Day 13: Douro Valley, Portugal

Today I head to the Douro Valley where the grapes for port wine are grown.  I was on an organized bus tour which was a larger group than I wanted but at least I was getting where I wanted to go.  We made a stop in Amarante, Portugal.  It was a brief stop to look inside the church and grab a snack at the bakery.

I was not impressed with my choice at the bakery . . . 

. . . surprisingly they were all sweet but at least the view was good.  Back on the bus for a scenic drive to a boat ride down the Douro River.

We finally arrived at the oldest port house in the world, Quinta de São Luiz founded in 1638.  Quinta de São Luiz is the origin of the brand Kopke. 

I loved walking around the vineyards and seeing the process.  Not only do they grow grapes but also olives and citrus on property among the grapes.  I learned there are four types of port wine:  Ruby, LBV (late bottled vintage), Tawny, and White.  I probably learned this yesterday but forgot.  I also found it interesting that they use multiple varieties of grapes to make a port not just one type of grape.

The tasting was a bit of a disappointment as we only tasted one port wine in addition to a white wine and red wine . . . the reserve tawny port was my favorite.

I was also amazed at how low the price of a bottle of port wine cost, 14€!  I am sure I will regret this in the future when I see the prices back home.  

Our final stop was at an amazing viewpoint . . . the clouds had moved in so it was not so clear . . .

. . . and then the long drive back to Porto.  Our tour group was rather lively . . . well at least two young ladies (one from the US and the other from Chirimia).  They took control of the music and  the tour bus turned into a sing a long.  These two started drinking after our first stop this morning when they some how found a market and bought two bottles of wine and proceeded to start drinking.  They sure kept us laughing . . . then they passed out and one got sick so we had to stop for a sick call before we arrived back in the city.  It was a great day but back to hotel to repack for my final move of the trip.