There is a fresh wind in the Port trade, and it has a name: Quevedo. A small Portuguese family company that has come a long way in the last 25 years.
While many of the big established Port Wine companies from Gaia start to see the Douro as a business opportunity and open visitor’s centers over there (like DOW with the QUINTA DO BOMFIM or Croft with the QUINTA DA ROÊDA), QUEVEDO did go the opposite way – they opened a visitor’s lodge in Gaia. Contrary to most lodges in Gaia, no wine is stored and aged in the lodge – it’s just a way to create brand recognition and to sell great wines to happy tourists. And while many lodges are like cathedrals and you can hear the echo of your steps and you can hear the dust falling down, the QUEVEDO lodge is loud and lively… Beautiful live-music; clapping hands, happy people and Port Wine… what a nice combination! QUEVEDO has definitely done it’s part to rejuvenate the Port Wine industry.
I just love to finish a day of lodge visits at Quevedo’s lodge. You can discover Port Wine in your own pace – there is no tour, there is no guide. There are many wooden tables, that make it look a little bit like Oktoberfest; the explanations are on big posters on the wall. The grapes, the different Port styles and the history are all explained in an easy to understand way. You can chose from the whole offering of Quevedo’s Ports and then walk around from poster to poster, to ready while you enjoy your glass. You can also have some typical light Portuguese snacks with the wine. Everything costs only a few Euros and is well worth it.
On top of this the visitors are able to enjoy live music – typical Portuguese Fado music. While some songs are melancholic, many are also quite happy – and even if the visitors don’t understand the text, they just love to clap to the beautiful songs. The place is often full – the reason for this is that you get a ticket for free tastings at Quevedo when you buy a cable-car-ticket – and many people come to try those Ports. These are solid Ports, but of course basic Ports – you get what you pay for… and these are free. I hope that many visitors use the opportunity to order also a few of the higher quality Ports… It’s worth it. I love Colheitas – and here I find very well made Tawnies and Colheitas. The fills are very generous.
If you are lucky, you will be able to meet Oscar Quevedo jr. at the lodge – who is in charge of marketing and one of the nicest persons you will ever meet. His YouTube-video explaining how Port Wine is made is legendary…
My advise: Don’t start with this lodge if you want to visit a few other lodges in Gaia – but absolutely finish your day here. You will have a great time and you will for sure not regret the visit.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00 every day
Address: Rua de Santa Marinha 77, Vila Nova de Gaia
Web-Page: www.quevedoportwine.com
Email: info@quevedoportwine.com