The Port Wine
With dozens of Port wine bodegas available for touring and testing, Here are two very different, yet representative examples - Finca Ramos Pinto, and Graham's.
Finca Ramos Pinto
Finca Ramos Pinto was founded by Adriano Ramos Pinto in 1880 and is still managed by his heirs. They created a large market for their products in Brazil, and became highly successful. Eventually, they became responsible for over half of the wine exported to South America. Some of that success due to the overtly sexual advertisement they used. They must have had great fun with their business.
Finca Ramos Pinto
Entry walkway where the tour begins.
Our guide fills us in on the very colorful life of Sr. Ramos Pinto.
His office is decorated in azulejo tile art of the most erotic type. Particularly for the late 1800s.
This was a men-only business.
The main lounge for tasting and purchasing the Port wine.
Always the sound of happy people here.
The advertisement was very racey.
I think I see a theme here. I am ready to party!
Even the monk couldn't resist. "Sao uma tentacao" means "It's a temptation".
Don't forget to buy lots of neat gifts here for special persons back home.
Graham's
Graham's, founded in 1820, is a collection of a number of Port bodegas and fincas (vineyards) accumulated over 200 years by the British brothers William and John Graham, and later expanded by the Symington family. They currently manage the largest area of vineyards in the Douro River valley. Their subordinate estates include Cockburn's, Dow's, Warre's, Quinta da Vesuvio, and Altano. Graham's is one of the reasons that Port wine has been a traditional British Empire consumer product for two centuries.
Entry to the estate.
Turn right and find the entrance 100 yards down.
Inside the arrivals and waiting room.
Some of the barrel storage.
Lots more as the tour progresses.
Finally, some excellent port tasting. Lots. We discovered that the couple at our table were from Sao Paulo in Brazil. Lots of fun practicing our Portugese with them. We got better with more port!
Big commercial store for every year and type you could want.
Gragam's also has an excellent restaurant. We chose to eat here on our 50th wedding anniversary. Excellent venue with fabulous view.
End of the evening as the full moon rises on the right. Happy 50th, Faye!