Phipps does the Douro...

 

Getting six thoroughbred foodie journalists on a press trip to Portugal is quite a challenge, but one that Phipps, the UK’s leading food and drink pr agency, was all too happy to take on. 

But when you have a rather enticing carrot to dangle, in the shape of the Douro Valley’s best Port, it wasn’t long before Tom Parker Bowles, Charles Campion, Bill Knott, Mark Hix, Nigel Barden and Lucas Hollweg were eagerly awaiting their Easyjet Airbus boarding call, for a three day trip to Quinta Do Noval, (and who said the golden age of travel was over!)

Over the three days we tasted some delicious ports, went on a fabulous boat trip, played boules in the evening sun and visited a butcher for some local fare.  In true British style, we conversed in the international language of large hand gestures, resulting in the purchasing of lots of Portuguese sausage and a smoked pigs head.  (An order of pig’s cheek is easily lost in translation!)

Did I mention we drank lots? Our three day Port pickling experience included chilled tawnys as an aperitif, white Port and lemonade as a refreshing solution to the 35 degree heat and some particularly special wines including a 1937 vintage Port. I think our gaggle of gourmands were surprised at how much Port could be consumed in and out of the traditional cheese course drinking occasion; and I was surprised to get them all on the flight home!  

Jo Vyvyan-Robinson