Port Harvest Tours

Come and experience Portugal like you've never seen it before!

As Portugal celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Douro’s “demarcation” this year, our harvest related trips are specifically designed around this very special time. Tour hosts Roy Hersh and Mario Ferreira are renowned Port experts who ensure that these fun, all-inclusive trips provide unsurpassed personalized experiences. Take part in “behind-the-scenes” tastings at some of the Douro's rising stars and legendary Port producers in Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Participate in the 2006 harvest activities surrounded by the overwhelming natural beauty of the Douro River Valley. Explore the healthy regional cuisine and enjoy the rare opportunity to meet some of the most influential members of the Port trade. Come with us and discover the joys of the harvest up close and personal, while creating memories that will last a lifetime!
 

What our clients have said about their excursions with us:

“Your generosity and the quality of care from both of you were excellent. It was obvious that you were entirely at our service, and that you had done everything in your power to provide us with peak experiences. I can’t imagine kinder and more professional tour guides.”

"Unbelievable! Much better than I ever expected. I felt like Robert Parker or James Suckling (well, BETTER than them) at every stop!"

"The week was filled to the brim with enough learning and enough fine port to gratify the most avid connoisseur.”

"At each of the port houses we visited, the producers and shippers treated us as honored guests. It was a port-lover’s dream"

"How do you rate a priceless experience?"
 

To gain more insight into our recent trip, please have a look at this three part series:
Tour of Duty
 


© by ROY HERSH 10-28-05

Join in our exploration of the essence of Port wine and its related areas, which are steeped in century old traditions.  Oporto (English for Porto) and sister city, Vila Nova de Gaia across the river, provide the historical perspective before we head up river to the enchanting Douro River Valley.  We offer our discerning guests an unrivaled insider’s view” of these historic treasures and an opportunity to gain an incredible wealth of knowledge and tasting experience.  With a focus on wine, culture and gourmet culinary experiences, renowned Port experts Mario Ferreira and Roy Hersh will guide you on an unforgettable week long adventure to these exciting ports of call.   

The foundation will be set in Oporto, the pre-Roman city formerly known as Portucale (Port of Cale) which lent its name to the country that later became Portugal.  Oporto, which is the second largest city (pop. 1.5 million) after Lisbon, is the industrial backbone of the country.  It is chock-full of World Heritage Sites and is the historical heart of the Port wine trade; both the Port & Douro Wine Institute (IVDP) and Factory House reside on this side of the river.  Across the Douro is history-rich Vila Nova de Gaia, also known as the “entreposto” (or entry way) to the Atlantic Ocean.  In Gaia you’ll visit a variety of ancient Lodges which are filled with enormous wooden casks and millions of bottles; meet some of the principal players in the industry, and of course, have the pleasure to taste an astounding number of incredible Ports.  You’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Douro, many sumptuous gourmet meals from catered events to dinners at award-winning restaurants and take pleasure in a couple of fun surprises along the way.

We’ll head over to the São Bento station in time to board a train for a scenic excursion up the Rio Douro (river of gold) heading East towards Spain.  The Douro River meanders in close proximity to the tracks and the scenic vistas en route are magnificent.  The Douro Valley is protected from the Atlantic influences by the Serra do Marão mountain range which allows temperatures to reach nearly 120 degrees during the peak of summer.  When you arrive at the first Quinta and walk into the grape-filled vineyard overlooking the river, it is a moment you will always remember for its tranquility, steep incline and breathtaking view of terraces and the curvaceous Douro river which stretches as far as the eye can see.  It is during this part of your journey in which you will experience the sights and sounds of the harvest, while participating in the vineyards and foot treading of grapes in the ancient granite lagares.  You will be treated like a VIP at every stop, whether by one of the “rising star” producers or the most legendary names in the Port trade.  Your stay at our favorite single Quinta’s brand-spanking-new luxury facility will make you feel right at home.  The scrumptious regional dishes, cheeses and desserts paired with a variety of Douro reds and Port wine will make for a complete sensorial awakening.

 

2006 Harvest Trip 1 – Oct. 2nd through Oct. 8th

(6 days, 6 nights) Platinum Package



TOUR HOSTS MARIO R. FERREIRA & ROY HERSH

Itinerary:

Day 1 – (Monday 10/2/06) Oporto

  • After breakfast, meet at hotel where we can have an introductory meeting 
  • Visit Port Lodge #1 in Vila Nova de Gaia for a VIP tour & tasting followed by lunch
  • Take a walk along the Cais de Gaia (waterfront)
  • Visit Port Lodge #2 and have a tour & comprehensive sit down tasting
  • Have a couple of hour break before meeting in lobby of out hotel to go for dinner
  • Wine dinner at a fabulous local restaurant

 Day 2 – (Tuesday 10/3/06) Vila Nova de Gaia

  • Meet @ 9 a.m. after breakfast
  • Visit Port Lodge #3 for VIP tour and extensive tasting, sit down wine luncheon at Lodge in Gaia … or
  • OPTION: Cultural or shopping excursion for those who would like to skip Lodge #3, lunch not included, although transportation to a “drop off point” is included, the return is not. Please let us know in advance if you would like to take part in this optional program
  • Visit to VinoLogia Oporto’s leading Port bar
  • Back to hotel and relax
  • Barco Rabelos boat ride on the Douro
  • Dinner and evening on your own

Day 3 (Wednesday 10/4/06) – Gaia/Oporto

  • Pack for trip to Douro (store some luggage in this hotel as we’ll return for the last night)
  • Enjoy some free time and an early lunch on your own.  Must be back at the hotel with bags in lobby by noon
  • We’ll catch the 12:30 train departing for the Douro
  • Tour the vineyards of a Single Quinta with the winemaker for an introduction to the grapes, vines and soil
  • VIP tour and barrel tasting at the Quinta along with some harvest related activities and time for a photo shoot.
  • Wine dinner and tasting
  • Take advantage of some extra sleep … or not, as this will be our only early night

Day 4 (Thursday 10/5/06) – Douro

  • Meet “early” after breakfast
  • Visit Quinta #2 for a technical tour with the vineyard manager and then hand picking of grapes in the vineyards alongside the experts.  A delicious lunch and beverages will be served followed by a special tour and tasting
  • Visit Quinta #3, with a VIP tour of the adega and property, have a reception and then wine dinner. 
  • Participate inside the lagares – purple toes (pack shorts!)

Day 5 – (Friday 10/6/06) Explore the Douro

  • Meet “early” after breakfast and prepare for a breathtaking ride along the Douro
  • Go to Quinta #4 for special ½ day experience including all the wine you’ll care to drink & lunch of course.
  • Visit Quinta #5 and enjoy the sunset in the vineyards, barrel tasting and a fabulous dinner and a nice surprise

Day 6 (Saturday 10/7/06) – Down River

  • Meet after breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
  • Visit Quinta #6 for tour, tasting and lunch
  • Say goodbye to the Douro
  • Return to hotel in Oporto and some relaxation time
  • Mystery dinner experience

Sunday 10/8/06 - Departure from hotel to airport


© by Mario Ferreira 7-7-2004

 

2006 Harvest Trip 2 – Oct. 9th through Oct. 14th

(5 days, 5 nights) Platinum Package

Itinerary:

Day 1 – (Monday 10/9/06) Oporto

  • After breakfast, meet at hotel where we can have an introductory meeting 
  • Visit Port Lodge #1 in Vila Nova de Gaia for a VIP tour & tasting followed by lunch
  • Take a walk along the Cais de Gaia (waterfront)
  • Visit Port Lodge #2 and have a tour & comprehensive sit down tasting
  • Have a couple of hour break before meeting in lobby of out hotel to go for dinner
  • Wine dinner at a fabulous local restaurant

 Day 2 – (Tuesday 10/10/06) Vila Nova de Gaia

  • Meet @ 9 a.m. after breakfast
  • Visit Port Lodge #3 for VIP tour and extensive tasting, sit down wine luncheon at Lodge in Gaia … or
  • OPTION: Cultural or shopping excursion for those who would like to skip Lodge #3, lunch not included, although transportation to a “drop off point” is included, the return is not. Please let us know in advance if you would like to take part in this optional program
  • Visit to VinoLogia Oporto’s leading Port bar
  • Back to hotel and relax
  • Barco Rabelos boat ride on the Douro
  • Dinner and evening on your own

Day 3 (Wednesday 10/11/06) – Gaia/Oporto

  • Pack for trip to Douro (store some luggage in this hotel as we’ll return for the last night)
  • Enjoy some free time and an early lunch on your own.  Must be back at the hotel with baggage in lobby by noon
  • We’ll catch the 12:30 train departing for the Douro
  • Tour the vineyards of a Single Quinta with the winemaker for an introduction to the grapes, vines and soil
  • VIP tour and barrel tasting at one of the new players in the Douro
  • Wine Dinner at a Single Quinta
  • Take advantage of some extra sleep … or not, as this will be our only early night

Day 4 (Thursday 10/12/06) – Douro

  • Meet “early” after breakfast
  • Visit Quinta #2 for a technical tour with the vineyard manager and then hand picking of grapes in the vineyards alongside the experts.  A delicious lunch and beverages will be served followed by a special tour and tasting
  • Visit Quinta #3, with a VIP tour of the adega and property, have a reception and then wine dinner. 
  • Participate inside the lagares – purple toes (pack shorts!)

Day 5 – (Friday 10/13/06) Explore the Douro

  • Meet after breakfast at 9:30 a.m.
  • Visit Quinta #4 for tour, tasting and lunch
  • Say goodbye to the Douro
  • Return to hotel in Oporto and some relaxation time
  • Mystery dinner experience

Saturday 10/14/06 – Departure from hotel to airport

 


© by Roy Hersh 10-27-2005

What's Included?

This is an all-inclusive tour from the airport upon arrival to the airport upon departure.  Your trip includes:

  • Small groups – our exclusive trips range from eight to fourteen guests, with 2 expert guides
  • Airport Transfers – arranged for all singles/couples on an individualized basis
  • Baggage handling – exceptional service from arrival to departure
  • Meals – 3 meals/day which includes wine & Port of our choice, flowing freely at dinner.  There will be one lunch (Wed.) and one dinner (Tues.) not included, where you’ll be free to explore on your own
  • Options: these are offered for guests that would like to discover other cultural experiences
  • We reserve the right to include a couple of VERY pleasant surprises which are not listed on the itinerary
  • Winery visits and all wine tastings
  • Professionally chauffeured and comfortable transportation
  • All taxes and tips throughout your stay
  • More!

You only pay for gifts, shopping, wine/Port to bring back home and “extra” alcoholic beverages not already included with meals.  Airfare is not included, although we can provide you with our preferred travel consultant who is familiar with our guest’s needs.

Booking Conditions 

  1. We do not get involved in booking air travel for our guests.  We can provide a great travel consultant that is familiar with the airlines and needs of our customers, to assist in the booking of flights.
  2. We will meet in the hotel lobby on Monday morning at 9 a.m. and the trip begins at this point.  
  3. IF you’d like us to book Sunday evening’s overnight stay, it is in addition to the packages offered. 
  4. For early birds: book by June 15th 2006 and receive a $150 discount per single and $300 discount per couple.
  5. The “single supplement” for either trip is $300.  
  6. To maintain a small group size no more than 14 guests will accompany us.  Bring 13 guests and your trip is free!
  7. NOTE:  We will not travel with less than eight guests and reserve the right to cancel the trip for this reason.
  8. Roy Hersh & Mario Ferreira (tri-lingual) will personally accompany guests throughout the entire trip.  We have included some free time for guests to explore and dine on their own.  We can assist you with suggestions of cultural activities, shopping destinations and dining recommendations.
  9. Please advise us at the time of registration, if you or your travel companion have any dietary restrictions, allergies or medical restrictions.  
  10. We reserve the right to make minor modifications to the planned itinerary, based on availabilities of the wine producers, especially around the harvest time.  But you can be assured we have your very best interests at heart in making these trips extraordinary!
  11. Payment methods to be discussed by phone, during our pre-trip consultation, where we can answer all of your questions.
  12. For questions or further details including trip pricing, please email:   roy@fortheloveofport.com   Please type in:  Harvest Trip 1 - or -  Harvest Trip 2 in the subject line.

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