19–22 June 2026
The Union de la Sommellerie Luxembourgeoise (UDSL) organized an exceptional educational study trip to Porto and the Douro Valley from Friday, 19 June to Monday, 22 June 2026. The objective of the journey was to deepen our members’ understanding of Portuguese wines, particularly Port wine and the prestigious wines of the Douro Valley, while strengthening the friendships and professional network within our association.
Friday, 19 June – Arrival in Porto
Following a late evening arrival in Porto, the group settled into the vibrant atmosphere of Portugal’s second-largest city. Although the journey had been long, the evening provided the perfect opportunity to discover Porto’s lively nightlife, historic streets and welcoming hospitality. The energy of the city immediately set the tone for an exciting weekend dedicated to wine, gastronomy and friendship.
Saturday, 20 June – Discovering the Historic Port Lodges
An early start took us to Porto’s famous Bolhão Market, where members experienced the authentic flavours, aromas and local products that make Portuguese gastronomy so unique.
The morning continued with an exclusive visit to Niepoort, one of the Douro’s most respected family-owned producers. Participants enjoyed a comprehensive tasting of both the estate’s acclaimed still wines and an impressive selection of aged Port wines. The visit provided valuable insight into Niepoort’s philosophy of combining innovation with centuries of tradition.
Lunch was enjoyed along the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, where everyone sampled the iconic Francesinha, one of Porto’s most famous culinary specialties. During lunch, the spectacular Red Bull Air Race over the Douro created an unforgettable backdrop, adding excitement to an already memorable day.
The afternoon was dedicated to exploring several of Gaia’s historic Port lodges. Visits and tastings at Kopke, Barros, and Burmester allowed participants to compare different house styles, ageing techniques and blending philosophies across a wide range of Tawny, Ruby and Vintage Ports.
The day concluded with a fascinating visit to the historic cellars of Symington Family Estates, featuring tastings of the distinguished Ports of Warre’s and Cockburn’s. The exceptional quality of the wines and the rich heritage shared by our hosts left a lasting impression on everyone.
Sunday, 21 June – Into the Heart of the Douro Valley
Sunday took the group deep into the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A wonderful lunch overlooking the vineyards at Quinta de La Rosa showcased regional cuisine perfectly paired with the estate’s elegant wines.
The afternoon continued with visits to two of the Douro’s most prestigious estates. At Quinta do Noval, participants discovered one of Portugal’s legendary producers, famous for both its outstanding Ports and exceptional table wines.
Later, at Quinta do Seixo, the group enjoyed an unforgettable tasting while overlooking the dramatic terraced vineyards that define the Douro landscape. The spectacular scenery, combined with excellent wines and warm Portuguese hospitality, created one of the highlights of the entire journey.
Returning to our villa in the evening, members enjoyed a relaxed poolside barbecue. Good food, excellent wines and wonderful company made for an unforgettable evening that perfectly reflected the spirit of the UDSL.
Monday, 22 June – A Memorable Finale
Our final morning began with a breathtaking visit to Quinta do Crasto, widely regarded as one of the Douro Valley’s most spectacular wine estates. The panoramic views over the river and vineyards were matched only by the outstanding quality of the wines presented during the tasting.
Before returning home, the group made one final stop at Quinta das Carvalhas, where a concluding tasting offered another excellent perspective on the diversity and elegance of Douro wines. It provided a fitting conclusion to several days of intensive learning and discovery.
In the evening, the group returned to Luxembourg, arriving just in time to celebrate the country’s National Day festivities and enjoy the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, bringing a memorable journey to a perfect close.
Conclusion
The 2026 UDSL study trip to Porto and the Douro Valley was an outstanding success. Over four unforgettable days, participants had the privilege of visiting some of Portugal’s most prestigious wine producers, tasting an exceptional range of still and fortified wines, and gaining valuable technical knowledge directly from leading industry professionals.
Beyond the educational aspect, the trip strengthened the friendships and camaraderie within the Union de la Sommellerie Luxembourgeoise. Sharing remarkable wines, authentic Portuguese cuisine and unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions created memories that will remain with all participants for many years.
The UDSL would like to express its sincere gratitude to all the wineries and their teams for their generous hospitality and warm welcome. Their passion, expertise and dedication made this educational journey truly exceptional.