The Duoro River, Porto, Portugal
Bordeaux. Beaujolais. Rioja. Tokaj. Cotes-du-Rhone. Umbria. Moravia. The Duoro River… What do these places in Europe all have in common? Wine. That marvellous, amazing, all-important drink made from grapes. Today you might associate it with posh wine bars and intimidating words like connoisseur and sommelier, but for thousands of years, this drink fortified workers, provided necessary calories (particularly for manual labourers), and was a safe alternative to water (which was often unclean and therefore made drinkers, usually children, sick). Wine can be both a customary drink to accompany a meal (table wine) as well as taken to celebrate something important. The Duoro River and region in northern Portugal is one such important wine-producing region – one of the oldest world-wide. Wine from the Duoro Valley is the definition of “old world wine.” In fact, it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site as well! The Duoro River runs through the gorgeous city of Porto – perhaps the finest city in all of Portugal. Though the wine isn’t grown just here, hilltops traced with lines of vineyards are only a short drive away. In Porto, you’ll find no shortage of delicious – and often quite affordable! – bottles of local wine. And of course it was Porto that lent its name to the famous Port, fortified sweeten wine. (Did you know that if it doesn’t come from here, it’s not port? It’s just fortified wine. Same way that unless it comes from Champagne, it’s not champagne, it’s just bubbly). Even if you don’t make it out to the hilltop vineyards, you’ll find plenty of delicious wines in town – not to mention, scenic views, wandering alleys, great cathedrals, friendly people, and lots and lots of tiles. Seriously. The tiles are everywhere.
Pro tip: Avoid the high season, as this sees a mad influx of beach-loving tourists making a panicked run to the coasts. Spring or fall are nice, but even in heart of winter the weather is decent and you’ll have the county to yourself. Unless you love big, busy capitals, skip Lisbon and head straight to the Porto, where you’ll start to find the ‘real’ Portugal.
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