» Experience Portugal http://www.vbt.com/blog Connecting you with the rest of the world Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:20:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 A Glimpse of Porto http://www.vbt.com/blog/experience-portugal/a-glimpse-of-porto/ http://www.vbt.com/blog/experience-portugal/a-glimpse-of-porto/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:20:26 +0000 admin http://www.vbt.com/blog/?p=1292

In his piece, 36 Hours in Porto, NY Times Travel writer, Seth Sherwood unveils a revitalized Porto, Portugal. From street food and shopping, to a thriving art scene and noble architecture, Porto’s intrigue extends well-beyond its vitnering heritage. Of course, few travelers will find themselves impervious to the temptation of the Douro Valley’s famed varietal, Port, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample some, but visitors will also find a number of worthy rivals among Portugal’s ample selection of domestic wines. On VBT’s walking Tour of Portugal, travelers can take advantage of a three day extension in Porto, enjoying all that the budding metropolis has to offer. Enjoy 36 Hours in Porto.

]]> http://www.vbt.com/blog/experience-portugal/a-glimpse-of-porto/feed/ 0 The Wines of Portugal http://www.vbt.com/blog/experience-portugal/the-wines-of-portugal/ http://www.vbt.com/blog/experience-portugal/the-wines-of-portugal/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:27:42 +0000 Al Duggan http://www.vbt.com/blog/?p=901 With a wine producing heritage that dates back to the 2nd century, well before the modern establishment of the country, Portugal has had generations to perfect the art of winemaking. Through a dedication to the use of only indigenous grapes, the coastal nation has excelled in developing a collection of distinct and unrivalled varietals.

In the heart of Portugal’s Beira Alta, which features ranging altitudes between 650 and 3000 feet above sea level, sits the Dão wine region. Produced at a host of successful vineyards, Dão is primarily noted for balanced reds, great for pairing with food.  However, recently, Dão has managed to produce some very popular white wines as well.

Home to both Vinho Verde andPort,Portugal’s northern portion lays claim to the country’s most celebrated wines. The Minho region of Portugal gives us Vinho Verde, which literally translates as “Green Wine” in reference to a slight tinge of green at the wine’s edges. Vinho Verdes are intended to be enjoyed at a young age, generally within a year of bottling. And complementing their freshness, a slight, secondary fermentation yields a delightfully light sparkle in most.

It would be inappropriate, to say the least, to engage in a discussion of Portuguese wine and not mention its virtual namesake, “Port.” While Portugal is home to many fine wines, it was Port that put really put its vineyards on the map in the 17th century. The delectable potable was made in the Duoro Valley, then shipped west along the Duoro River to the city of Porto (from which it gets its name), where it would finally be exported to the rest of Europe. In fact, Port was so popular internationally that it resulted in the Duoro Valley becoming the very first delimitated wine region in the world, long before any other demarcated region in Europe.

There are many varieties of fortified wines produced globally, and some very popular ones at that. Yet most expert and amateur wine lovers agree that the distinct Ports cultivated in the Duoro Valley have remained unmatched since their conception. Join us on our Walking Portugal’s Douro River Valley vacation and sample all that Dão, Minho, and the Duoro Valley have to offer as we enjoy some of the most unique wines and landscapes in the world.

 

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