Porto, Portugal, is renowned for its production of Port wine – fun fact: A wine can only be called a “Port wine” if it’s produced in Portugal’s northern Douro Valley. Typically, the grapes are grown and harvested in the Douro Valley, and then come to Porto to be aged and bottled.

We did a wine tour and tasting at Cálem in Porto to learn about the production process, history, and the different varieties of Port.

Types of Port Wine:

There are several types of Port wine, each with unique characteristics and flavors that depend on its grades and aging process. These include Tawny Port, Ruby Port, Vintage Port, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port, White Port, and more. My favorite was the younger Ruby Port, which is sweet and fruity, and Brev liked the older, nuttier Tawny Port. 

Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia:

Vila Nova de Gaia is directly across the river from Porto and is home to numerous Port wine cellars, or “caves.” Here many renowned Port wine producers have cellars in this area, where the wine undergoes aging and maturation in barrels. This is where we did the wine tasting at Cálem and had a lot of fun.

Alfama is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon. Most known for its narrow winding streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. 

Alfama has a rich history dating back to the Moorish (Muslim) rule of Lisbon. You can still see a lot of the neighborhood’s medieval charm, narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses adorned with tiles (azulejos), and traditional Fado houses. The buildings in this neighborhood often feature intricate wrought-iron balconies and laundry hanging from windows. Many of the people living in Alfama are now elderly and have been there their entire lives. 

Alfama comes alive during the popular Saint Anthony’s Feast (Festas de Santo António) in early June, when the town hall selects 16 couples for all expense-paid weddings. These couples are married on June 13^th and their weddings are televised and followed throughout Portugal. The streets of Alfama are adorned with colorful decorations and there is a parade, food, and dancing. 

Fado is an emotional and soulful genre of music that originated in Portugal in the early 19^th century. It holds a special place in Lisbon’s cultural identity.

The word “Fado” itself is derived from the Latin word “fatum,” meaning fate or destiny. It’s characterized by mournful tunes and heartfelt lyrics, typically accompanied by the Portuguese guitar (guitarra portuguesa) and classical guitar. The lyrics often revolve around themes of love, loss, nostalgia, and the struggles of daily life.

There are many Fado houses in Lisbon, also known as “Casas de Fado,” where tourists can get an authentic Fado experience. Lisbon even hosts Fado festivals throughout the year, to celebrate the genre and its continued relevance in contemporary Portuguese culture.

Lisbon is known for its Vino Verde, or Green Wine. 

Contrary to its name, “green” refers to the wine’s youthfulness rather than its color. These wines are known for being crisp, light, and fresh.

Another key element of Lisbon’s drinking culture is the prominence of traditional neighborhood bars, known as “tascas.” These cozy establishments often serve local (green) wines, spirits, and Portuguese beers. Because these bars are so small it’s common for people to grab a drink and then bring it outside. On weekend nights you’ll find the narrow streets in the Bairro Alto district full of people drinking, mingling, and hanging out outside the bars. 

Ginjinha, a Portuguese cherry liqueur, is another popular and iconic traditional Lisbon drink. My mom and I were served ginjinha in chocolate shot glasses and it was delicious! Locals often enjoy it as a digestive or aperitif.