— Working our way "upstream," we start in London, where the historic taste for the sweet, fortified wines of Portugal originated. Then to the city of Oporto, where English companies age and blend port wines in the cool dark cellars in "lodges." And finally, we'll journey up the Douro river to the dramatic vineyards where the grapes for port are grown.

Two notes: first, the city of Oporto has been named "Cultural Capital of Europe" for 2001.

Second: it's now legal for individual vineyards [quintas] to label wines under their own names. The result: a number of truly spectacular dry red wines coming on the market.

The story of port is intertwined with the history of Great Britain, where crystal decanters of vintage port have long been passed around the dinner tables of private clubs and the officers' mess.

Our travels will begin with an introduction to the English market for port, before continuing "upstream" to Portugal.

Our host is port expert David Cobbold. David Cobbold is an independent wine educator and consultant based in Paris, whose clients include the port house of Taylor-Fladgate.

Planned Program

  Sunday & Monday -- Two nights in London, staying at London's best privately-owned hotel, the Goring. Introductory tasting & dinner with Michael Broadbent MW at his private club.

  Tuesday & Wednesday -- Flight to Oporto, Portugal's second-largest city. Two nights at new Carlton Hotel on the riverfront. Visits to the "lodges" in Vilanova de Gaia where port wines are aged in great oak casks. Dinner in the private guest-house at Taylor's.

  Thursday-Saturday -- Travel by train up the Douro into the vineyards. Stay at Relais & Châteaux Vintage House in Pinhao. Visits & tastings at several port houses, including dry red wines. Excursion to Mateus, a fascinating palace. Among the highlights: the fabulous wines of Quinta do Crasto.

  Sunday & Monday -- Return to Oporto, closing dinner at Factory House. Return flight to London.

A more detailed program will be available about 4 weeks before the trip begins.