We’re in Aveiro now, hoping that the rain that’s finally hit us will clear up soon. I’ll use this quiet time for a quick sum up of my final (hopefully) thoughts on wine and wineries. We’ve now seen 5 wineries, from the small Quinta that produces 10,000 bottles a year, to two Quintas that each produce about 20 million bottles. And keeping in mind their various business practices, their enthusiastic tour guides, and varied growing conditions in the Dao Valley vs. the Douro Valley, I would like to show you this concerning picture of our 48 seat Road Scholar bus for us 11 Road Scholars, trying to turn around on a tiny wine lane:
And then this additional instructive picture of how Ron looks on his fifth winery of the tour. He’s probably wishing he could fall and hit his head in a Moorish garden:
And then, finally, to close out your wine education, take a look at this modified Rolls Royce that Quinta Pacheca has:
I thought about actually trying to convey some of my wine knowledge to you and then I thought better of it – I’ve learned that it’s so complicated with grape growing/selection nuances and different crushing techniques (barefoot crushing in a large vat is a real and highly esteemed thing – leading to vastly superior “reserve” product.)
But I do want to briefly discuss the barefoot grape smooshing from a sanitation point of view. This method is prized because it does not crush the seeds and when you do not crush the seeds, less tannin is released into the wine. Tannin creates bitter flavors in wine. (Note: every wine I have tasted is bitter. My “reserve” product is definitely the water served at each tasting). This fact about tannin/bitterness was stressed at all five wineries and yet no one was at all concerned about what kind of flavors all those feet might impart. Even Ron thinks it’s a fine and hygienic practice but he can also wash a pair of his Ex Officio travel underwear in less than 30 seconds and pronounce them clean.
Tomorrow we head to Coimbra, to see the university there – established in 1290 and the oldest university in Portugal.
Travels with Valerie 
How fun for you! I’m happy to be taken along with you while exploring these wineries we didn’t get to see. Are you enjoying the journey? Ask about the bats in the University library in Coimbra. Good story and relevant to me since I also can coexist peacefully with the little native critters that have taken up permanent residency in my barn. We spent a Fado evening while there. If you get the chance, do go. An enjoyable and unique experience. BTW-I love the tongue-in-cheek attitude with which you write your posts. Thank you!
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Hi Andi! We are having a good time – as always! We are shocked by the inexpensive food prices every day – France was so much more expensive. Will ask about the bats – we have a walking tour and library visit there tomorrow! Thanks for the compliment – as you know from traveling yourself, it’s so tiring that some days I don’t even know how I get a post up at all:)
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