Amarante, near Oporto
We stayed for 3 nights at the Casa de Calcada, Relais & Chateaux, in Amarante, a very old town, which scenically sits on the banks of the river, about 50 k east of Oporto
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For larger photos please click on the thumbnail
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| We had a luxurious & large room, 207, with an arch covered balcony overlooking the river. Great views, despite the lack of sunshine |
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We wandered round the historic town and had a coffee and bun. Turning into the entrance to the hotel and then parking was difficult |
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For summer there was a swimming pool and vineyard. A delicious rice dish in their non Michelin starred restaurant was slightly spoilt by the large TV!! |
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Then a super gastronomic menu on our last night |
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We went into Oporto one day for 2 Port tastings, plus a yummy lunch!
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The first at Churchills- difficult to find!- set up 1981 by John Graham, his company had been sold to the Symingtons in 1970 |
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Had an older Tawnies tasting, plus a sip of a Grande Reserva wine |
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| After a tour of the caves, we had a tasting of Graham’s Tawny,10 Years Old, 20 Years Old, 30 Years Old Tawny, 40 Years Old Tawny and Single Harvest 1994 |
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Then went on to a good lunch in their Vinum restaurant, with, what could have been on a sunny day, excellent views |
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Our other full day we toured the Douro valley, where all the grapes for port are grown
We had 3 addresses for Quintas to visit, but only found one of them, and that was closed to visitors for the winter!
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| A stop in Pinhao revealed a wondrous station |
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| And we did actually view some lovely autumn colours |
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And on to the Zorita Hacienda, back near Salamanca