Wine and food are the perfect combo for great memories and lavish moments. Travelers throughout Europe, as elsewhere around the globe, are flocking to visit Portugal and they are unanimous: You must taste Portuguese wines and gastronomy. Here’s a selections of the best Wine and Food Tours for Fall.
Here's some quick tips on the best Wine and food tours for Fall. What to do in Portugal and some Autumn and Winter short breaks and inspiration for 2020 vacations.
Seeing the number of food and wine tourists growing over the previous year, and having visitors coming to experience the richness of its gastronomic and cultural heritage as well.
The growing popularity of Portugal has been noticed by many travelers. The country is receiving a considerable amount of recognition by those who visit, as well as many awards.
Although along the past decades these characteristics brought more and more attention to the country, it still feel very much authentic.
During Fall you will also enjoy it to the fullest as it’s not peak season.
Portugal is full of magical places for its nature and architecture either. In addition, the cultural heritage without comparison, as Portugal is one of the oldest nations in the world.
The tradition and the authenticity is still prevailing in many aspects of the everyday life.
Wine-making traditions are preserved in most of the Quintas (wine estates) as those are family run businesses, kept for generations.
The Portuguese are very connected to food, and one of the national sports is to talk about food and the next meal while having the present meal.
Fall is the ideal time to pay a visit to Portugal. In October and November the hills are bathed in autumnal hues, the days are cooler yet most of the time sunny and great wines are in season. It's pretty much perfect.
The landscape is more compact, as Portugal is a small country, and it does not take much time to travel between the two main cities, Lisbon (the capital) and Porto (the second big city).
There are several UNESCO World Heritage Site designations in the country. The most popular is Douro Valley located 2-hours drive from Porto, being the city center a UNESCO site itself.
Douro Valley is the oldest wine region in the world and the only place where the famous Port Wine is produced. Amazing properties are located here and there on top of Douro hills, culinary events and vineyard tours are just incredible and a must for any traveler. Here the best Douro Valley tours and tastings.
Lisbon and Porto are similar in terms of history and cultural complexity, although its vibe is completely different. Trust me, I was born and lived in Lisbon and I am now living in Porto.
I could say that both have colorful buildings covered in tile panels, both are located on the margin of a River (Porto is next to the Douro River and Lisbon to the Tagus or Tejo River) right where each River enters the Atlantic Ocean, and in both cities food and wine is amazing (quiet different in both locations, yet amazing).
Porto is known for its respect for the traditional flavors. Food in the north of Portugal is taken seriously. You will notice that in Portugal the consumption of meat is high, mostly pork, thou if you don't eat pork, just go for any cod-fish dish, you will keep on coming back for more.
Lisbon is the home of Pastéis de Nata, the delicious and world famous egg-custard tarts. The most typical are at the Pastéis de Belém at the Belém neighborhood, but you can find it, literally, everywhere. What to do in Lisbon after tasting the custard tart? There is no shortage of options, read more here.
Lisbon has this big-city confidence and energy while retaining all the grace and warmth of a small town. There is no shortage of food offer, from the typical Petiscos (finger food) at the best wine bars to the traditional flavors reinvented by the Michelin-star chefs.
Another foodie region you shouldn’t miss is Alentejo, an area known for its great culinary culture and awarded bold wines. Alentejo is located a one-hour drive from the Lisbon airport.
The past decade brought to Alentejo an impressive quality to the accommodation available. Alentejo is the place to stay if you wish to find some peaceful quality time.
Find out why you must visit Alentejo, here.
Oh, and you will surely be able to communicate in English throughout Portugal. Almost everyone speaks and understands the bare minimum and most of the Portuguese have a good level of spoken English. You’ll see how easy it is. Thou if you learn at least one word to say to a Portuguese, they will give you the world.
So, here’s the most common: “Obrigado” or “Obrigada”, (oh-bree-gah-duh) meaning “Thank you”. And “Olá” (oh-lah) – Hello.
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Discover the secrets of each wine region, here.