Secrets of Vinho Verde: A Monverde Experience

Indulge in pre-flight pampering at the airport lounge before your short flight to Porto, Portugal's captivating second city. Collect your awaiting car, before leaving the urban bustle behind as you weave your way through rolling Portuguese countryside, drawn towards the emerald embrace of the Minho region. In the heart of this picturesque landscape, Monverde Wine Experience Hotel stands out as a haven of tranquillity, surrounded by rolling hills and verdant vineyards. Settle into the sanctuary of your own Wine Experience Suite – located in its own building – where modern and elegant furnishings pair with a private wine cellar and an exclusive pool overlooking the vineyards. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, before relishing an included dinner experience featuring Chef Silva's signature dishes, a delicious fusion of modernity and tradition. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally, showcasing the best of Portuguese cuisine.

Enjoy breakfast this morning, with a good selection of fresh fruits, cheeses, meats and pastries. Then, it's time to unleash your inner winemaker with a wine blending and sensory experience. Your journey begins in the sensory room, where you'll explore the captivating aromas that define Vinho Verde wines. This will heighten your sense of smell and prepare you for the exciting blending process. Next, you'll embark on a guided tasting of individual grape varietals. Learn about their unique characteristics and histories, before unleashing your creativity. You'll have the chance to measure and blend these varieties to create a personalised wine that reflects your taste and preferences. Best of all, once you've perfected your preferred blend, you'll bottle it yourself, adding a cork and capsule. To commemorate your achievement, you'll even design your own custom label. Your very own bottled wine serves as a tangible reminder of your creation, a conversation starter guaranteed to impress friends and family. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a pampering treatment at the on-site spa before savouring another delicious dinner this evening, using your new-found knowledge to pair the perfect wine.

Near the charming village of Lixa – just a 5 minute drive from the hotel – lies Quinta da Lixa. This esteemed winery embodies the Meireles family's generations-long dedication to crafting exceptional Vinho Verde (green wine). Today, you'll have the privilege of exploring this private winery, learning more about the subtleties which make its produce so highly sought after. Your exploration begins with a captivating tour through breathtaking landscapes, in the heart of the flourishing vineyards. Discover the unique grape varieties that call this place home, each adding its special touch to the celebrated wines. As you delve into the subtle nuances that set them apart, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the artistry of crafting exceptional wines. Throughout this delightful journey, your palate will be tantalised by tastings from Quinta da Lixa's esteemed portfolio.

Enjoy a last morning in the vineyards before heading back to Porto. Speak with a specialist if you would like to add on a couple of nights in Porto, or drop off your hire car in time for your flight back to the UK.