My family will be arriving in Porto this weekend (April 26, 2025) and plan to go on one of those Douro Valley tours that include wine and olive oil tastings, lunch and river cruise. I cannot stand the taste of alcohol. I don't mind doing something on my own. Any suggestions on what an older person in decent shape can do instead? We will be doing one of those free city walking tours the next day, so outside of that? A short trip outside the city? A Douro tour without wine tasting? Or is the usual Douro wine tour still interesting enough if one doesn't want to drink?
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2756 posts
I have no interest in wine and never drink it. But I’ve been on wine tours in the Douro Valley and in the Loire Valley - for days at a time. I’m never bored on these. I like the snacks they sometimes offer, I like to check out the wine houses, I like to look in the gift shops. The wine process descriptions vary and they’re interesting to compare in my mind. The river cruise is nice, the landscape is pretty. One year I went on an actual 2-week wine tour with some friends in France - and I loved it, despite not caring one stitch about the wine:)
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6722 posts
Not to mention, an olive oil tasting can be a remarkable experience. I suggest to go along with your group; the worst that could happen is that you would learn a lot about wine and olive oil production and sample local food specialties.
Well, not the worst, but relax and enjoy the experience. You'll be in the midst of something that is a major part of Portuguese culture.
I can't eat sweets, but I always enjoy tours of chocolate factories, bakeries, etc. There's so much to learn!