Vila Nova de Gaia or simply Gaia, is a city and a municipality located south of the city of Porto on the other side of the Douro River. The city contains many cellars (locally known as “caves”) where port wine is stored and aged. It’s history is tied directly to the production of port. It’s long, a little bloody, and very complicated. Port on the other hand is very simple, although there are many kinds and many techniques involved.
Month: August 2026
Taylor’s
Taylor’s is probably the most available port in the world. It is everywhere. The full company name is Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman and is part of the Taylor Fonseca Group, which owns the brands of Taylor, Fonseca, Fonseca-Guimaraens, Krohn, Delaforce and Croft. Not a great port but definitely a good port. The grounds and establishment are very pretty and the restaurant has a wonderful reputation.
Graham’s
W. & J. Graham’s, or simply Graham’s, is a producer of port wine. It is one of the most important of the port names. It is also one of the best. I can not say too much about how much I enjoy their wine. Visiting their cave was one of the highlights of my trip to Porto. The wine is exceptional and their restaurants are all first rate. And the staff was phenomenal.
São Bento Station
São Bento Station was once the main railroad station in Porto but now is a terminus and connecting station. The international and long distance lines all run from Porto Campanha, two stops from São Bento. It is still an important station and very friendly and quaint. We love train stations.
Quinta Nova
Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Quinta Nova Winery House is a luxury hotel located in Covas do Douro, Portugal, and is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group. It is situated within the historic Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo estate, known for producing award-winning Douro and Porto wines.
Bonnie and I took a train along the Douro River to Ferrao, about 2 hours. There the fine people at Quinta Nova picked us up and drove us to the winery. We walked the grounds, inspected the hotel and then had a splendid lunch, with several wines featured through out the meal. We finished on their terrace with a glass of port and a double espresso. Time well spent.