Check In | November 27 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SUPPLEMENT Page 8 DailyMail, Wednesday, November 27, 2019 Vibrant infusion: Combine a trip to Porto (inset, above left) with a tasting of the product (inset, left) at Cockburn’s Port Lodge inVila Nova deGaia Ask the expert n What makes Porto unique as a destination? Porto has been my family’s home for over 137 years, since 1882, so it is a very special place for us. It’s a fantastic city on the wild Atlantic coast and has the advantage of having both a vibrant city and beautiful coastline. The old town of Porto has a bustling, bohemian atmosphere very much influenced by both the sea on one side and the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the east. The city is full of history, with 14th-century churches and 19th-century palaces, and wonderful little bars and restaurants tucked away down meandering cobbled streets, adding an air of mystery to the city. n Can Port only ever come from Porto? Port can only be produced in the Douro Valley, which is about 100km [62 miles] to the east of Porto – from where the wine received its name. The Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest ‘demarcated’ wine regions, dating back to 1756, which means Port can only be produced using grapes grown in this area. After the harvest and the Port has been made, it’s transported to Porto, where it ages in our cellars. n Where are the best places in Porto to try some Port? Cockburn’s Port Lodge, the home of Cockburn’s Port in Vila Nova de Gaia, has more Port ageing in seasoned oak barrels and vats than any other Port house, which gives it a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy a glass of Port. You can do a tasting of all the different styles of Port, with food pairings to match. It’s also home to the last in-house team of professional coopers in the Port trade, making and maintaining all our barrels, which is a vital part of the Port-making process. On the other side of the river, Terraplana is a vibrant cocktail bar, a great spot in the city to enjoy a glass of Port, white Port and tonic, or one of their delicious Porto Passion Port cocktails. n How is Port actually made? Port is made using indigenous Portuguese grape varieties. All the grapes are picked by hand, before being taken to the winery, where they are carefully hand sorted and gently crushed to start the fermentation. This is exactly the same process for wine – where the sugar in the fruit converts into alcohol. However, the difference with Port is that, once enough of the natural sugar has been turned into alcohol, we ‘fortify’ the fermenting grapes by adding brandy, which stops the fermentation. We then age the Port, either in oak barrels or bottles, until they are ready to be released and enjoyed. n Are there any foods that you can pair with Port? Port is probably the most versatile dessert wine. While most people instantly think of Port and cheese, which does go very well, I find ruby Ports also pair perfectly with chocolate. A glass of Cockburn’s Special Reserve and a chocolate tart is absolutely delicious. Tawny Port is fantastic served chilled with ice cream, apple crumble or traditional Portuguese custard tarts (pastel de nata). So it’s just a matter of taste! This month we chat with Charles Symington, head winemaker at Cockburn’s Port, about the homeland of this delicious tipple… A COUNTRY drive needs a country car, and the Range Rover Sport is a stylish way to wind your way through the green and pleasant land of Hampshire. Glide past the county’s rivers, forests, cottages and farmhouses as you soak up the serenity of the sleepy hamlets on the way to Hook. Time: 1 hour 45 minutes from London. Distance: About 45 miles LAVERSTOKE MILL, LAVERSTOKE ONCE away from the urbanity of the Big Smoke, go with the flow as you drive along the Delightful destinations: Take the Range Rover Sport, left, to Tylney Hall, top, and Laverstoke Mill, above Aweekenddrive through theSouthDownsandHampshire isa thingof happiness scenic R UT E S River Test to Laverstoke, near Overton, Hampshire. At your first stop off, Laverstoke Mill, the sun glistens off huge glass greenhouses outside the building – once a paper factory, dating back to the Domesday Book. Nowadays, the mill deals in spirits – Bombay Sapphire gin, to be precise. It’s open seven days a week (book in advance), and you can enjoy a guided tour of the distillery, before toasting this tasty tipple with a complimentary drink in the bar. > distillery. bombaysapphire.com TYLNEY HALL, HOOK BACK behind the wheel, your designated driver can continue on to your home for the evening, Tylney Hall. It’s set in the village of Hook, where you sweep along the tree-lined avenue that guides you up to the stunning Victorian mansion that sits majestically in manicured grounds. Once in the elegant hallway, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, as you are shown to one of the 113 exquisite rooms. Then, stroll through the 66 acres of glorious parkland and gardens or take a dip in the on-site spa, before changing for dinner, set in a wood-panelled dining room. Select a table close to the roaring log fire and enjoy the culinary craft of the executive head chef, whose chateaubriand is melt in the mouth. > tylneyhall.co.uk THE CAR: Range Rover Sport HST n Thismay look like the iconic Range Rover, but its secret power hides under the bonnet. Packing a brand new 3.0-litre straight-six engine, this sporty stunner starts with a roar, but soon resorts back to Land Rover's classic smoothness - making it ideal for zooming your way through the quiet of the countryside. > landrover.co.uk