A new exclusive fall tour of Portugal gives insight into the Madeira and Douro wine regions. Sagres Vacations’ "Grape Expectations" explores Madeira and the Douro during the fall harvest; travelers can enjoy 10 nights at four- and five-star hotels and boutique wineries, including the 17th-century family-owned winery at Quinta do Vallado in the Douro Valley, Porto Bay Flores in Porto, and at the wine-themed hotel, The Vine, in Funchal.
The Madeira Wine Festival is an annual event that celebrates the island’s famous wine and includes a range of activities and events, such as wine tastings, vineyard tours and parades. During the festival, visitors can sample different varieties of Madeira wine, learn about the history and production of the wine, and enjoy local food and music. There are also traditional wine-making demonstrations and competitions, as well as street parties and live performances. Tour guests will be able to join in on the Live Harvest event in Camara dos Lobos. Here, local farmers harvest the grapes by hand, using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. There are also opportunities for our group to participate in the harvest themselves.
Guests can also be a winemaker for a day during the wine blending experience at Quinta do Vallado, one of the oldest wineries in the Douro Wine Region. Located in the north of Portugal, this region is famous for its production of port wine, which is a fortified wine made by adding brandy to stop fermentation and preserve the sweetness of the grapes. The Douro Wine Region was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its unique landscape and is considered the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
In addition to the wine experiences at Quinta do Vallado, our small group itinerary includes exclusive visits to Quinta da Pacheca and Quinta do Barbusano in Madeira. Included in the fare are 16 wine lunches and viniculture experiences at local wineries, as well as airfare from Boston to Porto, from Porto to Funchal and return to Boston.
Learn more at www.sagresvacations.com.
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