10 Days and 9 Nights - The Best of Portugal, hosted by Kopke Wines and friends
May 18-27, 2025
Porto - Douro River Valley - Lisbon
Cities, Rivers, Wine Regions, Islands, Michelin dining, and even a local insider food crawl
painstakingly curated by
Kopke Port Wines
St. Jack Chef Aaron Barnett
Chef Vitor de Oliviera
Simply B’s Sandra Tavares
Portland expat Don Bourassa
Your host company, Portland Food Adventures
This very special trip has been specially curated by some incredibly special companies and people to bring you an unforgettable can’t miss insider’s food and wine tour of the hottest and coolest spots in Portugal!
Portand Food Adventures has put together a team of awesome hosts who all have the experience and connections you’ll not find anywhere else. This will be the first-ever PFA trip to Portugal, but it’s not because we didn’t want to bring you there, it’s because we found the perfect convergence of parties to jump at the chance to offer this trip to PFA patrons!
To start, we are really proud to be in the hands of some great folks at Sogevinus, who boast the oldest Port House in Porto, and Port wines they have been producing for almost four centures. They will not only showcase the best Ports and wines available, they’ll host us a number of different ways. In Porto, their brand sparkling new hotel will be our home for four nights in Gaia in Porto, and we will start there with a reception featuring Kopke Wines. Secondly, we will visit Quinta de São Luiz, where they have a beautiful inn and vineyard in the Douro Valley. We will be treated to a cocophany of wonderful experiences, from a private barrel tasting to a “four-hands” dinner you’ll witness first-hand and enjoy al fresco out on the patio of The Vine House. What a special opportunity to be part of a bespoke collaboration between chef Vítor de Oliveira and our trip host Chef Aaron Barnett! You cannot miss this.
Chef Vitor’s lovely wife is Sandra Tavares, who operates one of Portugal’s finest and deepest tour companies specializing in bespoke culinary tourism. (Her husband’s chef connections don’t hurt!) She has worked hand in hand with PFA’s Chris Angelus to carefully put together a wonderful array of experiences at vineyards, on boats, on islands and everywhere that isn’t on every website — away from the hoards of touristas!
Now, you may be asking, “isn’t Chef Barnett known for his French cuisine at St. Jack? Why is he hosting a trip to Portugal?” Well, very simply, chef has been cooking many cuisines since way before his days at St. Jack, and when PFA’s Chris Angelus mentioned that he was interested in producing a trip to Portugal, Chef Aaron chimed in immediately with excitement at the prospect: “I would love to have my St. Jack patrons come get wowed with me in Portugal! They’re food-lovers and I want to have this experience with them.”
So, Chris, having always wanted to do a trip with one of his self-proclaimed favorite people in Portland’s food world, thought “why not? We already have Kopke and Sandra all in place as the best possible local connections we can have, having the energy of Chef Aaron on the trip to experience it with everyone is a no-brainer!”
Lastly, what a treat: Don Bourassa, who traveled the world with his wife Hilary, seeking out the place they’d love to live outside of the US, and chose Porto. Don was the Community Director at Yelp for years, who was right in the middle of the Portland food world. He surely hasn’t lost his interest in food since moving to Porto, and he’ll share with us and take us to some of his more beer-friendly haunts featuring his favorite local fare in his own special way.
SEE THE DAILY ITINERARY IN THE NEXT COLUMN!
WHERE WE’RE GOING
PORTO
Porto, Portugal is increasingly becoming one of the most desirable food destinations for exciting food and excellent wine, most specifically port wines. Its proximity to the ocean and fertile ground presents a playground for chefs and winemakers alike. The city is located on the Douro River's mouth where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, and is part of the world-famous Douro Valley wine region. Porto has played a key role in the production of Port wines, which are typically richer, sweeter, and higher in alcohol content than other wines. A young, vibrant city, Porto also has a growing wine bar scene, and we’ve got that covered, too!
DOURO RIVER VALLEY
The Douro River Valley is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, famous for Port wine. The terraced vineyards along the riverbanks produce grapes used in the production of both Port and Douro wines The river has transported the fruits of the labor of many wonderful wine producers for years, down to Porto for aging and distribution. It is incredibly picturesque, with steep hillsides adorned with terraced vineyards that cascade down towards the river. The region has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.
LISBON
Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal, boasting a very diverse food and wine scene. Its proximity to the sea makes it a fantastic place for chefs to stretch their boundaries with seafood. Its many restaurants, food halls, markets, cafes and culture make it a must visit for people looking for relatively affordable and delcious experiences. We will get a bite of it all! Or lots of it, anyway!
WHAT WE’LL DO
Daily Itinerary 0
(subject to change depending on availability as we get closer and other factors)
Day 1
You will arrive at your 4-Star Hotel in Gaia and after settling in, you’ll meet your tripmates and celebrate your good fortune and good planning with a toast presented by our hosts, Kopke wines. That’ll include some of the best of their portfolio, along with a few bites to whet your appetite for the trip.
Then we’ll cross the river and enjoy a fairly casual delicious dinner at one of storied Chef José Avillez’ restaurants.
Day 2
We will start with a city and tapas tour and enjoy a ride in a vintage car as a great way to navigate the hills of Porto. Then we will get serious (in a fun way!) and head down to Porto’s famous wine cellars and taste, taste, taste.
For dinner, one of the extremely awesome treats of this trip, we’ll head to the ocean for a Michelin Star sunset dinner at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, Chef Rui Paula’s architectural dream, built in the rocks, and one with the sea.
Day 3
We will visit Bolhão Market and buy the ingredients for a wonderful collaborative lunch with Chef Aaron on a private rooftop overlooking Porto. One for the books!
The evening will feature a pub crawil with Portland ex[-pat Don Bourassa.
Day 4
We will head south for a tour of the salt pans of Aveiro and then jump on a boat to enjoy an oyster workshop and a slowcooking lunch. Of course Sandra will show us around the historic center of Aveiro and Costa Nova.
The evening is free to do as you wish
DOURO RIVER VALLEY
Day 5
We will pack our things and head east. Starting with a visit to one of the most beautiful wine estates you will ever see, featuring Vinho Verde wines. We will tour and taste!! And for good measure, a bread workshop. Then we will head upriver to Kopke’s absolutely delightful property, stopping for lunch along the way. We will check into The Vine House, and once you settle in to your room and catch your breath after taking in the vistas, we will have a casual sip and some tapas. If you choose to dine in the restaurant that night, you are free to do so with your companion or with some new friends you’ve made so far! And Chef Vitol will surely have your back! (dinner is optional, and not included in the trip)
Day 6
Have breakfast at the Inn and then we’ll take a hiking tour of the São Luiz vineyard, featuring a picnic lunch in the vineyard and then a bit later a visit with Chef Vitol to the wine cellar, where a special treat awaits.
For dinner, out on the beauitiful patio overlooking the Douro River, Chefs Vitol and Aaron will join hands to make a fantastic grilled dinner for our group. A night for appreciation as you enjoy this vista.
COIMBRA-LISBON
Day 7
Sadly, we have to leave The Vine House this morning, but don’t despair! We will make special stops on our way to Lisbon, starting in Coimbra for lunch and a tour of the city center, making our way to Obidos for more food! Tapas!
The evening will be yours to enjoy on your own or with your new friends in Lisbon, after checking into our beautiful 4-star hotel.
Day 8
We will leave Lisbon and head south along the Atlantic to Portinho da Arrábida in Setubal. We will have a tour and visit the local market, settling in for a seafood lunch.
Back in Lisbon, it’s time for dinner, and of course, a Fado Concert!! Sandra has set us up!!
Day 9
Our last full day in Lisbon gives you many options to do on your own. Head to Sintra and tour its castles, book a trip to the westernmost point in Europe, or just wander Lisbon. Your guide Sandra can surely help fill your imagination and your day with many ideas!
And of course, we will have to celebrate this wonderful adventure at a beautiful Lisbon restaurant for our farewell. A time to toast, reflect and appreciate.
Day 10
Check out of the hotel and head wherever you wish! Thank you for being part of our advernture.
Pricing/Terms
10 days/9 nights — $8950 per person double occupancy
Save by booking early!!
$1600 single supplement. (There may be a surcharge due with any significant fluctuations in the dollar/euro exchange rate.)
(see deposit and payment details below)
Non-refundable deposit of 50% of cost of trip due to secure your spot(s) via check only. Then, balance of full cost of trip due by 1/15/2025. All payments are non-refundable, but are transferable. PLEASE CALL CHRIS AT 503 314 4221 TO INITIATE THIS PROCESS.
While our trips feature smaller groups for maximum enjoyment and interaction, this trip is subject to a low minimum number of guests. Please do not buy airfare until we inform you that the minimum has been met.
WHAT IS/ISN’T INCLUDED: This trip includes accommodations in beautiful 4-Star hotels and a boutique inn, hotel taxes, at least 12 food and/or beverage experiences in addition to breakfast, and associated gratuities, and transportation to our excursions in the country away from the cities during the trip.
They do NOT include airfare or transfers to and from airports or trip insurance (which we strongly recommend) and can be purchased online, mini-bar, incidentals, food not published on itinerary, non-dining gratuities (generally for drivers, tour guides) and personal expenses.
Pescatarians can be accommodated. Please ask about other food issues/allergies. This is called Portland Food ADVENTURES for a reason. Our trips are not great for people with restrictive food issues.
Lastly, our groups are really fun, and we want to make sure we keep them that way. So, if you’re a flexible, open traveler who appreciates the opportunity to sit back and let us do the planning and the legwork while you eat and drink really well, this trip is for you. If you need to be in complete control of your schedule, and need to know what’s happening months in advance on Friday at 3pm during the trip, this may not be the best way for you to travel. Our guests who put this in our hands report the times of their lives!!
We can help you with excursions before, during and after as well.
YOU ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO CALL CHRIS AT 503 314 4221 TO DISCUSS THE TRIP BEFORE OR AFTER MAKING YOUR DEPOSIT.
We strongly urge you buy travel insurance.
We cannot refund your deposit, but trip insurance can help so much!
AAA, insuremytrip.com or Allianz offer policies. It’s a good idea to purchase insurance within 30 days of booking!!
Your PFA Host Chef Aaron Barnett
Canada born, LA-bred chef Aaron Barnett was on the path to becoming a veterinarian when he decided to bail and pursue his passion. From an early age, Aaron Barnett’s parents instilled in him a love of food. He was eating snails and dining on his mom’s home-made ceviche when other kids were munching PB & Js. He attended culinary school in California before working in Vancouver, BC, and back in San Francisco. He moved to Portland and served as Executive Chef at two culinary icons.
Portland proved to be exactly the market Aaron was looking for and gave him the confidence to open his dream restaurant, St. Jack. While Aaron had experience in different styles and cuisines, he became known as one of the best French chefs in the West. As a result, the Lyonnaise eatery garnered Eater Restaurant of the Year and Aaron became a StarChef Rising Star.
Aaron opened another restaurant, La Moule, before consulting with other restaurants like Scotch Lodge, both of which opened to significant fanfare. In 2022, Aaron opened a fun spot, Heavenly Creatures, with his long-time friend and colleague, Joel Gunderson. Both decided they could help other businesses to benefit from their experience, and so recently they launched their own consulting firm, Giant Squid.
Aaron is hands-on at his restaurants, but works to balance the rigors of chef life with his love of travel and cuisine. Most keenly, his priority is his beautiful family of four.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Please take a listen as PFA and Right at the Fork podcast host Chris Angelus interviews Aaron.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
