MITCHELL MCCLUNG
Travel Courier recently participated in a fam trip that emphasized Portugal’s Porto and North region in anticipation of new lift from Air Canada.
Bom vinho, boa vida or good wine, good life is a phrase that rings true when visiting Porto and the North. On a recent trip to this region, Travel Courier discovered the culture, the amenities and all that the land and sea has to offer. Portugal is known for its culinary delights, wine (and port) and kind hospitality. Beginning in June, the region will be even more accessible with the launch of Air Canada’s Montreal-Porto route.
“Last year, nearly 600,000 Canadians visited Portugal and had a significant economic impact, when weighted against other source nations, they were among the highest spenders, stayed longer and tended to be more inclined to immerse themselves in the culture,” says Inês Almeida Garrett, director Canada, Portugal Tourism.
WOW or World of Wine is an official city district in Gaia that’s dedicated to the history of wine, and especially Port wine. Clients can dine at 12 restaurants, go through museums and pop into many tasting rooms. The old Port wine warehouses, located on the edge of the Duoro River, were reconstructed and refurbished and are only a short walk away from the city centre.
Porto is a great walking city, making it easy for clients to stumble across many markets and elaborate architectural features tiled in the most intricate ways. One stop that should be on every traveller’s list is the Lello Bookstore. The bookstore first opened in 1881 and is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Using Porto as your client’s starting point to explore the North, here are some ways to inspire their itinerary. While wine and Port can be found in every region of Portugal, there is something special about being immersed in one of the regions of production. Located in Aramante, roughly 45 minutes from Porto, clients can take part in The Wine Maker for a Day program at the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, which is set in a working vineyard. The experience can include 5-star dining and wine tasting, and allows travellers to concoct their own wine. Staying here for one or two nights would offer guests a relaxing break as they travel through the region.
Meanwhile, Guimarães, the 2012 European Capital of Culture, is located 50 minutes from Porto. The well-preserved medieval architecture won’t disappoint. Winding and narrow streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, shops and monasteries. Located on a hill overlooking Guimaraes, sits the 12th century Monastery now Hotel Pousada Mosteiro de Guimaraes and is another unique option.
On the way to Braga, located just 40 minutes from Porto, the city of Matosinhos showcases how fishing and the seaward way of life still permeate to this day. Here, some of the most storied and revered sardine processing companies still exist. At Pinhais & Cia Sardine (and other fishes) Museum and Canning plant, guests will be able to watch an active production line, all done by hand by locals who often have worked decades at the plant. Pinhais also offers a tasting room dedicated to the visitor’s experience where service begins with fresh bread, olive oil and, of course, a selection of their products. Wine is also included. The 5-star Lince Santa Clara Hotel, originally built as a monastery in 1318 is a declared a national monument of Portugal. This hotel with its Gothic, Baroque & Rococo characteristics should not be overlooked.
In Braga, the oldest city in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, another unique option is the Vila Gale Collection Braga. The 500-year-old building has quite a history, serving first as a Hostel for the Templar Convents and more recently as a hospital (1559 – 2011). The 123-room hotel has a variety of suites and is located centrally in Braga and has a beautiful courtyard in front. When exploring Braga, clients will find modern shops, traditional cafes, restaurants reminiscent of old medieval architecture, all modernly preserved.
A must-see that’s roughly a 1h:45 minute drive from Porto is Douro, a region that needs little introduction. Its photo-worthy rolling hills have been crafted by centuries of wine cultivation. The Duoro River and its valleys are unique to wine regions around Europe. In addition to day cruising, clients can participate in pottery-making followed by a private lunch specially crafted with the local tour provider Come Na 2.
Travellers can reach Pinhao, considered the geographical centre of the Duoro region, by train from Porto. Arriving at the tiled and historic small train station, clients can embark on a variety of activities like hiking the hills, day cruises and of course, touring of some of the most famous and storied Portuguese wine and port brands.
On the edge of Pinhao is the scenic Quinta Da Roeda by Croft. In addition to being a working vineyard, the estate has a substantial and curated day visitor’s program. Along with tasting various types of port in its purpose-built tasting room, guests will also be able to take tours, have picnics, take part in a BBQ for groups with regional flair and depending on the time of year, even participate in the wine-making process. The wine shop is the place to pick up a bottle of Port to take home.
Situated high up in the Duoro Canyons overlooking the river, is the Vila Gale Duoro Vineyards. Agro and wine tourism is the theme, and guests are able to enjoy suites overlooking the valley and should they be inclined, a wine and port tasting can be arranged in the specialty built cave cellar.
As Air Canada increases its lift to Portugal with the launch of the Montreal-Porto route, it’s inevitable that more culinary and adventure-seeking Canadians will want to discover this region and all the authentic experiences that are on offer.
