A few lovely porthole cabins are still available on Avalon Waterway's brand new river cruiser, the Alegria, for this amazing Virginia Wine Love adventure! Don't wait to book!
Join us for a trip of a lifetime as we cruise through some of Portugal’s most legendary landscapes. Dramatic, sloping vineyards and sleepy villages dot rugged hillsides that for centuries have produced renowned wines and cuisine. Be swept away by Douro’s timeless traditions, family farms, fevered Fado music, and culinary creations in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.
The intimate and upscale Alegria river cruiser holds fewer than 100 passengers, so you can count on a relaxed journey among friends. Onboard, we'll gather as a group for a kickoff reception and we'll dine together often, but you'll have plenty of onboard and onshore alone-time, too, if you like.
Once we have a final count, we'll look into one or two special activities for our group – maybe a private visit to Kopke, the oldest port wine house, or a tasting at one of the famed port houses in Porto.
If you're feeling adventurous, fly in early to Lisbon, see the sights, and then rent a car to head north to Porto, exploring colorful and historic towns and cities like Sintra, Obidos, and Cascais along the way. (Porto is a quick flight or only about a 3 hour drive from Lisbon.) Or, finish your stay in Portugal with a flight or drive south to the world famous coastline and beaches of the romantic Algarve.
The Virginia Wine Love rate includes a $1000 per cabin early booking discount, $200 per cabin Virginia Wine Love Group discount, as well as comped pre-paid gratuities. The cruise cost includes beer/wine/cocktails at happy hour and meals, internet, excursions, port fees and taxes.
Book now! A $250/person deposit will hold your cabin; final payment is due April 18, 2024. Call Alyssa Reese with Avalon at 866-612-5118. The code for the discounts is VIRGINIALOVE.
More info: See the cabins still available and details about the cruise itinerary here.
Questions? Email Nancy at Nancy@VAWineLove.com
Portuguese-style wines in Virginia
Virginia is lucky to have two wineries with deep roots in Portugal. The owners and winemakers at Morais Vineyards in Bealeton (Northern Virginia) and Brent Manor Vineyards in Faber (Central Virginia) all hail from Portugal.
The two winery experiences are very different: Morais (right, below) is large and extravagant and very kid-friendly. Try their Moscatel, a traditional Porguese dessert wine, full-bodied white Verdelho, or red Touriga Nacional. At Brent Manor (left, below), your tasting is likely to be poured by owners Tracie and Jorge Raposo. The view from the intimate winery's Adirondacks is one of the best around. Try their Vinho Branco white blend, Touriga Nacional Rose', or Vinho Abafado Rosé from Chambourcin grapes.
Learn More
Portuguese wines go way beyond vinho verde and tawny port. Learn more from our friends at Wine Folly.