THE WINE AND TRAVEL WEEK 2025
Two Tales of a City
The 3rd Edition of the Wine and Travel Week kicked off with its welcoming ceremony at @ Infante Sagres Hotel 5*. An evening organised this year by guest region Tuscany, full of Italian charm and music, typical dishes à la Tuscany and a choice of accompanying wines by Bibi Graetz. It set not only the stage for the coming week, but also the quality gauge at an undeniable high. During the next six days, that barometer didn`t budge an inch.
The entourage of nearly 200 participants, carefully selected international Wine and Tourism Professionals, many on their first trip to Portugal, included Buyers, Suppliers and Journalists from more than 10 countries worldwide. In store; a week-long display of Wine-Tourism par excellence.
Very soon, the Infante Sagres foyer was a hive of joyous reunion, excited chatter and eager anticipation. Amid the hustle and bustle one individual stood out from the crowd: born in Porto and with two decades of experience under her belt, Paula Sousa. Paula, who has been with the Essência Company for just over two years, bore the onerous responsibility for this year’s performance, a weight she carried with grace.
For Paula, months of hard work, decision-making and delegation, collaboration and commitment were coming to a head. Behind the veil, her subconscious mind already focussed on the packed itinerary just 12 hours later.
Following Paula`s welcoming speech, she handed the stage to Tuscany Representative, Clara Svanera. For the coming two days of exchange in the Soares dos Reis National Museum, Clara would be waving the Italian flag at potential Buyers and the Press, proving beyond doubt, that Tuscany has more than just rolling hills and good wine to offer.
TWO TALES OF A CITY
For the small group of journalists, one slight change had been introduced to the itinerary. Whilst Buyers “relaxed” in the modern surroundings of the official Partner-Hotel: Renaissance Porto Lapa, 9 journalists set sail on a journey of discovery. The epitome of Portuguese hospitality, both Past and Present, embodied in two of Porto`s brand-new and outstanding locations.
At PALACETE SEVERO - TIME STANDS STILL
Opening: October 2024
Our first evening was spent in the historical Palacete Severo Hotel, a recently opened highlight in the centre of the Boavista district of Porto, and a building dating back to the dawn of the 20th century.
The tight schedule meant just a “Short-Tour” of the residence on arrival, however, on return and despite the late hour, General Manager Joana Almeida welcomed us personally, as did an excellent wine recommendation from the barkeeper:
Laura 2017 DOURO DOC by Quinta Casa Amarela
BASIC INSTINCTS
Joana is a credit and an asset to all concerned – be it French owners Géraldine and Stephane Banier, her empathetic team or most importantly, her guests. Thanks to her manner and years of experience, Joana contributes considerably to the residence’ overall atmosphere and sense of tranquillity.
Previous owner and architect Ricardo Severo, a pioneer born in Lisbon at the end of the 19th century was an also an engineer and an archaeologist. At the age of just 24, Ricardo married Francisca Santos Dumont, the daughter of a Brazilian Coffee Tycoon.
It is here their love story began and with passion and geometric precision, they designed and built the Palace. Beneath the flawlessly restored gold-adorned ceilings and through sunlit, intricately stained-glass windows, Ricardo and Francisca`s hearts beat on today.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT & THE ART COLLECTION
Credit goes to French Gallery-Owners (Perspective Gallerie, Paris) Géraldine and Stephane Banier who, having fallen in love with the property at first sight, have restored and aroused the lovers spirit and soul and created the unique retreat we witness today.
Experts in the world of Fine-Art themselves, with intricate attention to detail the Baniers have not only removed the Palace of half-century old ivy, but also created a vibrant exhibition space for Modern-Day Art and Contemporary Design, both inside and out.
SEVERO SPA & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS
In keeping with the establishment’s philosophy, and exclusive to the Severo Spa, lavish and natural skincare products by French Pioneer Olivier Claire pamper both mind and body. Spoil yourself. Renew and replenish or simply plunge into the heated water of the outdoor-pool, accessible whatever the season.
Award-winning Michelin-Star rated Chef, Tiago Bonito, produces true gastronomic encounters based on Portuguese tradition - with a hint of the mediterranean. Dine in the light, airy Bistro also used for breakfast, or in the elegance of Severo`s Éon Restaurant.
Palacete Severo: a true home from home, central and a peaceful luxurious retreat.
TIVOLI KOPKE PORTO GAIA HOTEL – a ROOM WITH A VIEW
Opening: February 2025
Kopke, Portugal`s oldest Port Wine Brand, in collaboration with Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, have created a haven of sublime elegance, a world within a world, with a view of the city of Porto to just die for.
Situated near the river Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia, the expanse of the premises is only apparent from the opposite side of the riverbank.
Vila Nova de Gaia, originally the fusion of the roman settlement Cale and the medieval Vila Nova de Rey, was once a hub for sailors and merchants alike. At the end of the 18th century following the regulation of both Production and the Trade of Port Wine, Vila Nova de Gaia became the centre and official storage site for all wine and port wine exporters of the region.
HAND IN HAND
The view of the Ponte Dom Luís I bridge is dramatic both by day and by night. The KOPKE legacy, and with it, Porto’s rich and fascinating heritage, began back in 1638 and lies deep beneath your feet. Once home to cellars and warehouses, today, the new Hotel auspiciously integrates stylish design with modern-day amenities.
Symbolised throughout: Kopke`s Core, their Port Wine Heritage and their Tradition. With 150 rooms including suites, two restaurants, three bars (Wine-Bar, Pool-Bar, Sky-Bar), the Tivoli Spa and Wellness sanctuary, a gym and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, nothing has been left to chance.
Within walking distance of many city attractions and boasting well-equipped Function-Rooms for up to 900 guests, Porto`s newest location is the favourable choice for both private visitors and the corporate world.
Serious competition for the neighbours.
With three Michelin Stars under his belt, Spanish Chef Nacho Manzano oversees the hotel’s 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar and the Boa Vista Terrace, expertly pairing Iberian Style haute cuisine with Kopke wines.
For the Wine and Travel Week attendants, a special treat had been prepared for Tuesday lunchtime, where we experienced these culinary skills first-hand.
Our visit kicked off with an aperitif: Porto Kopke Tonic and/or Kopke White extra-dry Port Wine as Aperitif (I don`t think anyone went for the orange Juice). The menu commenced with an Entrada of cauliflower, smoked sardines and herring-roe, paired with Sao Luiz Reserva Branco 2022.
The complete Menu youn see here. Many thanks, it was delicious!
From the 5-star menu and extensive Breakfast Buffet, through to the choice of bedlinen and comfort. From professionally trained staff, through to live bar-music with The Cover Van - of international niveau.
I found no fault, so why a homepage “Complaints Page” when you don`t actually need one?
Long may this last.
AWARD CEREMONY
Mr. Nuno Guedes Vaz Pires, Founder and CEO of the Essência Company made an opening statement: “The 3rd Edition of the award-winning Wine and Travel Week should reaffirm Portugal as a benchmark of hospitality, wine and Wine-Tourism.”
In my opinion: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
Tuesday night, took the Great Wine Capitals official Best Of Wine Tourism Awards Ceremony 2025 “backstage”, at the Coliseu Porto Ageas. An evening of glamour, culinary excellence and laudable recognition of international proportions.
For their dedication, passion and competitively high standards, my congratulations to this year’s Award-Winners 2025, in particular, the World of Portuguese Excellence!
Pictured: Ana Clara Silva by Pipadouro - Vintage Wine Travel, for both Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences & People’s Choice Award 2025.
Finally, recognition and gratitude must also be expressed to the following partners, for their support and the vital role they played in the repeated success of this Wine and Travel Industry Milestone:
To Catarina Santos Cunha and the Câmara Municipal do Porto for their undeniable support.
The Symington Family Estates and their team at W. & J. Graham`s VINUM.
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network for their Image and Promotion work.
The teams of Casa do Vinho Verde - Silva Monteiro Palace, and Media Travel and Logistics.
Gail Treuer
February 2025
Photocredits: Gail Treuer, #winetravelweek