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ou might think that you've stepped back in time entering Portugal's most northerly city, Oporto. Ancient cobbled streets and a wealth of historic monuments make this a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its ancient Port cellars. Under three hours away, with regular flights from the UK, Oporto is one of Europe's most interesting but less well known historic city destinations. Major renovations and recent investment within the city have encouraged a rise in luxury hotels, pedestrian walkways, a cable car and a vibrant restaurant scene - not forgetting long sandy beaches with wooden esplanades and surrounding golf courses. Oporto dates back to the first century BC when, under Roman rule, it played a key role as a main trade route between Lisbon and Braga. During the 14th and 15th centuries it became an important ship building centre and it was from here that Henry the Navigator set sail in 1415 to explore the west coast of Africa initiating the Portuguese Age of Discovery. By the 1700s, wine was already an important commodity and contributed to the emergence of Port as we know it. You can still see the old boats which used to transport wine from the vineyards in the Douro Valley (some 70 kms to the east), called “barcos rabelos”, moored along the quayside in the centre of the old city. In 1703, the Methuen Treaty established trade relations between England and Portugal and by 1717, the first English trading post f o r
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TAYLORS PORT Port wine was already operating in Oporto. Established in 1692, Taylor's Port was one of the first British Port houses to be established in Portugal. Dedicated to the production of top quality Port, it quickly gained a reputation for its prized Vintage Ports. Over 350 years later, Taylor's is still owned and run by descendents of the founding family. The company is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port and Taylor's has extensive stocks of bottled matured and Aged Tawny Ports which are housed at its cellars (or lodges) in Vila Nova de Gaia. Open throughout the year in Rua do Choupelo for tours and tastings, Taylor's lodge is a great place to visit if you are keen to learn about Port and pick up tips on pairing Port with food. If you are a chocoholic, have you tried Green & Blacks 70% Dark with Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage or a chilled glass of Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny with crème brulée or almond cake? After your visit, wander across the road and check in to the luxurious hotel, The Yeatman, where you can enjoy commanding views of Oporto from one of 82 bedrooms which have been carved into the hillside. Its Michelin star restaurant, award winning wine cellar and Caudalie wine spa are added attractions for those looking for a luxury haven from which to explore the city. In the evening, relax with a glass of Taylor's Chip Dry White Port, topped up with ice, tonic and a sprig of mint accompanied by a plate of local salted almonds on your private terrace and enjoy the dancing night lights of the city from your hilltop view. There are a number of Port styles produced by Taylor's to suit all palates and pockets to enjoy here in the UK. If
you are celebrating a 50th birthday or anniversary, splash out on a bottle of Taylor's 1964 Single Harvest Port which is beautifully presented in a quality beech-wood box. Despite its venerable age, the 1964 is surprisingly youthful with hints of warm butterscotch and molasses, crisp acidity and a rich, spicy black pepper finish. If time is on your side, Taylor's 2011 Vintage Port is considered to be one of the best Port vintages in decades. Powerful and concentrated with dark plum and spicy cherry flavours, this is a gorgeous multilayered wine that will continue to improve for decades. For drinking now, enjoy Taylor's First Estate with dark chocolate puddings or a bottle of Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas 2001 Vintage Port with a fine blue cheese. For more information on Taylor's Port, what to buy, how to serve, recipes and quirky Port traditions, visit www.taylor.pt. Details about The Yeatman can be found at www.theyeatman-hotel.com
LUCKY DRAW 5 lucky readers will each receive 2 bottles of Taylor’s port, a Chip Dry White Port, and a 10 year old Tawny Port. For your chance to win, simply send a postcard to the following address: Surrey Occasions Magazine Wine Draw, Hillrising House, 115 Potters Lane, Send, Nr. Woking, Surrey GU23 7AW by 30th May 2014 The Publisher’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Strictly only one entry per household is permitted. Multiple entries will be disqualified and all entrants must be aged 18 or over.