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port tasting choices in Lisbon

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We won't have a chance to get to Porto during our trip but we'd like to sample the wine.
Both From the Vine and Lisbon Winery offer guided tastings.

Has anyone participated in these guided tastings?

I know Rick mentions in his book that you can stop in at From the Vine and choose a couple of samples at a decent price, but if it's a well led guided experience we think we can learn even more about the regions and the wines.

Looks like the Lisbon tasting includes more accompanying foods.

Thanks for any input

Posted by
2 posts

Good thinking to go for a guided tasting rather than just a glass or two; port makes so much more sense once someone walks you through how it's made and aged. Whichever you choose, I'd look for a session that compares the main styles side by side, ideally a ruby, a tawny with some age on it, and a white port, because tasting them together is where the "aha" moment happens. Ask whether they also pour a couple of the Douro Valley's dry table wines, since the same vineyards that make port produce some of Portugal's most exciting reds, and it rounds out the story of the region beautifully. If food is included, aged tawny with a good sheep's milk cheese or something with almonds is a pairing you'll remember. Also, if you haven't already reserved your hotel in Lisbon, there are some great hotels that also have wine tastings in their cellar that may give you what you want also. Happy to share more here if it helps!

Charity

Posted by
187 posts

A few years ago we sat for a tasting at Quinta do Vallado in the Douro region and although all wine tastes either like simple linctus or vinaigrette
to me, I found their Porto Branco remarkably potable...so be certain to avail yourself if you can.

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