Guest Reviews

My experience with Wine Tourism in Portugal was unforgettable! The highlights were the grape stomping and the winemaking class. Stomping grapes was a fun and authentic activity that immersed us in the winemaking tradition.

The winemaking class was incredibly informative and led by a passionate instructor who made the learning process engaging. We discovered different grape varieties and the techniques used to produce wine, even getting a chance to create our own!

Additionally, our driver was excellent, providing comfortable and safe transportation while sharing fascinating stories about Portugal's wine culture.

I highly recommend Wine Tourism in Portugal to all wine lovers seeking an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of the Portuguese vineyards!

My dream vacation has always been to go to Portugal. I talked my wife into it and stumbled upon Wine Tourism in Portugal. We had an 11-day itinerary that was perfect. Let's start at the beginning, we met with Catarina and told her about the things that we loved to do. The Zoom meetings were a hoot, and she was perfect.

The trip was planned so we would have scheduled things to do, then a day to ourselves. We started in Pinhão, then to Porto and finishing in Lisbon. In total, we did at least 8 wineries. The gourmet lunches were outstanding. The cool thing is that when our driver Fernando got us set-up, the maître-d would rush to accommodate us. This happened everywhere we went. We learned all about Port wine, and were introduced to the best summer drink, a port, and tonic.

Hotels:
All three hotels were 5 star and seemed to get better with each stay. The Douro Vintage House overlooked the Douro River, we could see the boats, the terraced vineyards and a few wineries. The room accommodations were large, and I could hang out on the balcony and watch the boats lazily pass by. The breakfast was great and quiet. We still met several new people, but what a great chill vibe...a recurring theme. The Porto Bay Flores was a cool contemporary hotel cut inside an old building. The architecture was really cool. The room was well appointed, and we could look down to the courtyard below. We got to catch a wedding when we checked in, which was fun. If we weren't tired, we would have crashed it lol. Breakfast was great and so was the staff. The street we were on was super entertaining and not far from the railroad station, which is also a place to visit. We had a blast just hanging out at the hotel. Then we moved on to the 1908 Hotel in Lisbon. Wow. Our favorite hotel and another 5-Star hotel to boot. I start first with the staff. To a person, they were exemplary. Whether it was at check-in, breakfast, searching for something to do, it was great. The room was well appointed and a bit small. Our windows opened up like doors to the Juliet balcony. The only issue was street noise, which bothered my bride more than me. The staff was awesome, it bears repeating.

Events
Every wine tasting was good and informative. Every lunch was a gourmet home run. The number one lunch over all was in Sintra at the Incomum where the passion fruit risotto stole the show. The grilled fig salad and apple tart at Quinta De Rosa was great too in Douro. Grahams was a great lunch too. Again, they pampered us. However, the number one event was:

Harvest Day
Quinta Da Pacheca was the highlight of the trip and gave us an experience we will never duplicate. We arrived and were given a T-Shirt, straw hat and bandana. We had a peasant's lunch: Cornbread, sardines, onion soup and blood sausage. All cooked to perfection (the sardines are nothing like home). We then were given clippers and a bucket, went into the fields and cut grapes. After we cut the grapes, we got to stomp on grapes and that was such a childish blast. A small band played music, and we stomped, even creating a conga line in the wine. Finally, we had a late lunch that was sumptuous with the craziest desert - a crème Brulé pudding. We did have the delicious bacalhau and more wines and tasting and two delicious pork dishes.

The Fado Music evening was special and the wine just flowed. It was like it was a mortal sin if our glass wasn't three quarters full. The trio was great, and the food was good too. Also fulfilling a dream to hear Fado live. We had fun in Cascais and Sintra and got the original Pastéis De Belém.

Catarina was amazing in how she meticulously planned everything, giving us a schedule to explore and relax.

I should also mention how are two drivers, Fernando and Victor, were unbelievably great.

That's it until next time :)

First of all our driver Gustavo is a wonderful top-notch gentleman. We had so much fun having him as our driver all week. We can’t say enough positive things about him.

The tour was beyond our expectations from the hotel to the cooking experiences, Quinta visits, lunches, and the Spa visit. It was an incredible experience, and we will never forget our time in the Douro Valley. Our private cooking class with Chef Milton at Quinta Do Portal was so special and epoch. He was so fun during our cooking class, and all the special dishes he made us for lunch were amazing. We also connected with him at the Vintage House for dinner, and he took us back to the kitchen to introduce us to his team, as he is an executive chef and Quinta Do Portal and the Vintage House. We felt so special.  Furthermore, we can't say enough positive things about Chef Milton. All the wine tasting and Quinta tour experiences were amazing. All the people were great. We honestly don’t have a favorite, they were all different and wonderful experiences.

We would also like to comment on our day tour in Lisbon with our guide Maria and driver Joao. She took us to some amazing sites, restaurants and shared a ton of information about Portugal and the city of Lisbon. This was an amazing day, and we will never forget the time we spent with Maria exploring Lisbon.

We would highly recommend Wine Tourism Portugal to anyone seeking to explore Portugal. Thank you for all your help and attention to detail in making this trip a once in a lifetime experience.

Sincerely,
Lavon and Nicci Fischer
 

Pedro was awesome and so knowledgeable. The sailing trip was wonderful, and Crasto Winery was our favorite stop. Ventozelo was absolutely stunning. I honestly can't think of any improvements – everything was perfect!

We had an incredible private one-day tour of the Douro Valley, including wine tours and a cruise on the Douro River. You did a fantastic job planning the entire experience, and our driver, Sergio, was both warm and welcoming. His knowledge of the region added great value to our journey. The wine tours and lunch were nothing short of splendid, and the cruise offered breathtaking views of the valley. I highly recommend Wine Tourism in Portugal for an unforgettable experience.
Thank you for all your help. 

Tom said they had a fantastic time in Portugal, loved everything, and she said yes, so it couldn't have been better.

Thanks for your help preparing this trip.

Just a short email to say thank you for the fantastic tour we had in the Alentejo. Our driver, Jacinto, was very knowledgeable about the area, which really enhanced the experience. The only drawback, which was possibly due to a miscommunication, was that we arrived at Herdade do Esporão too late for the olive oil tasting. According to the itinerary, Jacinto and I had we needed to be at Esporão for 11am, but they had us booked in for the olive oil tasting at 10.30. It was no detriment to the rest of the visit, and the lunch in the restaurant was some of the best food I have ever tasted. 

Thanks again

The Douro Tour that was planned for me was very well-thought-out and designed for my budget and requests. Quinta Ventozelo was the perfect setting for relaxation, I would definitely return again.  The staff were wonderful and the accommodations upscale.There were just enough included meals and each one was excellent.  Everyone needs to take a cruise on the Douro to appreciate the scale of vineyards in the region.  It's breathtaking. My driver, Ivan, was the perfect host. He is so knowledgeable about his country and loved sharing his stories. I could not ask for better. Thank you for making my tour in Douro Valley a trip I will always cherish. 

Fernando was the most knowledgeable driver. He allowed us flexibility. 
All wine experiences were great, especially the Carvalhas stop. 

The hotel was very nice, especially the breakfast. 

The food arrangements were all great (specially the Pacheca dinner). 

The Douro Valley is a very special place with beautiful scenery, friendly people, and incredible ports. We also got to know some very good local portuguese wines. 

We absolutely LOVED our wine tour!! We could not believe how amazing the day was from the two tours with wine tastings, to the amazing lunch, to our kind driver Francisco! We felt so happy we did this. I would love to share a review if you want to send me a link. Thank you so much!

Best,
Courtney  

Thank you for your assistance and expertise in planning our trip to Porto and the Douro Valley. I have given a lot of thought in responding to your request about the highlight of our tour. In short, I wouldn't change any details of the roadbook you designed for us.  The arrangements you made for us exceeded our expectations.  We were happy to final be able to be seated at the Majestic Cafe after not being able to be seated during our 2018 trip.  Each winery tour was special.  We enjoyed each tour and learned interesting information at each tour.  Of the three, We probably enjoyed the tour at Graham's the most, but all the wines we tried were delicious! The Douro Valley tour was probably the highlight and the most complete.  We had wanted to be able to explore the various quintas from a boat tour on the river, and were able to get photos we couldn't manage before on our own.  Antonio was a very entertaining and knowledgeable guide.

It was well worth the time we spent with him, and he was absolutely correct about the fabulous food at the Quinta da Pacheca.  What a fascinating and beautiful place!

I would gladly contact you again to help us plan future trips to Portugal.  In fact, some friends may be planning a trip to the Algarve next year.  I will be very happy to recommend you and Wine Tourism in Portugal to help plan their trip.

My wife and I want to thank you for the wonderful trip to Portugal.  From Lisbon to Porto and all points in between, the food, wine, architecture, and physical beauty of Portugal was absolutely amazing.  It was the trip of a lifetime.  On another note, our driver, Luis, was an absolute delight.  By the end of the trip, he was not only our driver but our friend for life.  We believe that Luis's talents are being underutilized as simply a driver.  His incredible grasp of the English language, his encyclopedic knowledge of the history of Portugal, and his remarkable and extensive recommendations for local food, wine, and culture make him a perfect tour guide.  If you have a position for a true tour guide, I can think of no one more perfectly qualified.  Luis is a tremendous human being.  You all are fortunate to have him. 

I recently embarked on a one-day tour of the Douro Valley, and it exceeded all my expectations. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the breathtaking Douro River cruise. 

Overall, this one-day tour of the Douro Valley was a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of this remarkable region.

I had an incredible experience with Wine Tourism Portugal. The visit to the monastery, the cooking lesson with Maria, and the boat cruise on the Douro River were the highlights of the trip. We learned so much about the region and wine making from João, our amazing and knowledgeable tour guide and driver.

Overall, Wine Tourism Portugal curated an exceptional experience that beautifully blended cultural exploration, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to discover the rich wine culture of Portugal in an immersive and enjoyable way.

So hard to pick one - everything was so good.   A few comments:
Both Gabriel and Gonçalo were OUTSTANDING drivers. Very kind, competent, good conversationalists.  They were great guides as well as drivers. Gonçalo provided wonderful historical context of Portugal as a whole as well as Lisbon.  I learned so much from him - great teacher!

The wine tour and lunch at Quinta de Chocapalha might be the best overall wine tour I have ever experienced - and I've been to many.  Monica gave a very detailed history of the property, the different sections of land and grapes, microclimates, terroir, and the facilities.  She had a great sense of humor as well as being knowledgeable.  Lunch with wine pairings was wonderful as Alice Tavares spent the entire time with us.  Love the wines and all the people.
The boat ride through the Douro Valley was wonderful. Beautiful day, the captain of the boat was charming and personable.  

We finally got back and settled. I would like to comment on several things that help with the highlights of our tours. You were the first step in making the trip exceptional. Working with you was one of the most pleasant interactions that I have had in a long time. You were always calming to any change, questioning the trip's modifications.

That started with making the trip wonderful. In today’s world, people have jobs and they just do the bare minimum.  You and your staff love what you do and it shows. The driver Fernando Ferreira was also exceptional.  He treated us with care and made sure that we enjoyed our tours. He knew the event better than we did and prepare for us for upcoming events.

Furthermore, he always had cold water, which was pus for me because I drink a lot of water. He was also very knowledgeable of Porto, the wineries, Douro Valley., and Portugal. Maria Jose Moreira did a wonderful job with our walking disability. She managed to get my Husband to walk for three hours, which he has not done since his back surgery three years ago.  She also pointed out some wonderful places to buy local things from Porto. Highlights were the Hotels, the wineries, the meals, and working with your company.

Quinta do Vallado Wine Hotel was beautiful to locate in the Douro valley with wonderful smell of fruits tree, herbs, and views. Perfect after long travel. The breakfast was fresh and accommodation was comfortable. Winery was great also. PortoBay Flores Hotel was a great pick in Porto, right in the heart of things, loved the location, comfortable, with wonderful breakfast. All the wineries were wonderful. They all made wine, but each one had such a unique characteristic. Six senses dinner at the chef table was special, great first night. Cooking workshop was wonderful. Doc was great.

Decastro was wonderful, we got a chance to taste Portugal food, it was great, but there was no wine pairing.

I would like to thank you for such a wonderful visit to your country.

To say Dan and I enjoyed the tour you planned for us would be an understatement. It was absolutely fantastic, over the top!! Highlights were many: Bomfim 1896 for the quality of the food, the gracious service, and beautiful setting; the cruise for that perfectly lovely boat, incomparable scenery and wonderful lunch; the tour with Alvaro ( I don’t know if I have his name exactly right here) at Quinta Carvalhas for all he explained to us and showed us (he even scrambled up a hillside to pick cherries from a tree for us) and the wine tasting we had with him. We also greatly enjoyed our tours and tastings at Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta Nova. The hike and picnic at Quinta de Ventoleza came at just the right time in the tour. We were ready for some exercise, and both the food and wine provided for the picnic that followed in that peaceful setting were delicious. 

There were only two experiences that were a little less wonderful than all the rest; surprisingly, the visit to DOC was one of them. The service was hurried and the food was certainly good, but not excellent. The plates all appeared to have been prepared long ahead of time rather than freshly made and though they were interesting to the eye, we didn’t find the flavors to be memorable. As my Dan said, it was a sort of like a factory there, where they were moving a high volume of people through as efficiently as they could. The other experience was at Quinta da Pacheca. The atmosphere there was a little too commercial for our tastes. This was the only visit we made where we felt some pressure to make a purchase, with a card listing prices sitting up prominently on the table in front of us when we sat down, and our guide asking us what we’d like to buy before we left. Everywhere else, we had to ask our hosts how to make a purchase. A small issue, but it did make a significant difference in the quality of the experience. We spoke with another couple later that day at our hotel who we’d run into at Quinta da Pacheca, and they made a similar observation. 

A couple other notes for you; Vila Galé was very nice. Our room (103, I think) was incredible. It was huge, comfortable and the views were spectacular. The bathroom was tiny, but adequate. And finally, our driver was a mixed experience for me. He was certainly a skilled and knowledgeable driver, just a bit too talkative for my tastes. I don’t want to jeopardize his standing with you, but thought you should know in order to match future clients with drivers suited to their personalities. 

Finally, I have to thank you again for all you did for Dan and me. I really enjoyed working with you and we will never forget our incomparable tour of the Duoro Valley. You and your team are aces!

All the best to you,
Diane

Understanding driver/ guide and wine tours were all great. I wouldn't change a thing.

Throughout the tour, every experience was thoughtfully curated. Whether exploring cultural landmarks, indulging in gastronomic delights, or immersing myself in local traditions, each moment felt authentic and memorable. The itinerary struck the perfect balance between must-see attractions and hidden gems, allowing me to discover the true essence of the destination.

Everything was perfect organized, we really enjoyed our stay.
What was the highlight is not easy to decide.
First and foremost, our driver Fernando was great. Always punctual and well-informed. He gave us a good insight into Portugal.
Six sense hotel is a perfect gem.
If I must rate the Quintas, Quinta Crasto was the best because of overall experience. Location, Food and guided tour
Best organized restaurant overall DOC, Location, and Food are sensational.
We also organized by ourselves to eat at Casa da Chá da Boa Nova from Rui Paula what was an incredible experience.
Cooking class at Quinta Pacheca and river cruise were also great.
 
We were really very happy with the whole trip and were obviously really lucky with the weather if I can believe the current weather forecast from Porto.
 
Last but not least, a special thanks to you for organizing everything.
 
Kind regards,
Walter

Everything was great. The winery visits, lunches, and hotel in Evora were all fantastic. Jacinto is a great guide. 

Our favorite was Herdade do Sobroso (our favorite last time). The wines are great and the duck rice is so delicious. This time the winemaker Filipe gave the tour, and he did a great job explaining the wine-making process. It was truly a memorable experience.

Thanks again for all your help. I will reach out the next time we plan a trip to Portugal. 

Best Regards,
Jonathan

Every aspect of the tour, from the meticulous planning to the warm hospitality, was executed flawlessly, making it a memorable journey through Portugal's rich wine culture.The standout feature of this tour was undoubtedly the exceptional attention to detail and kindness displayed by Wine Tourism in Portugal chosen drivers. From the moment we embarked on our adventure, they ensured every aspect of our experience was tailored to perfection. Their knowledge of the region, coupled with their passion for hospitality, elevated the tour to new heights.

One of the most memorable moments of the tour was undoubtedly our visit to Quinta das Carvalhas. The beauty of the estate, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Portugal's wine country, was truly captivating. Under the guidance of Alvaro Martinho Lopes, we embarked on a journey through the vineyards, learning about the rich history and winemaking traditions that define Quinta das Carvalhas.

What truly set this tour apart was the level of customization offered by the company. From the initial planning stages to the execution of the itinerary, every detail was carefully crafted to meet our preferences and expectations. Whether it was arranging special tastings or accommodating specific dietary requirements, the team went above and beyond to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.