From Madrid to the Douro River Valley: A European Port Wine Odyssey Begins

Our European adventure commenced with a whirlwind tour of Madrid. While two days barely scratched the surface of this vibrant city, we managed to capture its essence. The masterpieces housed within the Museo Nacional del Prado left us awestruck, while the culinary delights of tapas, paella, and melt-in-your-mouth Iberico ham tantalized our taste buds. But with our time in Spain fleeting, we soon found ourselves whisked away to Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon proved an enchanting revelation. The city's seamless blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy captivated us. Despite its size, Lisbon exuded an intimate, almost village-like atmosphere. Tuk-tuk tours offered exhilarating explorations, while the culinary scene was a symphony of flavors. We even took in the Cervajaria Ramiro, a seafood restaurant made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain. It was so much fun watching patrons order the exact meal eaten by Anthony on the show, right down the the "prego" for desert, a steak sandwich with mustard.

Lisbon's allure extended beyond its picturesque streets and delectable cuisine. We immersed ourselves in the soulful melodies of Fado, a hauntingly beautiful musical tradition that embodies the heart and soul of Portugal. Traditionally performed in intimate venues with stone or brick walls, the music reverberates through the space, creating an almost ethereal sonic experience. Often accompanying a leisurely dinner, Fado's melancholic tunes and passionate vocals painted a vivid portrait of Portuguese culture, leaving an indelible mark on our souls.

A day trip to Nazare, a picturesque coastal town famed for its monstrous waves (though tame on our visit), provided a delightful interlude of shopping and a delectable seafood lunch. Our return journey included a stop at the medieval town of Obidos, where we indulged in the local Ginja de Obidos, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup—a delightful marriage of sweet and potent.

But the true purpose of our Portuguese escapade lay further north, in the heart of Porto's famed wine region: the Douro River Valley. This legendary landscape, renowned for its terraced vineyards clinging to steep slopes, is the birthplace of Port wine, a fortified elixir crafted from a medley of grapes, aged to perfection, and boasting a unique depth of flavor.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, we embarked on a day of Douro Valley exploration. Our first stop: Vieira De Sousa, a boutique winery perched high above the river, offering breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards cascading towards the water's edge. The tasting introduced us to the nuances of Port, with the ruby variety capturing my palate. A leisurely river cruise followed, showcasing the grandeur of the Douro and the picturesque Quintas (small wine estates) dotting its banks.

A delectable lunch awaited us high in the mountains, followed by a visit to Quinta Do Cume. Their approachable wines provided a fitting conclusion to our Douro Valley immersion. As we made our way back to Porto, a sense of accomplishment mingled with anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. Our European wine odyssey was just beginning.

I am truly amazed that six months later as I write this blog post that the Douro episode remains the most successful video to date. I guess the thought of a cowboy tasting wines in Europe creates curiosity. The Douro River Valley and port wine proved to be worthy of the visit.