Portugal

Inside the tasting room of Fonseca Porto Winery

Using the self timer, Greg and I wanted to be sure to capture this memorable time in the Portugal Douro Region

As well as terraced vineyards, they also have terraced roadways

I truly enjoyed this day in the Portuguese vineyards

Tour boat headed to the Town of Pinhao

The Douro Region (on the way to Quinta do Panascal)

Day 6: (June 10, 2010)












Today was a holiday in Portugal but that did not hold us back.












We had our delicious breakfast in our Palace Hotel and then headed for Quinta do Panascal (Fonseca Porto) - a winery and port house in the Douro region.












This region was spectacular with its hundreds of acres of terraced vineyards that are tended to by hand. At the Fonseca Porto Winery we were able to take a self-guided audio tour through the vineyards. It was a very unique experience. It was so peaceful to be in the actual vineyards learning the land and the grape process. We were the only visitors at the time so the experience was exceptionally special. Greg tasted more port wines and we enjoyed our lunch at the winery (proscuitto sandwiches with cambert, fruit and chocolate). The tour and tasting was free - something we are not used to.












After spending 2.5 hrs. touring the vineyards and taking in the incredible sights, we finished our visit and headed for Sandeman Port House in the Quinta do Seixo. They had a very sophisicated tour and a beautiful tasting room. Here Greg sampled 7 ports -- all different styles and flavors. He enjoyed talking with the port specialist and learning new details about Port wines. This winery had a spectacular view of the Douro Region.












We spent the entire day in the Port Region of Portugal and enjoyed every minute.












We finished our day taking a tour of the local mall and having dinner.
After this long day, we enjoyed a sauna at our hotel and settled in for the night. Looking forward to our day tomorrow when we head for Lisbon.












Happy trails,
V












P.S. Hi Betty - you and Barney are truly missed and I know you would truly savor the sights of this beautiful country.