Sarah Ahmed – The Wine Detective

En route home from a few days in the Douro, followed by a visit to Esporao in Alentejo, wine report to follow.

In the meantime, should you be travelling out that way, oenotourism is progressing in leaps and bounds here.  I’ve just added a couple of places to stay that I’d recommend to my September Douro report here and, having now eaten at DOC restaurant, can add my personal endorsement – great views and food!  These are the places to stay:

• Quinta de S Jose – surrounded by winemaker Joao Brito e Cunha’s own vineyard, four pretty self-catering guest houses overlook the Douro river – this is a peaceful spot and, on the opposite bank, you’ll see Quinta de Romaneira, home to a super swanky hotel of the type visited by Brangelina.

• Casa das Pipas - this award-winning guest house high up overlooking the Pinhao Valley belongs to Quinta do Portal.  I was only sorry to be working and not have a chance to enjoy the facilities or to take in the view fully yesterday morning, with a misty start to the day.  I did, however, enjoy dinner in the restaurant at the winery cellar door where young local chef Milton Ferreira produced great Portuguese fare with a modern twist, well matched to the wines.

All best

Sarah Ahmed
The Wine Detective