winemakers have been equally conservative in one respect – keeping faith with their grapes. And no wonder! Portugal’s varieties are unique, with thrillingly different flavors. Yet quality-wise there has been no resting on traditional laurels. A quarter-century of investment, education, open-mindedness and flair has meant explosive change. Choice has multiplied too. Alongside co-ops and large companies, myriad estates now make their own distinctive wines.
Terroir is so diverse. From north to south, from east to west, from mountain to maritime vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from fizz to port, from crisp dry whites to elegant reds, in so many diverse ways, Portuguese wines are unique.
Porto/Douro:
The Porto wines are possibly the best known wines from the Douro regions and the ones that have traded internationally the longest. The Douro region however produces both the fortified Port wines as the lighter to bodied Douro wines. The Douro wines range from light, Bordeaux style claret to rich Burgundian style wines aged in new oak.
Day 1 Thu, 22 March
- Arrival at Porto int’l airport and transfer to hotel — Check-in hotel — Visit W & J Graham’s Winery (visit cellars with a Premium Tawny tasting) — Dinner@ VINUM Restaurant & wine bar
- Accomodation: Hotel Pestana Vintage in Porto
Day 2 Fri, 23 March
- Check-out hote – Drive to the Douro Valley – Visit winery Quinta das Carvalhas – Transfer to Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel — Check-in hotel and apero – Visit winery Quinta da Pacheca – Winery tour followed by Dinner – drive back to the Hotel
- Accomodation: Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel
Day 3 Sat, 24 March
- Jogging in the Wine yards (optional) — Today all transfers in Vintage Cars – Visit winery Quinta do Seixo — Visit Quinta do Pôpa — Free time in Peso da Régua City — Back to hotel and dinner@ Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel Restaurant
- Accomodation: Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel
Day 4 Sun, 25 March
- Check-out hotel – Transfer to Vinho Verde – Visit Quinta da Aveleda (lunch) – Transfer to Porto –Check-in hotel – Walk Porto city Tour (op.) – Transfer to Masterclass “Wines of Portugal” – Dinner@DOP restaurant Chef Rui Paula, a Michelin Guide restaurant – drive back to the Hotel
- Accomodation: Hotel Pestana Vintage in Porto
Day 5 Mon, 26 March
- Check-out hotel — Transfer to Porto int’l airport
Included in this Gourmet Wine Tour are
- Transfer from and to the the airport
- Round trip with the comfortable and modern bus,
day 3 transfer in lovely Vintage Cars - 2 nights 4*Hotel in a double room incl. Breakfast
- 2 nights 5*Hotel in a double room incl. Breakfast
- 4 dinner including wine in selected restaurants
- 3 light lunch
- Visit of 7 wineries
Participation Fee
Price includes the listed services in a double room: € 2.390,-
To book a room for single use plus € 300,-
The maximum number of participants is 20 people.
Book your Gourmet Wine Travel Event now
Safe your seat and enhance your wine Experience
Program
Day 1: Thursday 22 March 2018
Arrival at Porto international Airport – Transfer to the hotel by a private bus – Check-in hotel – Visit W & J Graham’s Winery – Dinner@VINUM Restaurant & wine bar
The 5-star Hotel Pestana Vintage Porto, in the heart of the Ribeira, is built on a set of buildings considered by UNESCO as World Heritage. The hotel located in the heart of Porto’s old town, next to Praça da Ribeira. Hotel Pestana Vintage is overlooking the Douro River, surrounded with a unique atmosphere, and charming little spots.
16h30 Transfer to W & J Graham’s Winery by a private bus.
W & J Graham’s is one of the most famous Port Wine Houses, located on a commanding ridge in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River. I it offers you spectacular views of Porto’s historic city center and the iconic two-tier bridge that connects the two cities of Oporto and Gaia. After the cellar visit it will follow a PREMIUM TAWNY TASTING with 10 Years Old Tawny and 20 Years Old Tawny.
Then we will have a lovely Dinner in VINUM RESTAURANT & WINE BAR. The dinner will be a 4 courses meal, specially created to be paired with the Douro fine wines.
After dinner we will return to the Hotel by a private bus.
Day 3: 24th March 2018
07h30 Jogging with Armin in the Wine yards (optional activity, meeting point Hotel lobby) Enjoy a different and charming morning in close contact with the vineyard whilst appreciating the views to the landscape slopes. And then enjoy a lovely breakfast.
9h15 Transfer to Quinta do Seixo in a Vintage Car.
Quinta do Seixo, situated in the sub-region of the Upper Corgo River, in the heart of the Douro Demarcated Region, covers an area of 99 hectares, of which 65 hectares are vineyards. The winiery is equipped with the most advanced wine-making technology, that you will see during a guided tour through the winery, Wine Cellar and “Robotic Lagares”. This journey will end in a contemporary room and a magnificent terrace with one of the best views over the Douro River and the wonderful landscape. We will taste and enjo 2 different Port Wines.
12h00 Transfer to Quinta do Pôpa in a Vintage Car.
We are now visiting Quinta do Pôpa. So we will learn about its history, meeting its people and tasting its wines in an informal atmosphere. Pôpa winery uses the latest technologies combined with the traditional foot treading method (pisa a pé). During our visit at the Pôpa winery followed by Brunch accompanied by Pôpa wines, under the passionate views over the Douro River.
15h00 Transfer back in a Vintage Car to the Hotel with “stop-over” in Peso da Régua City, (free time)
19h00 Dinner will take place in Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel Restaurant. This dinner will consist of 4 courses, mainly paired with the Casaldronho Wines. Casaldronho has their own Wine production, but the only place that you can taste and buy their wines are on property as they only produce for their guests. Close the night and taste a 50 Year Old Port Wine.
Day 5: Monday 26 March 2018 – Last day in paradise
Breakfast at the Hotel. Followed by check-out. Transfer to the airport by a private bus.
Day 2: Friday 23 March 2018
Hotel Pestana Vintage check-out – Drive to the Douro Valley – Visit winery Quinta das Carvalhas – Transfer to Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel – Check-in hotel and apero- – Visit winery Quinta da Pacheca – Winery tour and Dinner – transfer to the Hotel
09h00 Departure to the Douro Valley by a private bus. Visit Quinta das Carvalhas.
Quinta das Carvalhas, one of the most famous wine estates in the Douro Region, known for being the “crown jewel” of Real Companhia Velha. Visit the emblematic wine estate with a guided walking tour by Alvaro, while enjoying its scenic views through the vineyards. The tour includes also a tasting of the top Wines of Carvalhas (White, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Nacional & Vinhas Velhas), partnered with a platter of cheeses and finishing with a glass of Port.
14h30 Transfer to Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel by a private bus.
Welcome Apero in Quinta de Casaldronho, situated on the banks of the Douro River in Valdigem in, region of Lamego. Quinta De Casaldronho Wine is distinguished by being a hotel that harmoniously combines the contemporary design with the very essence of the typical elements of the area, as well as materials associated with the wine production, such as cork. Free time at the Hotel.
17h00 Transfer to Quinta da Pacheca by a private bus, for a Winery tour and Dinner.
Quinta da Pacheca is one of the best-known estates in the Douro region and one of the first properties to bottle wine under its own label. It is first mentioned in a document dated back in April 1738. During the visit, you will learn how Quinta da Pacheco produces its wines. methods, Then we will have dinner and the wines will be explained. (2 doc and 1 Port Tawny). Return to the Hotel by a private bus.
Day 4: Sunday 25 March 2018
Visit Quinta da Aveleda – Transfer to Porto –Check-in hotel – Walk Porto city Tour (walking) – Transfer to Masterclass “Wines of Portugal” – Dinner@DOP restaurant Chef Rui Paula, a Michelin Guide restaurant – drive back to the Hotel
09h00 Departure to Porto by a private bus with a stop-over/visit and Lunch in Quinta da Aveleda.
Quinta da Aveleda is a Wine Estate located in the Vinho Verde Region, the most unique wine region in the world with special characteristics that cannot be replied by other countries. Vinho Verde is the perfect simple summer wine. The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate is lost in time, but there are countless records of this estate after the 16th century. There you will have a guided tour along the bottling area, gardens, old winery and tasting room, with an Alvarinho wine tasting, followed by a light lunch.
15h15 Discover Porto Tour with Ana Sofia (optional activity, meeting point Hotel lobby)
The tour will bring you to the Clérigos Tower, designed and decorated by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. You will then see Livraria Lello, considered by Lonely Planet as one of the three most beautiful bookstores in the world. Passing through the Aliados Avenue you will find the São Bento Train Station where you can observe its twenty thousand painted tiles, depicting historical landmarks. Continue to Santa Catarina street, the shopping district of the city center, followed by the Bolhão Market, one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the city.
16h45 Transfer to Masterclass “Wines of Portugal”
Portugal is a truly unique wine growing country with its wealth of native grape varieties and terroirs from mountainous regions to more maritime climates, which produces a wide range of styles from crisp dry whites to full bodied spicy reds and of course the wonder that is Port. It is thought that grapes have been grown in the country for over 4000 years. Let’s learn all about this diversity in this Masterclass.
20h00 Transfer to Dinner Venue
To end this journey in style this Dinner will take place at Dop Restaurant which is a Michelin Guide restaurant located in the historical center of Oporto, a World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by the most beautiful monuments, emblematic symbols of the city. DOP restaurant offers you unforgettable gastronomic experiences, a journey through the true classics of Portuguese cuisine recreated by the hands of Chef Rui Paula.
In a relaxed, quiet and informal setting, enjoy a drink on the terrace while enjoying the historic city center. Then, let yourself be surprised by the suggestions, full of originality, which Rui Paula prepared for you.
Return to the Hotel Pestana Vintage by a private bus.
Day 1: Thursday 22 March 2018
Arrival at Porto international Airport – Transfer to the hotel by a private bus – Check-in hotel – Visit W & J Graham’s Winery – Dinner@VINUM Restaurant & wine bar
The 5-star Hotel Pestana Vintage Porto, in the heart of the Ribeira, is built on a set of buildings considered by UNESCO as World Heritage. The hotel located in the heart of Porto’s old town, next to Praça da Ribeira. Hotel Pestana Vintage is overlooking the Douro River, surrounded with a unique atmosphere, and charming little spots.
16h30 Transfer to W & J Graham’s Winery by a private bus.
W & J Graham’s is one of the most famous Port Wine Houses, located on a commanding ridge in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River. I it offers you spectacular views of Porto’s historic city center and the iconic two-tier bridge that connects the two cities of Oporto and Gaia. After the cellar visit it will follow a PREMIUM TAWNY TASTING with 10 Years Old Tawny and 20 Years Old Tawny.
Then we will have a lovely Dinner in VINUM RESTAURANT & WINE BAR. The dinner will be a 4 courses meal, specially created to be paired with the Douro fine wines.
After dinner we will return to the Hotel by a private bus.
Day 2: Friday 23 March 2018
Hotel Pestana Vintage check-out – Drive to the Douro Valley – Visit winery Quinta das Carvalhas – Transfer to Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel – Check-in hotel and apero- – Visit winery Quinta da Pacheca – Winery tour and Dinner – transfer to the Hotel
09h00 Departure to the Douro Valley by a private bus. Visit Quinta das Carvalhas.
Quinta das Carvalhas, one of the most famous wine estates in the Douro Region, known for being the “crown jewel” of Real Companhia Velha. Visit the emblematic wine estate with a guided walking tour by Alvaro, while enjoying its scenic views through the vineyards. The tour includes also a tasting of the top Wines of Carvalhas (White, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Nacional & Vinhas Velhas), partnered with a platter of cheeses and finishing with a glass of Port.
14h30 Transfer to Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel by a private bus.
Welcome Apero in Quinta de Casaldronho, situated on the banks of the Douro River in Valdigem in, region of Lamego. Quinta De Casaldronho Wine is distinguished by being a hotel that harmoniously combines the contemporary design with the very essence of the typical elements of the area, as well as materials associated with the wine production, such as cork. Free time at the Hotel.
17h00 Transfer to Quinta da Pacheca by a private bus, for a Winery tour and Dinner.
Quinta da Pacheca is one of the best-known estates in the Douro region and one of the first properties to bottle wine under its own label. It is first mentioned in a document dated back in April 1738. During the visit, you will learn how Quinta da Pacheco produces its wines. methods, Then we will have dinner and the wines will be explained. (2 doc and 1 Port Tawny). Return to the Hotel by a private bus.
Day 3: 24th March 2018
07h30 Jogging with Armin in the Wine yards (optional activity, meeting point Hotel lobby) Enjoy a different and charming morning in close contact with the vineyard whilst appreciating the views to the landscape slopes. And then enjoy a lovely breakfast.
9h15 Transfer to Quinta do Seixo, by a private bus.
Quinta do Seixo, situated in the sub-region of the Upper Corgo River, in the heart of the Douro Demarcated Region, covers an area of 99 hectares, of which 65 hectares are vineyards. The winiery is equipped with the most advanced wine-making technology, that you will see during a guided tour through the winery, Wine Cellar and “Robotic Lagares”. This journey will end in a contemporary room and a magnificent terrace with one of the best views over the Douro River and the wonderful landscape. We will taste and enjo 2 different Port Wines.
12h00 Transfer to Quinta do Pôpa by a private bus.
We are now visiting Quinta do Pôpa. So we will learn about its history, meeting its people and tasting its wines in an informal atmosphere. Pôpa winery uses the latest technologies combined with the traditional foot treading method (pisa a pé). During our visit at the Pôpa winery followed by Brunch accompanied by Pôpa wines, under the passionate views over the Douro River.
15h00 Transfer back to the Hotel with “stop-over” in Peso da Régua City, (free time)
19h00 Dinner will take place in Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel Restaurant. This dinner will consist of 4 courses, mainly paired with the Casaldronho Wines. Casaldronho has their own Wine production, but the only place that you can taste and buy their wines are on property as they only produce for their guests. Close the night and taste a 50 Year Old Port Wine.
Day 4: Sunday 25 March 2018
Visit Quinta da Aveleda – Transfer to Porto –Check-in hotel – Walk Porto city Tour (walking) – Transfer to Masterclass “Wines of Portugal” – Dinner@DOP restaurant Chef Rui Paula, a Michelin Guide restaurant – drive back to the Hotel
09h00 Departure to Porto by a private bus with a stop-over/visit and Lunch in Quinta da Aveleda.
Quinta da Aveleda is a Wine Estate located in the Vinho Verde Region, the most unique wine region in the world with special characteristics that cannot be replied by other countries. Vinho Verde is the perfect simple summer wine. The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate is lost in time, but there are countless records of this estate after the 16th century. There you will have a guided tour along the bottling area, gardens, old winery and tasting room, with an Alvarinho wine tasting, followed by a light lunch.
15h15 Discover Porto Tour with Ana Sofia (optional activity, meeting point Hotel lobby)
The tour will bring you to the Clérigos Tower, designed and decorated by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. You will then see Livraria Lello, considered by Lonely Planet as one of the three most beautiful bookstores in the world. Passing through the Aliados Avenue you will find the São Bento Train Station where you can observe its twenty thousand painted tiles, depicting historical landmarks. Continue to Santa Catarina street, the shopping district of the city center, followed by the Bolhão Market, one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the city.
16h45 Transfer to Masterclass “Wines of Portugal”
Portugal is a truly unique wine growing country with its wealth of native grape varieties and terroirs from mountainous regions to more maritime climates, which produces a wide range of styles from crisp dry whites to full bodied spicy reds and of course the wonder that is Port. It is thought that grapes have been grown in the country for over 4000 years. Let’s learn all about this diversity in this Masterclass.
20h00 Transfer to Dinner Venue
To end this journey in style this Dinner will take place at Dop Restaurant which is a Michelin Guide restaurant located in the historical center of Oporto, a World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by the most beautiful monuments, emblematic symbols of the city. DOP restaurant offers you unforgettable gastronomic experiences, a journey through the true classics of Portuguese cuisine recreated by the hands of Chef Rui Paula.
In a relaxed, quiet and informal setting, enjoy a drink on the terrace while enjoying the historic city center. Then, let yourself be surprised by the suggestions, full of originality, which Rui Paula prepared for you.
Return to the Hotel Pestana Vintage by a private bus.
Day 5: Monday 26 March 2018 – Last day in paradise
Breakfast at the Hotel. Followed by check-out. Transfer to the airport by a private bus.
Booking
Price does not include:
• Flight to and from Oporto
• Travel Insurance
• Additional alcoholic beverages, which are not included in the program
• Other extras or services, which not included in the program
• Tips in restaurants and for the bus drivers, etc.
Contact
Armin H. Müller
arminius_mueller@hotmail.com / Mobile: 076 3377722
We are very pleased about your participation and timely registration with
complete address and mobile number,
Please register: arminius_mueller@hotmail.com / Tel: +41 76 3377722 or online on the website under http://gourmet-weinreisen.ch/buchung.shtml
After booking you will receive a confirmation email and before the trip you will get all information and a detailed program. This is not a binding program, as program changes are possible. 50% of the travel price will be paid on booking
and the balance will be paid up to 2 months before departure. The money transfer to all means is at the same time a binding booking. In case you would like to stay in a double room, but you booked without a partner, you will get the confirmation, depending on the booking situation, either for a double or for a single room. In the case of a cancellation, each participant is obliged to have either a travel cancellation insurance or to provide another participant as substitute.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards
Armin H. Müller
Diplom Sommelier SVS /ASSP