Portugal Wine Travel - 2006 Harvest Tour - Part 3 and other Pinhão, Portugal Things to Do Tips

2006 Harvest Tour - Part 3
Like an unforgettable time on your honeymoon, there are some things that can be revisited, but they never live up to the memory of the first time. Ask any individual who spent the next four days with us in the Douro and they’ll all say the same thing regarding our exploration and exploits in the Douro. [...]

Quinta do Crasto

It had been a year since my previous visit to this extraordinary property a few kilometers west of Pinhao, situated on the north bank of the Douro. The property offers a diversity of terrain and vineyards with field blends and newer block plantings of segregated varietals. They all enjoy South facing solar exposures with two exemplary “vinha velha” (old vine) vineyards, Vinha da Ponte and Vinha Maria Teresa, both of which are producing fantastic Douro reds and are gaining a world wide reputation, and in Portugal along with the mono-varietal Touriga Nacional, this trio has rightfully reached “cult” status. [...]

Quinta Do Vesuvio

[...] Since my very first visit to Portugal in 1994, there have been two incredible moments in my Port loving life: #1 was a luncheon at The Factory House and introduction to the heads of the British Port Shippers in May 1994. #2 was my enthronement into the IVDP’s Confraria (brotherhood) and having my wife join me for this honor and ensuing celebration (June 2003). What followed next takes the #3 spot for me, made even better since I know it was something we could all share and it was the first time for every member of our group. In fact the next hour of our lives would make for the most memorable experience during the course of the entire Harvest Tour, which is saying a lot. [...]

Written by Roy Hersh in March 2007.
Click here for more on the For The Love Of Port website.

Leave a Comment

Website: www.fortheloveofport.com
Other Contact: Email: PortoLover@aol.com

In October 2005, Mr David Spriggs toured the Port Wine vineyards & wineries in the Douro Valley. This Tip features parts of his report.

---

GREATEST Port trip ever!
[...] Day 4 –
[...]
We awoke in the morning and packed our bags for the big move from Oporto to the Douro. We took the train from Oporto to Regua. Waiting for us there was the winemaker for Quinta do Tedo. We piled our bags in and rode to Quinta do Tedo for lunch and then a tasting.
[...]
After lunch we drove into Pinhão and settled into our hotel. Most everyone took a nap and prepared for our dinner at Quinta do Noval. The drive to Noval is long and windy, but worthwhile for the views. When we arrived we were greeted and taken on the tour. It was raining and we got to see the Nacional vineyard, but not at its best. We saw the granite lagares with their special robotic plungers. Noval uses a combination of foot trodden and robotics – a good combination.

[...] Day 5 -
[...]
We started the day with a wonderful breakfast and then off to our first appointment. Today we started at Quinta da Vista Alegre. We toured the substantial facilities and then went on a Jeep ride to see the property and the spectacular view from the top of the vineyard. Wow! The vineyards are really in a favored position for port wines – south facing, just down river from Pinhão.

---

Click here for the complete David Spriggs' Port Wine Tour report.
For future Tours to the Port Wine country, please visit
For The Love Of Port - www.fortheloveofport.com

Leave a Comment

Once in Pinhão any visitor will easily find signage for Boat Rides on the Douro river.

The offer is vast and trips are relaxing & very enjoyable. I can confirm you about this by heart :)

Leave a Comment

Praia Fluvial, the river beach, is my favourite area in small Pinhão. I guess that most of the travellers that cross Pinhão definitely miss this enjoyable area.

The whole area has been totally recovered a few years ago (I'm not sure about the specifics about this) and it turn out to be much more convenient for boats to load & unload people.

Pinhão's railway station is just a short walk distance.

Leave a Comment

Pinhão's Railway Station is considered (probably) the most beautiful in the whole Portugal. Its exterior walls are decorated with Tile Panels depicting the Port Wine theme.

The Tile Panels were painted by J.Oliveira in 1937 and produced by Aleluia factory in Aveiro (in central Portugal).

Two particular Panels got particular historical attention since these represent two landscapes now gone: the Cachão da Valeira, and the iron bridge of Ferradosa.

Click here to see my Travelogue on the Tiles of Pinhão's railway station.

Leave a Comment

Directions: in the centre of the village

A popular saying in the Douro Valley says the Douro Valley is 9 months of Winter and 3 months of Hell !!!

Well..., the three months of hell emphasis how HOT the weather might be during Summer time. I've been there and can tell about that :-), hehehe ...

Anyway, when the weather gets that hot, nothing better that just take a swim in a swimming pool in the area. Silval Rural Wine Hotel is likely to provide that service for its guests.

Leave a Comment

Phone: (+351) 254-730-060
Address: Quinta do Silval, 5085-104 Vale de Mendiz (Pinhão)
Directions: Quinta do Silval is located 6 Km north Pinhão, driving towards Alijó.
Website: www.quintadosilval.com
Other Contact: info@quintadosilval.com