Portugal’s Historic Port City

Porto (Oporto) Port wine became popular in England in the late 17th century, when British merchants who settled here began to add brandy to the wine of the Douro valley to prevent it from souring during transit.  They discovered that the sweeter and stronger the wine, the better the taste. In 1703 Britain and Portugal…

Portugal’s Michelin stars for 2019

Three new Michelin Stars for 2019 G Pousada, in the Pousada de Bragança São Bartolomeu, tucked away in the far northeast corner of Portugal, was awarded its first star for Chef Óscar Gonçalves’ creative cuisine of the Transmonte region.  Chef António Loureiro was also awarded a star for his modern Portuguese cuisine at A Cozinha in Guimarães.  Chef Pedro…

Porto’s Port Lodges

Visiting Porto’s Historic Port Lodges Porto’s acclaimed port lodges, or port cellars/warehouses, are all located on the southern bank of the Douro River in the riverfront area of Vila Nova de Gaia, referred to locally as Gaia, technically another town, completely devoted to the port wine trade.  This is where all the port wine production…