Foodie Tours: The Port Wines of Portugal

Glasses of port wine on a culinary tour of Portugal.Port wines may hail from Portugal, but their name actually comes from the city of Oporto along the coast, as that is where the wines are often exported. But there’s much more to the wine than the origins of its name.

The fortified Portuguese wine, which guests can learn more about during our cooking vacation “Seaside Cooking in Portugal,” dates back to the late 17th century. It’s produced in the demarcated region of the Duoro Valley, and the wine gets its sweetness from grape spirits, or brandy, that is added during production.

Check our all our Portugal culinary vacations.

Port wineDue to its sweetness, Ports are often considered dessert wines, but they can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or an after dinner drink. Some ports, particularly full-bodied Vintage ones, also match well with soft cheeses, while white ports can complement a savory entree. One thing all these different vintages have in common is that their alcohol content is high, typically between 19% and 22%. If you’re looking for a wine that has been aged, try the Vintage. For a younger wine, start with Ruby ports.

See our recipes for Port wine cocktails.

The waterfront of Porto as seen on a Porto wine tour and Portugal cooking vacation.Our culinary vacations in Portugal will introduce you to special port wines with a tastings during the itinerary. Additionally, if you have less time to spend in Portugal, consider a wine tasting tour in Lisbon, which includes a premium tasting unlike any other. In addition to sampling premium port wines, including a tawny — often aged for seven years in wood barrels, you’ll discover the best in Portuguese cuisine, such as award-winning cheese and Pata Negra ham.

Learn more about Portuguese wines.

Cheers! Or, as they say in Portugal, “Tchin Tchin!”

You can try some our favorite Portuguese recipes, including:

By Liz Hall

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