Quinta do Bomfim is only a short walk from the railway station in Pinhão in Portugal’s Douro valley and is therefore probably the easiest tasting room to visit if you have arrived by train from Porto. You can read my post about the train journey here . Reservations are now required to visit the Quinta and so it is best to do this in advance of your visit. It is well worth it. The tour includes a vineyard walk but this is optional if the weather is very hot. You can make a reservation via their website here
Quinta do Bomfim is owned by Symington Estates. The Symington family have been involved in the port industry since 1882 and the company now own several of the well known port brands including, Grahams, Warre’s, Dow’s and Cockburn’s. The vineyard here is about 61 hectares under vine and the production largely got into making  Dow’s.
It is a beautiful location, with the tasting room overlooking the river, you could sit and drink it in all day!
Dow’s 10 year old Tawny. Tawny in appearance with a feint ruby tinge. Nose of caramel, toffee, stewed fruits and a hint of orange. Palate is rich and savoury with a lovely lingering finish.
Grahams 20 year old Tawny. Good colour with a feint ruby. Nose not as expressive as the Dow’s. Caramel and dried fruits. Richer in style, sweeter. Not as nuanced as the 10 year old.
Dow’s 20 year old Tawny. Pale tawny in appearance. Nose of burnt caramel, toffee and orange peel. Palate is rich, complex with a lovely freshness.Lovely balance with a lingering praline finish.
Grahams 40 year old Tawny. Nose is nutty, caramel and sweet fruit. The palate is complex, harmonious with dried fruits, nuts and a wonderful lingering finish.
Dow’s 1985. Appearance is mature fading to tawny at the rim. Nose is black fruit, stewed prunes, cinnamon spice, medicated sweets and cherry. Palate is smooth and rich, tannins are integrated. A lovely glass of vintage port.
A visit to Quinta do Bomfim will give an excellent understanding of the process of making port from the vineyard to the bottle. You can also taste the fruits of their labours in such a beautiful setting.