Fall in Portugal brings a buzz of activity to the various wine regions across the country, from picking and processing the grapes to celebrating the harvest with food, song and traditional festivals.

During September and October, visitors can witness harvest, as well as both old and new wine making techniques at vineyards across the country. Visitors can tour the vineyards and even help harvest or crush the grapes in some cases. Some wine estates offer visitors a chance to stay onsite, with perhaps a wine tasting or a complete wine pairing dinner to end the day.

Throughout the country, vineyards sit among stunning landscapes and are easily toured by car or bicycle.  In the Minho region, the grapes used for the Vinho Verde wines grow on trellises.  The vineyards of the Douro region run in a series of tiered, steep terraces.  Throughout the September harvest, men can be seen walking the vineyards carrying baskets of grapes, while the women are helping and singing traditional songs as they work or celebrate.

Many of the wine routes in the middle of the country run through small towns, each brimming with history.  Along the River Tejo, the wine region is full of fertile fields that get irrigated when the river bursts its banks.More info at http://insideportugaltravel.com/things-to-see-a-do.html

Exploring the Atlantic wine region is characterized by the ocean beaches, including Esposende, Ofir and Fão. Much of this part of the country has also been classified as a protected natural area. The North Coast Natural Park runs for approximately 18 kilometers between the Cávado River estuary and the village of Apúlia, characterized by white sand dunes. The dunes act as a natural barrier against the sea winds and prevent the ocean from encroaching upon the nearby farmland. Hikers can follow the Natural Park’s trail along the banks of the Cávado River, which is frequented by such migratory birds, such as capped herons, terns, mallards and herring gulls.  Farmland in this area has been fertilized by “Sargasso” - seaweed that washes up on the beaches. In fact, harvesting the sargasso has been a traditional occupation for centuries.

Visit:

Quinta da Romeira http://www.quintadaromaneira.pt/

Companhia das Lezirias: http://www.cl.pt/

Luis Pato: http://www.luispato.com/english/index.php

Quinta do Cotto: http://www.quinta-do-cotto.pt/en/

Quinta Do Coa: http://www.carm.pt/english/produtos/vinhos/qcoa/index.htm

The mountain region includes numerous castles, monasteries and churches that characterize the long history of this area. The region is filled with the history of fierce battles and stories of Portugal’s roots before it became a nation. Its natural resources are also legendary, with glacial lakes and inviting spring waters, making it popular for outdoor sports. The Serra da Estrela Natural Park is a favorite destination for travelers. Also the city of Coimbra, in Central

Portugal, is home to Portugal’s oldest university and its renowned baroque library.

Visit:

Casa de Santar: http://www.daosul.com/pagegen.aspx/?WMCM_PaginaId=1685

CARM: http://www.carm.pt/english/produtos/vinhos/qcoa/index.htm

The Algarve is becoming a playground for the visitors who come to Portugal from all over the world. Its year-round warm climate attracts golfers and major golf tournaments, as well as those who love outdoor sports and adventure. The region is full of nature preserves and parks, cork forests and olive groves and, in the Alentejo area, wide open plains and wheat fields.  The country’s long history manifests itself in this region with castles and fortresses and Roman ruins in ancient cities like Evora.

Visit:

Herdade do Esporão Alentejo  http://www.esporao.com/En/Pages/Index.aspx

Rising from the sea 400 miles off the coast of North Africa, Madeira has a tropical climate with lush vegetation and some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. The inhabited islands of this archipelago are Porto Santo and Madeira. The islands are autonomous, but belong to Portugal. Half of Madeira’s population lives in the capital city of Funchal.  The harbor at Funchal is still an important stopover point for cruises between Europe and the Caribbean. The Laurisilva Forest, in the Madeira Natural Park, is the largest evergreen forest in the world and is now classified as a World Heritage site. The islands were influenced by Great Britain and Flanders. With 500 years of history, these islands offer intriguing architecture, museums, churches, palaces and manor houses for visitors to explore.

Visit:

H.M.Borges

Oliveira’s

Vinhos Barbeito

MWC

Instituto do Vinho e Bordados da Região Artesanato da Madeira - IVBAM

The Azores are known for being unspoiled and, largely, undiscovered by tourists. The nine islands that make up the lengthy archipelago have ranked second in a National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations survey of favorable island destinations. They were noted for their mountains, lush greenery and the sophistication of the residents. Dolphin and whale watching are popular activities for visitors, as well as hiking through the hydrangeas and many other exotic species that have been transplanted here from all over the world. The town of Angra do Heroísmo, on the island of Terceira, has been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO, thanks to its Renaissance town center.

Visit:

Pico Cooperative Vineyards and Wine Museum: http://www.picowines.net/

Portugal is the closest European country to the United States.  Travelers can fly from Boston to the Azores Islands, an autonomous region of Portugal, in just four hours. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is Europe’s westernmost mainland city. Lisbon was founded 2,500 years ago by Ulysses, yet lately has been recognized for its coolfactor with hip restaurants, hot nightspots, trendy boutiques, stylish hotels and booming high-tech industries.

A few hours up the coast from Lisbon is historic Porto, the city that is known worldwide for the sweet Port wine produced in the Douro River Valley.

Throughout Portugal are ancient cities and hilltop villages where today’s travelers can stay in Pousada’a network of former monasteries, castles, fortresses and manor homes that have been turned into welcoming lodgings open to the public.  Visitors can explore Roman ruins, palaces and castles, cork forests, olive groves, open fields and the sweeping peaks that mark the border with Spain.

Two popular resort towns, Estoril and Cascais on the Atlantic Coast, are popular tourist destinations. Portugal’s southernmost coast has an abundance of beaches and golf courses, and a year-round warm climate.

In addition to its mainland, Portugal also has two archipelagos off its coast--the Azores Islands and Madeira. Madeira is made up of two main islands with warm, tropical climates. The Azores are nine remote islands that served as a stopping point for ships sailing the open seas for centuries. Each one of the islands has its own personality and culture.

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