Tour of the Vinho Verde
If you are planning a trip to Portugal and are looking for additional places to visit, consider exploring the Vinho Verde region. It is north of the Douro River and is the largest wine appellation in the country. Vinho Verde refers to “green wine” which are white wines that have bright flavors and crisp acidity.
“Our second day of our tour of Vinho Verde started at Paco de Calheiros. The sun was bright, the breeze gentle and filled with perfume of Camelias from the largest Camellia tree we have ever seen. The beautifully antique appointed manor house and breathtaking view of the valley was intensified by the singing of mass that echoed through the valley. This is an estate that has been cared for with love, passion, and romance.
Quinta Do Ameal offered a different perspective of Vinho Verde. Traditional arbors of grapes and wisteria outlined the property. Beautifully manicured vineyards challenged by abundant rainfall produced organic wines requiring meticulous effort.
In Aphros (was Afros at the time) Winery the philosophy was holistic and homeopathic. Wines were made with minimal human intervention compatible with nature. Sheep controlled the grasses of the vineyard; a spring fed the vineyard irrigation through a sculptured waterfall that gave graceful rhythm to the water, and homeopathic plants formed a bond between wine and nature.
Quinta De Santa maria utilized beautiful arbors in every walking path creating a bond between traveler and the vine. The vines were exquisitely manicured, and the winery made their wines very accessible in a well-appointed guest center.
Vinho Verde possesses the perfect locavore tour. Other wine regions are becoming diluted and commercialized but Portugal was the real thing. Each place we visited made us feel part of their tradition.”
Cheers, Merrill