GRAPE HARVEST PROGRAMME: WINNING THE MIDNIGHT

Beginning in the late afternoon, at around 18h30m, guests are welcomed at the Torel Quinta da Vacaria hotel, then travel to Quinta da Vacaria on board an iconic Vintage Bedford, on a route that anticipates the connection to memories and Douro identity. The experience continues with a guided visit to the cellar, where you can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the estate, followed by the Bacchus Tasting, made up of five references representative of the house:

• Duas Margens Reserva Branco
• Quinta da Vacaria Reserva Branco
• Quinta da Vacaria Reserva Tinto
• Porto LBV
• Porto Tawny 10 Anos

At the table, the Fumus restaurant pays homage to the traditional gastronomy of the grape harvest, through a menu inspired by the flavours of the region, where there is no shortage of garden produce, salt cod fritters, regional alheira, bread and buttery sheep’s cheese, Massa à Lavrador and traditional desserts such as pudim, moist pão de ló and the Quinta’s Harvest.
The highlight of the night comes with the Traditional Lagarada on foot, one of the most emblematic expressions of Portuguese wine heritage, allowing participants to enter the lagar and take part in a centuries-old ritual that continues to mark the grape harvest in the Douro: the treading of the grapes. The experience is accompanied by traditional Portuguese music, recreating the festive atmosphere that, for generations, has accompanied this moment. The programme runs between the beginning of September and the second week of October, by reservation, with small groups of between 4 and 12 participants, guaranteeing a personalised experience.

• As night falls, one of the most emblematic moments of the grape harvest arrives: the traditional treading of the grapes in the lagares, accompanied by traditional music, in an atmosphere that seeks to recreate the spirit and traditions of the region’s old grape harvests.

What is included

• Transport in a Vintage Bedford from the hotel to the cellar
• Visit and tasting of five wines
• Dinner on the Fumus terrace
• Traditional treading of the grapes in the lagares to the sound of traditional music