First time in Porto

[Bob F.]

Will be traveling to Porto and will be staying for 4 days at the Gueast House Douro,Sept16-19 leaving morning of the 20th.I have 1 day planned to visit a vineyard and tread grapes and having lunch there , booked through a company called Duoro Exclusive.Have also booked dinner at Paparico.The tour is on the 18th, dinner is on the 17th.Would like members input on must go to list.So many port house options and restaurants,also the goverment sponsored places to visit.My personal preference for ports are old tawnys and colheitas,best houses for tasting and purchasing.Thanks everyone,Firefighterbob

[Andy Velebil]

Bob,

I'll let others chime in first (and some questions below), but wanted to welcome you to the Forum

O'Paparico is an awesome place. A little hard to find, so map it out first, print the map and show it to the cab driver. even the taxi driver's sometimes aren't exactly sure where it is. When you get there the door is usually locked, so knock and they will let you in. Oh, and there is no outside sign saying what it is, so you have to really look. You will swear the taxi is dropping you off in the wrong place, that means you found it

What Quinta are you visiting and treading grapes at? that will help all of us know about where you'll be in the Douro. Will you have any spare time while in the Douro Valley?

Also, will you be alone, a group of people, etc? Are you new into Port, a serious Port drinker, etc. The more info we have the more this group will give advice tailored to your needs.

[Bob F.]

The tour company did not give me the name of the quinta but it is a full day,picking me up at 9 am returning at about 6pm ,will be on this tour with a couple(i'm traveling alone my wife cannot make the trip).I would say i am a a bit of a novice on ports but do have a large collection of 1994's.Last winter finished my last bottle of Hoopers port of 1940(bottled in 1973)I purchased 10 bottles at Park Liquer in N.Y.C.back in 1978,loved them.When i go out to diner usually order a 10-20yr tawny afterwards.

[Eric Menchen]

I recommend the restaurant at the Taylor lodge, Barao de Fladgate. Good food, wonderful view; oh, and they have some Port
Checking TripAdvisor, I see it is now the #3 ranked restaurant in VndG. #1 & #2 weren't there when I was last in Porto.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_R ... tugal.html

[Eric Ifune]

Tawny and Colheita fan? Definitely check out Wiese & Krohn. Their 1976 Colheita and their 30 year old Tawny are awesome and well priced at the lodge. Would also go to Kopke. Very good customer service. If they know you are serious, they'll let you try multiple Colheitas and Tawnies and you can also buy. Might want to check out the white Tawnies. Burmester's lodge at the base of the bridge is worth visiting as well. I also like going to Noval's shop.
Go to Vinologia some evening and try some of the smaller producer's products. Many are not imported into the States and you might find something you like a lot. You can also purchase at Vinologia, but their prices are not the best.
Try San Leonardo. Wonderful Tawnies. Dalva is also good, unfortunately the 1952 Golden White is in very short supply. Their 1963 is nice, but not the 1952.
Definitely bring a shipper with you. It won't be easy to find one in Portugal.

[Moses Botbol]

Wear whatever "For the Love of Port" clothing you can get, lol. They'll know you mean business.

[Bob F.]

Moses, was going to ask you about FTLOP clothing but wanted to comment on your Corgi.My wife and I have had the pleasure of owning 5 Pembrokes an Cartigans over the years,we are big supporters of the breeds,just lovem.Anyhow i'm new to these boards and am not aware of the clothing available.Could you be a little more specific about them.Would try to round some up before i leave.Thanks Bob Felle

[Eric Menchen]

I think Moses was half joking, but not all joking. People at Dalva or Vinologia might recognize the logo, but not necessarily the big houses that deal with lots of tourists and thus have a large staff.
https://qnet.e-quantum2k.com/~soundbusi ... rentry.cgi

[Moses Botbol]

I think Moses was half joking, but not all joking. People at Dalva or Vinologia might recognize the logo, but not necessarily the big houses that deal with lots of tourists and thus have a large staff.
https://qnet.e-quantum2k.com/~soundbusi ... rentry.cgi

We are Corgi crazy too! They are too darn cute!

As Eric mentioned, kind of half joking. FTLOP is known in Porto to some degree, with some workers at the lodges posting here. As for getting something with the logo, not sure what is available. Similarly, be versed and into port will hopefully that will come out while you visit and will get some VIP treatment. I'd think by the time you leave for Porto, you'll have some names and places to check out. Seeing how you are more into Tawny and Colheita; you'll have a blast. Great restaurants all over the place and most are not very expensive.

[Bob F.]

Have been e mailing Oscar at at Quevedo (referenced by a person on the Wine Spectator forum)and he told me to come over there after 5pm to listen to a live fado performance.Can't wait.He won't be there because he needs to be at the harvest.Will polish up my port knowledge befor i leave.Thank for your help.Bob

[Moses Botbol]

Definitely stop at Kopke and Dalva; two great Colheita houses. Not far apart either. Make sure to bring a wine shipper with you.