Latest news with #portwine
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
New Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Is A Resort Retreat In The Heart Of Porto
City hotels can take many forms. Some lean into the energy of their surroundings—the hum of taxis, the bustling café culture, the al fresco cocktail bars. Others strip things down to the essentials: a stall shower, a narrow bed, a coffee and croissant on your way out the door. But once in a while, you come across something rarer: a city hotel that captures resort living, but with an urban landscape just steps away. The exterior facade of the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel Tivoli Hotels The Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel is one such hotel. Located on the south bank of the Douro River in the historic Gaia riverside, Porto's newest luxury hotel is a design-forward urban retreat set on nearly five acres inside the city. With its sweeping views of the Douro River, beyond which sits Porto's historic downtown, Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia invites guests to enjoy Porto over a glass of its signature port wine rather than hustle through it. It's escapism in the heart of the city, where Porto is always within reach, but never pressing in. Tivoli's newest property (and the global brand's eighth in Portugal) features 149 contemporary guest rooms and suites designed in a rich palette of burgundy and brown, with leather accents and wood-paneled textures that echo the character of Porto itself. Black-and-white photographs by famed 20th-century Portuguese photographer Domingos Alvão line the walls—a quiet homage to the region and its beauty. Inside the hotel, the centuries-old Kopke wine cellars are on view, with barrels holding 528,000 gallons of wine. The cellar will soon open to guests and offer events and Port wine tastings. A guest room at the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel Tivoli Hotels While there's so much to experience in the city itself, the hotel's culinary offerings are a reason to return. At its helm is celebrated Spanish chef Nacho Manzano of the three-Michelin-starred Casa Marcial in Asturias in northwest Spain. Here, Manzano brings fine dining flair to Porto's south bank. Guests can enjoy dinner at 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar, a poetic 11-course tasting highlighting Douro wines and signature dishes, like oyster with duck sauce and beef sirloin with seaweed pesto. There's also Boa Vista Terrace, a relaxed all-day restaurant on a garden terrace offering Atlantic flavors, like cod confit and mussels with cockle rice. From April to October, the rooftop Sky Bar Kopke offers stellar views and port-driven cocktails—a laid-back way to sip the region's most iconic export. The pool at the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel, which offers sweeping views of Porto's historic district Tivoli Hotels Amidst touring Porto, we'd find ourselves taking midday breaks at the hotel, lingering over lunch or a swim at its terrace pool. In the morning, we enjoyed the Tivoli Shape fitness center with Technogym equipment. If you can steal an hour or two, the Tivoli spa features treatments drawn from the region's wine-making heritage. The signature Essence of Kopke experience uses Douro Valley schist stones and wine-scented candles, while other treatments blend Kopke wines with aromatherapy. There's also a wood-and-glass sauna, steam room and a hydrotherapy pool with phototherapy—all featuring signature city views. With its ease of resort living, coupled with the cultural richness of an urban escape, Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia is a seamless entry point in which to enjoy Porto. Its elevated dining, expansive spa and panoramic views offers a rare kind of city stay— one rooted in luxury and place, but with the kind of transportive feeling that makes travel worth the journey.
Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Telegraph
In search of the Douro's rich heritage
'Am I the only one who thinks this ship is never going to fit into that little hole?' I exclaimed to my fellow guests on the Aquavit Terrace. The Viking Hemming was approaching the vast wall of the Carrapatelo Dam on the Douro River and we had a clear view of what lay ahead – including a modest slot in the left corner. This, it turned out, was the deepest lock in western Europe at 35m. Captain Tiago skilfully steered our ship into the eerie chamber with just inches to spare. The 150-ton door closed behind us and we rose slowly, emerging to a different sun-drenched view of this spectacular waterway. A couple of days later, in the Viking Hemming's stylish lounge, Captain Tiago showed us a short film from the 1950s that documented how barrels of port wine were transported down the river from the vineyards for which the Douro is famed. Using a mix of sails, oars and a long rudder, sailors coaxed their wooden rabelo boats through dangerous rapids and rocks in the days before dams tamed the river. In Porto, at the start of our voyage, we had already admired examples of these unique vessels. Viniculture has been entwined with this part of Portugal for a good 4,000 years. Viking's 10-day itinerary Portugal's River of Gold includes the opportunity to discover everything about port wine, embellished with tastings. We also learned about vinho verde and moscatel. The latter conjured up an example of just how much colour and charm Viking packs into this itinerary. A trio of luxury coaches shadows the ship to take guests on the various shore excursions. Each has its own tour guide – in my case, Jose. Driving up to the village of Favaios, Jose pointed out a moscatel vineyard. 'Looks very neat, doesn't it?' he said to the passengers. We murmured in agreement. 'I should hope so, because I planted it!' enthused Jose, who turned out to be the son of a local farmer. Our journey had begun in vibrant Lisbon with a two-night stay in a centrally located hotel. A morning tour took in the Belém riverside area with its distinctive Monument to the Discoveries that celebrates Portugal's long history of ocean exploration. With free time afterwards, there was only one destination for me – the castle, with its incredible vista across the city. The Viking Hemming lay in wait almost 320km to the north but the coach journey was much more than a transfer. We walked the streets of noble Coimbra before ascending to the city's hilltop university, one of the oldest in Europe. Its library is a standout and I was fascinated by the fact that bats are encouraged to roost there because they eat the insects that would otherwise feast on the ancient books. Porto is a joy, especially when its rows of colourful buildings tumbling down to the river are viewed from the deck of the Viking Hemming, moored directly opposite. Dusk fell as we settled into our comfy staterooms and I stepped on to the Sun Deck to admire the panorama of palaces, cathedral, monastery and mighty iron bridge. Setting sail the next morning, it did not take long for me to realise just how wild the Douro is. The narrow river twists through wooded hills, at times seeming to come to a dead end before a sharp turn reveals another splendid view, which I witnessed while I had my feet cooling in the ship's pool. Further inland the trees yield to a drier yet dramatic terrain of steep slopes, nearly all of them striped with the vine terraces of venerable port houses. After a comprehensive tour of the Sandeman estate and its impressive wine presses, we enjoyed a tasting of both red and white ports on a terrace high above the Douro. Back on board the ship, I was pleased to see local cuisine on the dinner menu every day, such as cataplana fish stew, roast duck, sardines and custard pies, all perfectly cooked by Maik, the amiable head chef. I also loved the live performances of fado, flamenco and the folk groups who came on board in various locations. The included excursions on Viking's journey are delightfully varied. At the wonderful baroque Mateus Palace, whose façade adorns the distinctive wine bottles, we learned that the well-known rosé has never actually been made at this estate. Close to the Spanish border, a ride up to the intriguing medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo proved hugely popular with guests. The little town of Lamego had us all frantically clicking cameras at the exquisite staircase with classic azulejo tiles that leads up to a 14th-century sanctuary. I didn't walk up the 686 steps – but I did walk down! For many, though, the highlight is Salamanca. A full day trip across the border to Spain's 'Golden City' brought many rewards – not just the side-by-side 'new' and 'old' cathedrals and the handsome main square, but more of those absorbing stories that speckle every Viking excursion. If you want to find out about the astronaut and the ice-cream…well, you'll just have to visit yourself. Getting a flavour of local life Sandra sweeps her hand across the tempting buffet laid out under the olive tree and said: 'I can't remember the last time we bought vegetables round here.' A farmer in the town of Marialva, Sandra was an engaging host over lunch in the courtyard of an old house during the Marialva Castle & Lunch excursion. We tuck into charcuterie, vegetables, salad and wine, with all the ingredients coming from the village. She then shows us the ruins of the 12th-century castle, to which we had private access. That is an optional excursion, but for an included one, it would be difficult to beat the Favaios Bakery & Lunch at Quinta Avessada tour. We take a scenic drive up a side valley to this authentic village to visit a co-op that produces moscatel wine, sample bread from a traditional bakery and tour the museum of wine and bread. Then it is off to visit Quinta da Avessada, a wine estate with sweeping views, to enjoy a superb four-course lunch.
Bloomberg
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
Ex-Stellantis Boss Says New CEO Is ‘Logical' Choice
Six months after he quit as chief executive of automaker Stellantis NV, Carlos Tavares lives on a farm, makes port wine, and says he has sympathy for anyone stepping into the auto industry during the 'chaos' of the US trade war. On Wednesday, Stellantis named Antonio Filosa its new CEO. Filosa is a company veteran picked, in part, because of his US experience, finally replacing Tavares, who stepped down in December after presiding over slumping sales and profit.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
How Porto became Lisbon's cooler – and cheaper
Albert, the charming sommelier, is pouring my fifth tasting glass of port. Through my port fog (such a waste not to drain each glass), I am learning about the differences between white ports, tawny ports, ruby ports and vintage ports. 'You could, of course, mix this one with a light tonic and a twist of orange,' says Albert as he raises an eyebrow and adds another splash of Kopke Colhetta 2005 to my glass. 'But it's so lovely in its own right, it would be a shame, don't you think?' Indeed it would. Who knew that port could taste more like nectar than Benylin? This tasting at Kopke, the oldest port wine house in Porto, has been an absolute revelation, as has the city itself which I can see framed behind Albert in the golden evening light. While Lisbon has been stealing all the glory over the past ten years, growing rich and cosmopolitan on the back of Golden Visa investment, Portugal's second city Porto has very much been the Cinderella sister. But all of that is changing. Fly to Porto for a long weekend, pack as much in as you possibly can, and by Sunday night the only question you'll be asking yourself is: 'You idiot – why haven't you done this sooner?' This smaller, more walkable (less hilly) and, arguably, prettier version of Lisbon has film-set-pretty medieval streets, buildings clad in crazily-patterned Azuleja tiles, exquisite Belle Époque cafes on tree-lined avenues and city beaches. It also has all the fun of a real-life theme park: cable car rides, boat trips along the Douro, interactive museums where you can make your own chocolate, super-fun food markets and endless wine and port tastings. Strict planning laws in Porto, which prohibit the destruction of original building facades, mean the city has retained its crumbly charm – and behind these historic walls are a growing number of innovative new restaurants, concept stores and boutique hotels. Case in point is the Tivoli Kopke, Porto's latest new opening in the Gaia district. The original offices around the working port wine cellars at Kopke have been sensitively transformed into a luxurious five-star hotel with two restaurants, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a rooftop bar with probably the best views in town of the Douro and old Porto. Throw open your French doors in the morning and soak up the views over the terracotta roof tiles of one of Europe's best-preserved cities. Here's how to make the most of a mini break in Porto. 1. Bolhão Market There are food markets and there are next-level food markets. Mercado do Bolhão in central Porto is the standard-bearer of them all. Sprawled over an entire block in a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts building, it has 79 food stalls and 10 restaurants on the top floor. Arrive hungry, grab a glass of vinho verde for a couple of euros from one of the many bars (everyone wanders around with a glass of wine in their hands) and graze on the myriad of fresh tapas made from market produce: oysters, sardines, beef tartare toasts, salt cod croquettes oozing with cheese – even sea anemones you can scoop from their shells. Join the queue at food stall Conserveira do Balhão where locals and tourists line up for plates of seafood tapas for €3 (£2.50) a pop. 2. Ribeira Wind your way down cobbled streets in Porto's old town to the riverfront where you'll find a string of fun bars spilling onto the banks of the Douro. The area is packed with tourists, but it's worth grabbing a drink so you can watch the boats cruise past. Even better, book a table at one of Ribeira's excellent restaurants and tapas bars behind the main drag. We had a wine and tapas pit stop at the beautiful Sagardi Porto, and for a sensationally innovative supper, book a table at Cozinha das Flores (the steaming pot of chorizo and turnip-top rice was delicious). Their small plates menu starts from €6 (£5) per dish. 3. Pont Luís I Pack good trainers and prepare to get your steps in – the best way to see central Porto is by walking. The city is divided into two areas: the Douro river, Porto and the Vila Nova de Gaia district, with the Pont Luís I bridge connecting the two. This double-decked steel bridge is the focal point of the city – walk across the top deck and stop for a coffee on the viewing platform at the Teleferico Bar then take the cable car down to the waterfront in the Gaia district. There is a constant stream of activity on the Douro which flows from Spain through the Douro Valley, one of the world's greatest wine-growing areas. If you have time, it's worth booking a one-hour Six Bridge Boat Cruise on a traditional wooden Rabelo boat (from £15.28 per person). 4. Gaia District Since the 17th century, this district has been the hub of the port wine industry. Big name port houses open for tours and tastings, but among them are now swanky hotels and a buzzy riverfront lined with bars and seafood restaurants. It is also home to the expansive World of Wine which is basically wine buff heaven, with seven museums including the The Wine Experience (one of the best wine museums in the world), restaurants, a wine school and even chocolate-making workshops. Tickets start from £17.50 for an entry ticket and wine tasting – but there are a myriad of seasonal events and workshops to book on the website. 3. Shopping You don't come to Porto to buy brands – the city is mercifully short of designer stores. But it's a great place for more eclectic homewares, fashion, food and wine. Livraria Lello quite rightly bills itself as the 'World's Most Beautiful Book Shop' and this neo-Gothic wonder is so popular you need to book a ticket in advance to get in (starting from €10 (£8.50), redeemable against a book purchase). A few doors along is the concept store Fernandes Mattos & CA, a three-storey emporium of eclectic fashion, beauty and accessories which is worth visiting for the beautiful space alone. A Vida Portuguesa has a gorgeous mix of homewares, food, jewellery and accessories and a must-see is the exquisitely designed soaps and perfumes at Claus Porto. Rua da Santa Caterina is the main shopping drag where you'll find Spanish high street brands and the beautiful (but very crowded) Café Majestic for a coffee stop. For food and wine shopping, head to the streets around the Bolhao Market where you'll find authentic Portugese delis such as Casa Lourenço. 5. Beach breaks Porto has a string of city beaches to the north and south of the city which are easy to reach for an afternoon of chilling. One of the most beautiful is Praia da Madelena in the south. Take a short taxi ride down to Madelena and you can walk back to Porto city along a wooden walkway, passing cafes, bars and sandy beaches with wild, crashing waves (better for viewing rather than swimming). Book a table at Brasão Salgueiros for a seafood lunch on the sand. Or, if you are after quieter swimming beaches, head to the northern city beaches around Foz. Where to stay Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel This is how to do Porto in style. Porto's oldest wine house, Kopke, was established in 1638 but opened its five-star hotel on the estate in February 2025. Built on a hill with panoramic views of Porto (but a short walk to riverside action) it's a sanctuary to stagger back to after a crazy day of sightseeing. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym, steam room, sauna and a spa with grape-infused treatments. Kick back by the pool-side sushi bar and end the evening at the rooftop Sky Bar with tapas, cocktails and music. Elsewhere, book a table at the special-occasion 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar with a menu designed by three Michelin-starred Spanish chef, Nacho Manzano. The port wine-tasting session can be booked separately and is a whole lot of fun. Porto A.S. 1828 Hotel If you want to stay in the thick of it, this sweet little boutique four-star hotel in Porto's historical centre offers simple, stylish rooms and friendly staff. Ask for a quiet room. Getting there British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, TAP, Wizz and Vueling all fly direct to Porto with prices starting from £86 return. Flight time is 2 hours 15 minutes from London. Porto Airport is 11km from the city centre and connected by Metro (€2.60/£2.20 one way) and bus (€2/£1.70 one way) which takes 30 mins. A taxi costs around €25/£21 and takes 20 minutes.
