Page 67 - WDT MAGAZINE PORTUGAL

After typical lunch in Pinhão paired with some
of the region's white and red table wines, we set off
for nearby docks where we’d top off a great Douro
Valley day with a boat ride down the river on a
Rabelo, boats that traditionally carried barrels of
the wine from the vineyards to Porto. We plied the
river for about an hour, relaxing and admiring the
wineries and vineyards on both sides. It was like an
abbreviated river cruise only about $6,000 cheaper.
About an hour into our voyage, I even got a chance
to steer the boat for a few minutes as nervous
passengers looked intently at the rookie captain at
the helm. They were relieved when I was relieved.

Ron and Mary take boat ride down
the Douro river on a Rabelo boat. The
boats that traditionally carried barrels
of the wine to Porto for finishing.
Unfortunately, there was no wine on
this boat ride.

66 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2019