Porto - The city of wine

Well known for its bridges, ancient and contemporary architecture, its historical center, the football club - FC Porto - and its "Francesinha", Porto is a city of charm and the second largest city of Portugal. However, it is mainly known for its wine - Porto Wine. So, come to Porto and enjoy a pleasant stay in one of many hotels in Porto and find out more about this city. You will not regret it.

The Porto Wine is a wine of unique, natural and fortified characteristics produced exclusively from grapes of the region. It has many different personalities. What makes it so special, besides the unique climate, is the fact that the fermentation of wine is not complete. It is stopped at an early stage, about two or three days after the start, by adding a neutral brandy with about 77 percent of alcohol. The wine becomes naturally sweet, since the natural sugar is not completely transformed into alcohol, and it also becomes stronger than other wines.

There are four types of Porto wine, each with a different and unique flavour:
-The White wine, is typically young and fruity, and is the only Porto wine to be categorized for its sweetness;
-The Ruby wine, a red wine that ages in vats, very fruity, and tastes like red fruits;
-The Tawny wine, that ages only two or three years in the rafters and it is lighter. It has the flavour of nuts, such as walnuts and almonds. Over the years, the -Tawny become even more aromatic, getting toasty aromas, coffee, chocolate, honey...
-The Rosé wine, which should be consumed while young. Acquires the flavours of cherry, raspberry and strawberry.

Among the special categories, you can find also "Reservas", "LBV", "Colheitas", the "Tawny" and "Vintage" - which name refers to the highest rating that can be attributed to a Porto wine. This designation is only awarded in years considered of exceptional quality.

Getting curious already?

As a way to take advantage of all the richness and tradition of the region the "Porto Wine Route" (Rota do Vinho do Porto) was established in 1996. It constitutes of 74 locations connected directly or indirectly to the production of Porto wine and Douro as well. It is a way to develop tourism and consequently improve peoples rural lives by reversing the trend of rural exodus, contributing to the settlement of vintners. In order to achieve these objectives, the Wine Route offers its visitors the opportunity to go on mini-tours across the region and make direct contact with the forms of cultivation and production of Porto Wine, as well as its peoples and customs.

The Porto Wine Route has at its disposal a set of services that are related to the roots and history of Douro. Offer its visitors the wine tasting in the farms where the wine is produced, as well the opportunity to savour the traditional cuisine of Douro. Yet, the possibility of accommodation in the most beautiful and secular farms of Douro Region or, if you prefer, stay in Porto hotels. You can find plenty of hotels Porto to all suit your needs and tastes. That way, you can get to know more about the Porto Wine and also participate in the activities of cultural entertainment, such as "Labs of Flavors".

Give yourself the chance to meet this beautiful city. You will find all the necessary support to get to know all of the region has to offer you, as well the opportunity to have fun in many different ways. And of course, you must try "Francesinha", certainly you will not regret it.