Overview
DAY 1 | Porto
Begin your day with a private guided visit to the newest of the British-owned Port companies, founded in 1981 by Johnny Graham. As the name Graham would suggest, Johnny’s family has a background in the Port trade: his family-owned Graham, one of the most well-known of the Port houses which was sold to the Symington’s in 1970. Churchill’s Port grew from John Graham’s desire to continue his family’s Port making tradition by setting up a company to produce his own, individual style of wine. It was his wife, Caroline Churchill, who provided the company with its name.
Churchill’s is today positioned in the industry as a high-quality boutique Port and Douro Wine Company, specializing in premium Port and Douro Wine categories. You will be invited to a lectured wine tasting with some of their best wines.
Lunch (not included) will be served in a highly recommended restaurant born out of a wish to reflect the specific terroir of our wines, combined with the international and cosmopolitan flavor of Portuguese cuisine.
After being delighted with the tasty lunch, enjoy a private guided visit to the leading producer of quality Port company, which was founded in 1820. The impeccable pedigree of its superb Vintage Ports represents the pinnacle of fine winemaking. The supreme quality benchmark set by these wines is presented throughout the entire Graham’s range of Ports. The keynotes of the Graham house style are exceptional concentration and power, opulent richness, great poise and elegance as well as remarkable longevity. Enjoy a private lectured VIP wine tasting.
- Possible wine cellar upgrade;
- Not feasible on Sunday’s afternoons, June 24th, December 24th, 25th and 31st and January 1st.
DAY 2 | Douro Valley
Hit the road towards Douro Valley, the world’s oldest wine region. Your journey begins with a stop on a charming family-owned wine estate, one of the best-known properties in the Douro and also one of the first to bottle wines with its own brand.
This Wine Estate is mentioned for the first time in a document dated April 1738. However, it was only in 1903 that Dom José Freire de Serpa Pimentel decided to develop his interest in oenology, bought the property and began to devote to the winemaking business.
You will be warmly received and will enjoy a private tour through the cellars, followed by lectured wine tasting.
Lunch (not included) will be served in the charming restaurant of the wine estate. The building, construction of the 18th century, is decorated in an authentic style, yet with modern conveniences, and offers a gourmet cuisine based on local products, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
After lunch, marvel with a private river cruise aboard a typical Rabelo boat.
Until the end of the 19th century, the Douro River was the main access route to the interior regions and the only means of importing foreign products. A difficult river and risky to navigate, there was only one type of boat that could overcome its natural obstacles, the Rabelo Boat. The robustness of the boat and the ability of the first crews made it possible to carry large barrels of wine above the river.
With the help of a local guide, discover the green vineyards, stratified culture and stunning natural beauty of the Douro Valley. Marvel at the beautiful slopes, heavily planted with vines, which offers breathtaking views of one of the most impressive man-shaped landscapes in the world.
For lunch (not included), we suggest an innovative restaurant combining history and modern cuisine.
- Possible winery and/or cruise upgrade;
Not feasible on December 24th and 25th.
