The Closing of a Fantastic Year

The New Year is right around the corner, and I hope that all of you are getting ready to spend it with good friends and great wine. 2005 was the first year of many for Catavino, and we’re looking forwards to an exciting 2006 – more articles on strange grapes, interviews with interesting people, and soon, a whole new web design for all of you to enjoy. However, in the meantime, allow me to recap this year’s interviews, so that if you missed one, you can go still gain some insight and wisdom from some of our wine gurus.

Roy Hersh is our first interview and a great one at that. I want to take the time to thank Roy for being our ~~victim~~, ur I mean guest. His knowledge of Port and Madeira is loved and appreciated by all. Thanks Roy!

Christopher Cannan is the bringer of fine wines from around the world to your doorstep. Christopher was kind enough not only impart his history with wine, but also his philosophy regarding it.
Senor Arrufi of Altavin wines has been producing wines that equal the many coveted Priorat wines for half the price. Make sure you take a moment and check out the interview.
Eric LeVine of Cellartracker is a ingenious man for whom without his software, I would be clueless as to what is hidden in my cellar!

Bartholomew Broadbent of Broadbent wines is a savior to port and madeira lovers throughout America. Bartholomew not only holds his own next to his legendary father, but also has remained one of my favorite interviews for 2005.

Victor de la Serna was the last interview we conducted in 2005. Victor is not only one of the founders and writers for Elmundovino – a famous Spanish wine magazine, but also is the winemaker and owner of Finca Sandoval. This man has forgotten more about Spanish wine than I’ll ever know.

So that wraps it up! Our year has been both exciting and trying as we have maneuvered our way through cultural, linguistic and gastronomical adventures in order for you to get the information first hand. However, without your support and dedication as loyal readers, our site would never have happened. Therefore, from our wine glasses to yours, we wish you the absolute best for the coming year!

Till next year, Ryan and Gabriella Opaz

Contact Us Now!

Google Rating

5.0

Catavino Tours

5.0

Anna Gunn

11:46 19 Sep 17

This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class. Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine. The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino! We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired. Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all! Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.

See All Reviews Write a review