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Friday, February 11, 2011

Portugal Part 1: The Conference Venue


Hey all--I'm back from Portugal and finally able to post about the 2011 Wine Pleasures Conference and blogger tour through the Minho and Douro wine regions. I forgot my Lumix camera so all my photos are from my iphone. But I will try to beg/buy/bargain for a few photos from some of the professional photographers who were on the trip. I'll be putting up a series of posts in the next few days detailing many aspects of the trip. First up-- the conference venue: Pousada Do Porto Freixo Palace Hotel


The Pousada Do Porto Freixo Palace Hotel is where the 2011 Wine Pleasures conference was held. It's situated right on the Douro river and has stunning views from the guest rooms and conference facilities.

The Pousada changed hands over the years and in the 20th century was sold to a ceramic firm Companhia Harmonic. That explains the huge industrial chimney on the riverside of the building which in my opinion lends the place a very Giorgio De Chirico vibe. It was later reconverted to a palace and a hotel as part of the state run group of Pousadas. It’s the largest pousada in Portugal.

I stayed at the Palace the first night I arrived in Porto before the conference tour of the Minho began. I found a rather surprising feature in my room as shown in this clip below--



Giorgio De Chirico would have loved this place. I think the resemblance to his paintings is uncanny. The colors, perspective and the industrial elements juxtaposed with the palace.

This is where Jed Clampet would have moved for a sense grandeur and splendor if he did not heed the advice to “move to Beverley Hills...” instead. Can’t you just picture Ellie May out here by the cement pond?

When we came back to the Palace for the conference I got a room with a balcony and big views. Take a look.

Next up: Conference highlights and trip to the Minho for Vinho Verde.

Links to all posts in the Portugal series:

Part 1: The Conference Venue
Part 2: The Wine Pleasures Conference
Part 3: The Minho Land of Vinho Verde
Part 4: A Visit to Sandeman & Vini Portugal
Part 5: The Douro & Visit to Quinta Nova
Part 6: Croft Vineyards & Portrait of Adrian Bridge
Part 7: Foodie Feast at Rui Paula's DOC on the Douro
Part 8: Quinta da Pacheca Lodge and Cellars

Videos in the Annex:
The Lagare Collection--What Hipsters Wear to Tread
Slow Travel in Portugal
The Tiles of Portugal

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5 comments:

  1. Cecília AlbinoFebruary 16, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Hi Marcy, Great video, grat post of the 3rd IWTC! It was a pleasure to be part of it as the local organizers and to had the chance to meet so great people (like you) who can take to their countries so many great and beautiful things of my country. Portugal! Thanks a Lot!
    Cecília from Doc Dmc - servives, events & wine at Portugal!

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  2. lara dunstonApril 10, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    I found the de Chirico and Beverly Hills (Hillbillies not 90210) references fascinating. I'd like to see you making more of these connections in your posts. And when you attend the Goddess of Perpetual Indulgence Boot Camp, we might throw in a session on the chaise longue with my uncle the psychiatrist. He's hosting the event after all, so if you bring a case of something, I'm sure you can get as many hours on the sofa as you like. For consultations of course. But don't worry, he'll drink the wine *after* he's done with you. Your consultation that is ;)

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  3. Marcy GordonApril 10, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Lara--I may need to see your Uncle before the Boot Camp!

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  4. lara dunstonApril 10, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Oh dear, that's a worry. Anything you need to tell me? Fancy an online consult? Hey, maybe we're onto something... Psychiatry by Skype! No, bit too cold... Heal Online... Online Healing... ideas? Come up with a name and he's all yours! I'll just get him set up on PayPal first :)

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  5. Marcy GordonApril 10, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Ooh that's a great idea a skypechiatrist!!!

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