Red, White, Or Green?
At the beginning of the 18th century, in the middle of a conflict with France, the British found themselves in a crisis…
A serious wine crisis.
With their own navy blocking French ports—crippling the local wine industry—the British could no longer get their fix of French grapes…
And so, they turned to Portugal… where they bought up barrels of Douro Valley wine and fortified it with brandy. The brandy kept the wine from spoiling in the heat of the journey home. What wasn’t drunk on board was used to treat England’s drinking water.
And so, Portugal’s famous port wine was born… and, of course, gradually introduced by the Commonwealth to a global audience.
Portugal’s Douro Valley is, in fact, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. It was officially recognized way back in 1756—almost two centuries ahead of champagne.
Port may still be its most famous export, but Portugal’s reds and whites are gaining more international recognition.
Not to mention its greens…
If you’re not familiar with vinho verde, the green here has nothing to do with the wine’s color… but with its young age. Red, white, and rosé vinho verde is meant to be served within its first few years.
Earlier this month, Forbes reported:
“Portugal’s Vinho Verde has garnered a solid reputation in the U.S., with wine lovers asking for it by name, particularly during the warm weather months. Consumers expect a dry white wine with refreshing citrus character, a slight spritz, and a low price tag. What they don’t expect is a tart, glass-staining red wine. Red Vinho Verde is making a comeback—and U.S. palates might just be primed to accept it.”
A staggering amount of U.S. palates are already being lured across the Atlantic…
In 2016, 391,125 U.S. visitors touched down in Portugal. By October 2017, the number of visitors from the States had reached 522,623. And, the number is expected to hit 800,000 in 2018…
But, back to the Douro Valley…
There’s much more to this region than its wines. Its pristine, dramatic landscapes are protected by UNESCO… while its villages and towns are steeped in history and character…
And, now is your chance to experience it all…
And do so as part of a small group of like-minded adventurers (this opportunity is open to just 10 guests)… gathered on a luxury cruiser…
During our first-ever European Wealth Cruise, April 7–14, 2019, you’ll wind your way along the Douro River… taking in these lush landscapes from aboard the Queen Isabel… and stopping to explore a medieval village… take a hike to a prehistoric site… or join a wine tasting at a local quinta.
Where does the “wealth” come in?
We’ve arranged the schedule so that, in the company of hosts Kathleen Peddicord and Lief Simon and their expert panel, you’ll spend part of each day discovering how best to take advantage of the opportunities on offer in Portugal, as well as the most up-to-date strategies and opportunities in the world today for investment and asset protection.
This isn’t a typical Live and Invest Overseas event. We’ll have structured discussions, briefings, and debates… but we also want to have fun while we’re in one of Europe’s most enchanting regions…
You’ll find more on our itinerary on the cruise company’s brochure.
To make a booking or ask any questions, call us toll-free at: 1-877-238-1270.
Valentine Fouché
