Let’s start 2025 strong with our first virtual learning (and optional tasting) experience on Wednesday, January 22 at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern. In 30 minutes, we’ll virtually travel to Portugal’s fascinating Douro Valley in order to learn more about the unique wines produced, mouthwatering regional cuisine and a few of my favorite restaurants, wow-worthy places to stay, and not-to-be-missed spots to visit. Having visited the Douro Valley a few times, I’m excited to share so much of what I continue to find intriguing.
When: Wednesday, January 22 at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern
Where: On Zoom wherever you are
What: We’ll learn about the wines, food, and travel options in Portugal’s iconic Douro Valley.
Who: Anyone whose interest is piqued by the history and culture of the Douro Valley, those who would love to travel there one day and need solid background information, and anyone who wants to explore the world of wine.
Cost: A ticket is $15 per device OR complimentary to those who have purchased the course “Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!)” Tickets are limited so register asap! Bonus? If you register and can not make the experience in person, I’ll send you the recording.
How: Register on Eventbrite HERE. If you have already purchased the course, I will send the promo code for complimentary access to you via email, Instagram or Facebook.
A Few Teasers About What to Expect at the Essentials of the Douro Valley Experience
Let’s talk about white port, a blend of several grape varieties authorized and grown in the Douro Valley. Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato and Viosinhoare used in the blend that varies according to each Port house and the style it wants to produce. White port, light, fresh and fruit-forward, may present subtle honey and nut aromas and may range from sweet to dry. Classic white ports are aged for 2-3 years in large vats. Fine White Ports are aged for 3-4 years in a combination of large wooden vats and stainless-steel tanks. Aged whites are blends with 10, 20, 30 or more than 40 years of aging in seasoned oak casks. During lunch at Barão Fladgate Restaurant on another trip to Portugal, I sipped and savored white port once again – this time it was dry. Fresh, fruit aromas with moderate acidity and subtle notes of oak and bright fruit notes on the palate led to a lingering finish. Since the lunch at Taylor’s, I’ve sipped white port as an aperitif with potato chips, pate and salted almonds and as a dessert with a generous pour over lime sorbet!
For any history buff, a visit to the Douro Valley isn’t complete until you’ve strolled through the Douro Museum (Rua Marques de Pombal 5050-282 Preso da Regua), devoted to promoting the legacy and heritage of the Douro Valley and Port wines. The museum itself is in the restored Casa da Companhia Velha initially designed in 1756 to accommodate administrative functions, winemaking and wine storage, and a court to handle cases related to the Company’s jurisdiction area. It also provided a temporary home for employees and winemakers from around the Douro that had to travel to Regua in order to negotiate the wines at the yearly fair. Clearly, the building is justly termed “one of the most emblematic buildings in the history of the Douro Region.”
You’re a foodie who loves a good view? Lunch doesn’t get much better than tranquil views of the Douro River, exceptional food by a renowned chef and outstanding wines. I found just the place at DOC Restaurant in Folgosa, Armamar on the road along the river between Régua and Pinhão. The restaurant sits on a base with a wooden deck extending over the river – two piers with a capacity for 15 boats, a wine cellar and parking area enhance the contemporary space. Our group savored every moment of lunch during which foie gras terrine with a glass of Raposeira Super Reserva Blanc de Blancs Bruto, rice with freshly caught fish and crayfish with Mapa white wine and a finale of chocolate and mascarpone with Quinta da Corte Tawny Port showcased Chef Rui Paula’s creativity.
I look forward to seeing you on January 22 for wine, food and travel tips that will inspire you to book your trip then pack your bags for the Douro Valley. Be sure to register HERE! Tickets are limited.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
You haven’t purchase the online wine course yet? Get complimentary access to virtual wine, food and travel experiences when you do! Here you go…
For more Grape Experiences, your free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” and a coupon code towards your purchase of my online course “Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!)” click here.
