I’d love to share my experience with you of one of my favourite places in Portugal, the Douro Valley. As posted recently on my Instagram handle, I embarked on a tour with Grape Discoveries which I’d selected because it gives a completely curated experience in small groups for an authentic and absolutely intimate experience.
Grape Discoveries was founded by James Mayor who to my utter delight took us himself to tour the Douro Valley. The surroundings themselves are worth going for, but with James’ incredible insider knowledge on these hidden little corners of wine country tucked among the gorgeous terraced landscapes, it’s one of my most treasured memories.
At 9:15, James picked us up in Porto where we would proceed along the beautiful lands to two wineries and finish with Port wine tasting. Could I pick a favourite? Not at all, because each one was sublime in its own right.
On our way to Bomfim, we popped into a village called Provesende. It was like stepping back into time to wander through this enchanting, cosy little place. In the centre, there’s a granite fountain that I was told dates back to 1755, and there’s this traditional bakery that’s been there since 1940. I found it fascinating to feel as though I’d come light years away from modern society and that it just felt so good to be there.
At 12:00, we were in Quinta de Bomfim where a fabulous visit and tasting took place. The peacefulness, the beauty, and the indulgences of good food and good wine made me feel like I could want for nothing else.
Symington Family Estates was our destination for one of the tastings. The Quinta de Bomfim is just one of its 27 immaculate properties. Symington Family Estates is the leading wine producer in the Douro Valley. A tour of the winery and a tasting of the ports wines while gazing out at the beauty of the land is the kind of day I wish I could have every day.
We also enjoyed a splendid Terrace Picnic overlooking the Douro.
In the afternoon, we drove along the scenically beautiful Douro to Quinta do Panascal which makes port for Fonseca. It’s one of the first in the Douro Valley to be open to the public, having welcomed them in since 1992. I loved the audio tour, which is available in 9 different languages, allowing you to roam as you wish through the vineyards for those dramatic hilltop views overlooking the Távora River. With it, you can choose from 4 tastings.
Being high above the Douro and discovering the humbling beauty of this land was such a soothing experience. Between the breathtaking views and the impeccable wines, James and Grape Discoveries had given me a wonderful time.
By 19:30, we were back in Porto, though my mind was still in the Douro. Many times even still, I find my mind wandering there to the landscapes that brought me such peace. When I’m far, I uncork a treasured wine from the region, take a sip, and revel in reliving the experience.
