Today we started the day with a two-hour cruise along the Douro river in a traditional Rabelo boat. We each had an audio guide that described the farmhouses, terraces and vineyards that line the river. After the river boat we went to lunch at a riverside restaurant. It was a long wait for food but when it came it was lovely. Steak, salad, chips and rice. The only problem was the flies (and the fact that the restaurant was cash only so Phil had to run to a cashpoint)!
After lunch we visited Quinta do Bomfim (part of the Symington family estates) that have been producing port in the region since the 17th century. They produce all the ports we usually buy back home (Graham’s, Dows, Warrer’s, Otima and Cockburns). We took the tour of the winery first and then did a port tasting in their riverfront tasting room. Tarina, who is not a fan of port, convinced the host to let us try some of the really expensive Tawny in an attempt to find one she likes. It was great. When Phil went to move the car, Tarina and I went to the shop. The host came with us and let us have additional tasting samples of some of the ports on offer.
Next we visited Sandman for a tour and tasting.
In the late afternoon we went back to the hotel, picked up a nice bottle of dry white from the the hotel wine shop and relaxed by the pool. The pool is cold but very refreshing in the afternoon heat.