MASTER OF PORT – A journey begins
Master of Port Wine Scandinavia: A Journey to the Heart of Port Wine in Porto and the Douro Valley
As part of the Master of Portwine Scandinavia competition, my colleagues Ketil, Kim, and I from the Danish Sommelier Association set out for Porto and the Douro Valley. We had an exciting journey ahead of us, filled with opportunities to deepen our understanding of port wine’s rich history, meet passionate producers, and face intense tests and tastings—all bringing us closer to a place in next year’s finals in Copenhagen.
Day 1: Arrival in Porto and Dinner in the Spirit of Wine
We landed in Porto on a sunny afternoon, and even from the airplane, we could see the Douro River winding its way through the landscape—a symbol of the region’s long-standing tradition of wine production. After arriving at our hotel in Porto, we quickly got ready to explore the city. Dinner was enjoyed at a charming restaurant near the iconic Kopke port house, the world’s oldest port house, founded in 1638. We were served local specialties featuring fresh fish and seafood, perfectly paired with white and red port wines. The dishes were robust, reflecting the Portuguese kitchen’s love for pure, authentic flavors.
Photo: Heine Egelund, DSF
During dinner, we discussed our expectations for the days ahead and delved into the history of port wine. The evening ended calmly as we each took some time to read up on the Douro Valley’s longstanding port wine traditions, preparing ourselves for the upcoming visit to the IVDP.
Day 2: A Visit to IVDP – The Port Wine Institute
We started day two with a highly anticipated visit to the IVDP (Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto), the organization responsible for regulating and preserving the quality of port wine from the Douro region. It was a rare and exciting experience to see the inner workings of the institute and learn about the many processes necessary to maintain the strict standards for port wine production and quality assurance.
One of the highlights of the day was an exclusive tasting organized by IVDP. We were introduced to various types of port wines, from young, fruity Ruby styles to complex, aged Tawny varieties. We were given an in-depth introduction to the subtle differences and characteristics of each type, along with a thorough review of port wine’s history and the regulations that protect its origin and quality. This introduction to the world of port wine was both educational and inspiring, giving us a deeper understanding of the flavors we would be assessing in the days ahead.
In the evening, we gathered for a dinner with other invited sommeliers from the Nordic countries, where we exchanged experiences and thoughts on port wine and the challenges of mastering the many nuances of this complex wine. The camaraderie with colleagues from across the Nordic region gave us not only new inspiration but also a sense of shared ambition.
Day 3: The Douro Valley – The Home and History of Port Wine
On the third day, we ventured deeper into the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards and spectacular landscapes. We visited the legendary producer Cristiano van Zeller, a figure with significant influence on port wine’s history. Van Zeller is known as part of the Douro Boys, a collaboration among passionate producers working to modernize and elevate the quality of Douro Valley wines.
At van Zeller’s estate, we were treated to an exceptional tasting, which included a port wine dating back to 1870. Being able to enjoy such an old wine, still vibrant and complex, was an unforgettable experience and a testament to port wine’s ability to age and develop over decades. The extended aging had given the wine a depth and elegance that was truly unique, reminding us of port wine’s special place in the world of wine.
After this magical visit, we continued to the Quevedo port house, where we were warmly welcomed by Oscar Quevedo, a younger generation in the world of port production, who enthusiastically shared the history and production of the house. The tour concluded with another memorable tasting, including a more than 45-year-old white port that captivated us with its depth, sweetness, and balanced acidity—an extraordinary combination that created a rich and lingering aftertaste. The evening was rounded off with dinner at a small restaurant in Porto called Terra Plana, where we enjoyed the company of sommeliers from Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Belgium, sharing stories and experiences from the day’s tastings.
Photo: Heine Egelund, DSF
Day 4: Testing and Progressing in the Competition
On our last day, we returned to the IVDP to participate in the quarter-final test for Master of Port. It was an intense day where five out of ten participants from Scandinavia would qualify for the semi-finals and finals, held next year in Copenhagen. The test included several elements: a written test, a blind tasting, and a practical section where we had to present and sell a 50-year-old white port from the Vista Alegre house. The task required precision and knowledge about port wine’s history and flavor profile.
Both Ketil and I managed to pass the test, securing a place in next year’s semi-final. It was a joyful end to a valuable and rewarding journey, and we were proud to finish the trip knowing that Denmark would be represented in the upcoming final.
The journey to Porto and the Douro Valley was an unforgettable experience that brought us closer to the soul of port wine and connected us with a deep tradition that spans centuries. With knowledge gained from visiting producers, intense tastings, and invaluable connections with other wine enthusiasts, we are now better prepared for next year’s final—and with an even greater love for the unparalleled wines of the Douro Valley.
