OPORTO, PORTUGAL

After departing the ship we travel to the northern interior, heading towards Quinta da Aveleda – a farm located in the countryside near the town of Aveleda, close to the Penafiel in the region known as Vinho Verde (Green Wine).

After departing the ship we travel to the northern interior, heading towards Quinta da Aveleda – a farm located in the countryside near the town of Aveleda, close to the Penafiel in the region known as Vinho Verde (Green Wine). This area commences south of Oporto and continues to the Spanish border. Vinho Verde is only produced in the north of Portugal on a demarcated region that has been internationally recognised since 1973. This means that no wine may be grown elsewhere with this name, and also that Vinho Verde can only be produced in Portugal within the boudaries of this demarcated region. Vinho Verde is a light; semi – sparkling wine usually drunk chilled. It should not be left to mature in cellars; drink within a year. Upon arrival at Quinta da Aveleda we will be greeted by its large entrance gate, surrounded with magnificent century-old trees. We will proceed through the estate, passing the beautiful gardens and the vineyards. Interestingly the vines are kept clear from the ground, draped on trees or specially constructed trellisers. This serves as a double purpose – firstly it frees the land beneath for cultivation, and secondly, it protects the wine against damp and parasitic rot. We will have a tour of the bottling factory, where we can see the winemaking process before enjoying a tasting. Please note that this tour involves approximately 45 minutes of walking over uneven ground during the visit to the gardens and the bottling factory of Quinta da Aveleda. This excursion cannot operate on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays and during the whole month of August.