Getting ready for the HARVEST trip

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:57 pm

Mario and I are finalizing many of the minute details to make the harvest trip a truly, "once-in-a-lifetime" kind of experience for our guests. There is still room if anybody would like to join us for the 3 day or six day trip. The dates changed on the 3 day though, and will be from Wed. 10/4-6, with departure from Porto on the 7th. A fourth day could be added for either the 3rd in Gaia or Sat. where we will be finishing our visit to the Douro area and then having dinner in Porto. Some of the tastings we are coordinating are unbelievable. I can't wait and look forward to meeting you folks. So far, every one of the participants, is a member of this FORUM too!

Here are a few tips for our guests:

a. For those that will be checking here, I urge you to bring along an empty 12-bottle styrofoam shipper with your luggage. It is next to impossible to find them over in Portugal and you'll want to have a way (other than your suitcase) to protect the bottles.

b. Drink lots of water on the trip to remain hydrated.

c. When we arrive back at the hotel after a full day of touring and drinking, go to sleep. 8)

d. Bring one or two pairs of shorts that you can wear when treading grapes in lagares, as well as tee shirts that you are going to knowingly ruin, but may look upon as a great souvenir in the future!

e. Pack a bathing suit for use up in the Douro.

More will be added as things come to mind.

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:07 pm

I am so excited. I can't wait for the trip. I'm like a kid waiting for christmas to come

But...I have to sleep

David Spriggs · Post by **David Spriggs** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:22 pm

Andy V. wrote:I am so excited. I can't wait for the trip. I'm like a kid waiting for christmas to come But...I have to sleep

Hey Andy, are you going? If you are, I'm really looking forward to meeting you. It was so amazing that I'm going back. I can't wait. Yeah... I'm a glutton for punishment! :twisted:

-Dave-

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:03 am

David, Yes I am going. I bought my airline tickets this past weekend. I can't wait to meet you and everyone else that is going. Roy said everyone going so far is from the forum so it should make the trip much more fun, kinda like a long FTLOP offline. 8)

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:40 pm

It is true. Every single individual who will be on this trip, is a Forum member. It will truly be a week long offline. I was up until 6 a.m. between the UK and Portugal. Crazy stuff, but I am very pleased the way the pieces of this extensive puzzle, are falling into place. Europe closes for August, so it is imperative to finalize as much as possible by Friday.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:00 pm

I'm thrilled to be joining the trip, and especially happy that I'll be able to meet some of you in person!

No doubt this will be a trip to remember. My only questions is how am I going to fit 42 cases of Port in my carry on bag???

Stewart

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 6:51 am

Stewart, how cool

OTOH, As a sworn protector of US laws, I will have to confiscate those 42 cases and then PERSONALLY inspect everyone...just to make sure they are not spoiled

Derek T. · Post by **Derek T.** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:07 pm

I have just confirmed to Roy that I'll be joining you guys from Wednesday to Saturday in the Douro - I can't wait to meet you all and experience all those things Roy has been talking to me about.

8)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:25 pm

Derek - if those emoticons are any indication of your enthusiasm to drink port, you are required to sit to my left so that I can fill my glass first and then pass whatever remains to you :)

Derek T. · Post by **Derek T.** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:10 pm

The emoticons are merely intended to demonstrate my enthusiasm for meeting all you FTLOP members - I will obviously be spitting all of the port that I tase like a true professional

Derek

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:13 pm

Of course you'll be spitting, particularly if we have the opportunity to taste something as wonderful as the 1882 A.J.S. Reserve Port that Roy was able to taste on his last tour...

Wouldn't want to get tipsy on that stuff...

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:04 pm

Ohh heavens no, its against my beliefs to get tipsy, I will spit everything

Derek, glad to hear you will be joining us, I look forward to meeting you in person.

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:31 pm

Those from this FORUM that are now on the record publically.

Mario
Stewart
David S.
Derek
Andy
Jay - a late but welcome entry
Roy

There are others from the FTLOP who have not given permission to list their names as of yet.

FORGOT to mention earlier. Bringing a camera is HIGHLY recommended as is a good sized notebook for taking notes. I would assume everyone will bring two biz casual outfits for the pair of occasions that we'll need to dress up a bit more. Comfortable shoes ... a given, as is packing lightly.

Jay Powers · Post by **Jay Powers** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 12:07 am

I have just confirmed as well, and can't wait for October! Look forward to meeting you all!

Jay

David Spriggs · Post by **David Spriggs** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 9:55 am

Jay Powers wrote:I have just confirmed as well, and can't wait for October! Look forward to meeting you all!

Jay

Great! It sounds like the trip is shaping up nicely!

-Dave-

Derek T. · Post by **Derek T.** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 4:57 pm

Roy Hersh wrote: I would assume everyone will bring two biz casual outfits for the pair of occasions that we'll need to dress up a bit more.

Roy, does this apply to those of us who will only be joining the trip to the Douro? Can we please have a list of essential items to bring for those of us who will not be attending the tastings/dinners in VNG?

I don't want to pack my cocktail dress and find I don't get a chance to wear it

Thanks

Derek

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:58 am

ok, ok roy... I'll move the Spain discussion to a new thread :)

New thread "Spain Travel Suggestions" can be found here:
http://www.fortheloveofport.com/ftlopfo ... php?t=1425

:blah:

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 9:56 pm

So Stewart, I hear your going to Spain too... :joker:

Sorry Roy, I just had to bust your chops :devil:

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:50 pm

UPDATE PARTICPANT LIST:

Mario - Portugal
Stewart - Seattle
David S. - No. CA
Derek - UK
Andy - So CA
Jay - a late but welcome entry from No. CA
Roy - Seattle-ish

Others now confirmed (a few still in the wings):

Christopher G. - UK
Eric D. - NJ

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 11:27 pm

Welcome aboard Christopher and Eric! The more the merrier! :)

Very happy that you are joining us! This is going to be an incredible experience!

Stewart

For The Love Of Port

Getting ready for the HARVEST trip

Getting ready for the HARVEST trip

Looking forward to joining all of you

Sit to my left

Of course...

Ok Ok

Excellent!`