The Douro Valley
Remarkably, the world actually has the French to thank for Porto’s namesake wine. In 1667, Gallic statesman Jean-Baptiste Colbert banned French wine exports to England, forcing thirsty Brits to look elsewhere for their grape hit. The Douro Valley’s unique geography – sheltered hills, hot climate, and easy shipping along the Duoro river and from Porto harbour – filled the gap nicely, and in no time a lively trade was established. Today dozens of venerable vineyards – creating table wine in addition to the fortified stuff – do tours and tastings, many offering the chance to hop on a ‘barcos rabelos’, the flat-bottomed boats which keep that all-important vino moving. Heres to you, monsieur Colbert.
Foz do Douro
In part thanks to a blessed location on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Douro, Foz do Douro has a reputation for being upscale and a wee bit chi-chi – in all the right ways, we stress. Hop on a number 1 tram from the centre of Porto proper and you’re spoilt for choice in terms of beaches – Praia das Pastoras is a good bet, as its two piers shelter the waters from the worst oceanic swells. A stroll along the achingly romantic, neoclassical Pérgola da Foz will surely win over that special somebody, by which time a tall glass of fizz should be in order at Ibar (at 516 Av. de Montevideu).
