A TRUE passport to Portugal
I had the pleasure of meeting João Marinho Falcão, owner and founder of VINITUR – Tourism, Wine & Gastronomy Ltd on my visit to the Wine and Travel Week in Porto 2024.
João and I had an excellent conversation which led to my interest in finding out more about his services.
VINITUR is based in the small town of Matosinhos, just north of the city of Porto and boasts a resolute Team of industrious Travel Experts. Having now experienced João first-hand, it comes as no surprise to learn that VINITUR is the official Great Wine Capitals Global Network Travel Representative and
Owner and founder João Marinho Falcão is not only leading specialist in Wine and Food Travel for groups, individuals and families alike, but also for the organisation of Corporate meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE tourism).
With the Atlantic Coast and umpteen Nature Reserves on his doorstep, cycling, and hiking activity holidays are also at the top of their agenda.
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network was founded in 1999, has 12 Members worldwide and are key players in the promotion of Wine and Wine Destinations par excellence.
Each Region has a chosen delegate – based solely on their expertise and knowledge of the region and if there is one person whose passion for Wine and Travel excels, then it is João Marinho Falcão.
João`s family were wine producers themselves and since 1998 he has also played a leading role in the “Slow Food” movement. Both have influenced and inspired his work as you will see on visiting the VINITUR homepage yourself.
Over the past three decades João has put together a reliable network of Travel Experts and Providers who support the creation of exceptional leisure, MICE, luxury, and adventure experiences securing in turn, his Pole-Position in the Wine and Travel-Sector.
VINITUR are specialised in Porto and the North of Portugal including the World Heritage classified region: Alto Douro, also many listed National Parks of great natural beauty.
For João, local Wine and Food experiences are not simply pleasurable indulgence but primarily a way of connecting to and supporting the locals and their economy. In honour of Portuguese tradition, his partners may include winemakers, small producers of olive oil or local cheese, and in integrating such small businesses or even whole villages who may otherwise not even be on your radar, João’s excursions are quite unique.
This September I was lucky enough to experience VINITURs expertise first hand on one of João`s “Walk and Taste” Tours in Porto. This turned out to be a real “behind the scenes” insight to the city with some hidden gems, traditional markets but most of all, close connection to its people. João’s relationship to and his support of the locals and their way of life, to tradition and culture are second to none and provide for truly authentic and fascinating tours, not just in Porto.
Presuming you are interested, you’ll hear a lot about Portugal’s history, one which João knows inside-out and conveys in an informative and entertaining fashion.
Although the VINITUR Walk and Taste should not be mistaken for a shopping- tour, you might find yourself popping into a traditional DIY shop, well stocked with everything but the kitchen sink and especially interesting if like myself and João, you`re a fan of craftmanship and handmade fixtures and fittings.
One thing is for sure, there will be no time for boredom and regardless of the weather, our own experience literally flew by.
A personal “pick-up” at our hotel took us uphill to the centre of the old town, thankfully by car and not by foot as it was chucking it down with rain but despite the “humidity” and armed with our umbrellas, we were ready to go!
The VINITUR Walk and Taste Tour can include Master Wine-Tastings, Food and Wine Pairings, luxury dining with a view and the Art & Architecture of the city, all depending on the clients and their preferences.
Presuming you are interested, you`ll hear a lot about Portugal’s history, one which João knows inside-out and conveys in an informative and entertaining fashion.
Although the VINITUR Walk and Taste should not be mistaken for a shopping-tour, you might find yourself popping into a traditional DIY shop, well stocked with everything but the kitchen sink and especially interesting if like myself and João, you`re a fan of craftmanship and handmade fixtures and fittings.
One thing is for sure, there will be no time for boredom and regardless of the weather, our own experience literally flew by.
The first surprise and culinary highlight of the morning was a visit to a small Portuguese family-owned “Porto de Tradição” which I would never have found on my own.
Casa Januário is a food and wine lovers paradise selling high-quality local produce, including traditional tinned fish.
Casa Januário looks back on an almost one hundred yearlong family history which began in 1826 with Gil Mendes Ferreira. Gil arrived in Porto at the early age of just fourteen but was soon to become a successful supplier of groceries in the city.
Gils’ son, Nuno Manuel, took over the reins in 1965, entering a challenging time with the introduction of the modern-day supermarket.
Despite this and with a little strategic modification, the business continued to thrive and has retained its distinctive character to the present day.
Although Casa Januário has an impressive range of quality products, their strength lies undoubtedly in personal service. The selection of wine and port wine, including many vintage- wines is quite impressive, as is their stock of tinned fish.
Very soon we were to discover how well sardines and sparkling wine can complement each other. The first Portuguese fish-canning factory was established in 1885 in the town of Matosinhos.
During the early part of the 20th century when Portugal’s economy was struggling, the canned fish industry flourished, and during the Second World War Portugal supplied both the Allies and the Axis powers – the opposition headed by Germany, Italy, and Japan – with tinned fish.
Canned sardines became an important part of the Portuguese diet and their culture and today, although many of the original canneries have closed down, canned fish remains a traditionally popular product. Sardines, tuna, and mackerel are the most common varieties to be found on the shelf.
Murganheira Super Reserve Brut
proved an ideal and very moreish partner to the saltiness of the fish and was also available in a rather handy half-bottle size.
Gail`s Tip: Half-bottles, for those of you too impatient to wait for a shipping delivery, are the perfect way of smuggling “a taste of Portugal” home as they fit very well in almost any airport luggage.
Something also worth mentioning about Casa Januário is their extensive range of hand-made confectionary. A family tradition handed down from generation to generation and beautifully depicted in the intricate sugar-based model of the establishment displayed on site and seen here.
A brief visit to the Bolhao Market with its vast range of seasonal produce, authentic market stalls and producers followed, but we weren`t here for a shopping spree as I have mentioned and João`s next surprise was literally just around the corner.
Customer Satisfaction and Wellbeing play an important role in the VINITUR Responsible Tourist Policy, as does environmental responsibility.
By now we were more than satisfied, but it seems we still looked hungry, so in accordance with the VINITUR values, we entered Comer e Chorar Por Mais.
Comer e Chorar Por Mais stock products from some of Portugal’s best producers.
Cured ham, pâté, cheese and row upon row of wines are displayed in what I would describe as an interesting fashion.
In keeping with their Motto: “Eat and cry for more!” we were treated to a small selection (this is a horrendous understatement!) of culinary delights including not only smoked ham, Portuguese sausage, cheese, fresh figs and olives, but also some very palatable Portuguese red wine.
This little Delicatessen`s own adventure began back in 1916 when it established itself as one of the few grocery stores in Porto at that time, to market exotic products from faraway lands such as saffron from India, and coffee from Africa. The fact that they have made it onto VINITURs Partner List is proof of their own unparalleled standards.
João’s services though, go far and beyond the city of Porto. VINITUR will happily organise a private beach- party or your next talent-detecting Team-Building Event – and one with a difference.
João’s list of Event locations is long and exclusive including monumental sites such as the Palácio da Bolsa or the stunning World of Wine (WOW). Depending on the season, you might fancy a Wine- or Music visit and if not, João will have many more original suggestions up his sleeve.
The Douro Valley, for example, is home to producers of world-class wines and what better way to learn more on the subject, than with a good guide on your left and a real winemaker on your right.
Should you not yet have had enough excitement for one day – perhaps following a drive or tour (or countless wine tastings) in the Douro Valley, João can organise a birds-eye view of the landscape from a helicopter or an exclusive boat trip on a privately owned yacht.
With VINITUR, whatever tickles your fancy, the World of Portugal will be your Oyster.
Hotel-wise, there`s no need to fret either. You can choose to “Glamp” in an (empty) wine barrel, stay in a Stately Home, or simply relax in a private villa but I don`t want to let too many cats out of the bag just yet, as I`d prefer you discovered the VINITUR Portfolio for yourselves.
For a small taste of what could be in store for you though, please check out the following teaser.
Finally, do remember VINITUR takes care of all Travel Groups, including families. To those of you planning a holiday with kids, just imagine cycling along the coast on flat, safe and easy tracks. Should you fancy more action, or just want the kids to sleep well for at least one night, how about a day on a raft or a canoe?
Rest assured, all your accommodation will be organised, your luggage looked after and your transfer, if necessary, included. On this occasion you will enjoy the hospitality of small family-run guesthouses, their friendly personal service and most of all: a genuinely warm welcome wherever you go.
My gratitude goes to João Marinho Falcão, with whom we would have happily spent more time.
Thank you for the informative insight into your excellent work João, for your beautifully empathetic manner and for the amazing contribution you have been making with VINITUR for years now – to not only the Great Wine Capitals Global Network – but also to the Portuguese Wine Tourism Sector as a whole.
Photo credits: Gail Treuer, Six Senses Hotel, VINITUR
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Plan your Wine Tour in Porto
Dear readers, your tailor-made passport to the REAL world of Portugal is nothing more than an E-Mail or a call away.
For more information, please visit the VINITUR Homepage. Alternatively, contact João and his Team directly. They speak Portuguese, English, French, Italian and Spanish, so what are you waiting for?
VINITUR
Rua Afonso Cordeiro, 679, 1E 4450-007 Matosinhos Portugal
Tel: +351.229 399 410
Email: info@vinitur.com