Visiting the winemakers in Portugal
 

Does anyone have specific input as to where and how to visit the wineries in northern or central Portugal.. addresses, phone numbers, etc... will be visiting in early May.. thanks

Check out: http://www.winesofportugal.info

In northern Portugal, in the Douro River Valley, you'll find a number of excellent wineries, adagas, producing great Port and red wines; Quinta de Vallado (www.quintadovallado.com) and Quinta de Pégo (http://quintadopego.com) are only two to consider.

There are several wineries around Lisbon, but for the best wines, you'll have to travel further east to the Alentejo, where you will find Esporão (http://esporao.com), Herdade da Malhadinha Nova (www.malhadinhanova.pt) and Herdade dos Grous (www.herdadedosgrous.com/), to cover just three.

You will need to reserve a visit in advance. Visits can take 1-1/2 to 4 hours.

You can also read: "Exploring the Alto Douro Wine Region - Caldas de Aregos to Pinhāo" and "Wining & Dining in Portugal’s Alentejo - Arraiolos to Vila Viçosa", for more information.

Late last year I spent three nights in Evora. I did a wine tour arranged by Michelle, who worked at my hotel: http://adcevora.com

I highly recommend the hotel and Michelle. We visited two wineries and ate lunch in Estremoz. I particularly liked http://donamaria.pt/en/estate/

Note that if you are in Lisbon you should make sure to visit the Solar do Vinho do Porto.

If you contact Michelle, tell her Kathy of mytimetotravel says Hi.

The main winemakers in Northern Portugal, the Douro, are known as the Douro Boys. They are 5 main producers and you'll find lots of information here: http://www.douroboys.com/

Bravo Zulu... Good job, and thanks so much. great start from all you guys... gotta do my checking now.. Cheers

The Douro Boys does not include one of our favorites, Quinta de Pégo, which is owned by a Danish wine importer, and the propertey is listed as one of the top 25 Small Hotels in Portugal. The wine maker is Manuel Henrique de Silva.