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My $40 Free Screening
I had the opportunity to pre-screen the upcoming release of A Year in Port this weekend. So of course, I did a little research and picked up a bottle of Ramos Pinto 10 year Tawny Port, one of the Port houses in the movie, to assist in my enjoying the film. Not free, but highly recommended!

Pour yourself a glass of Port and settle in to take a virtual visit to the Douro

A Year in Port
A Year in Port is the final movie in a trilogy of fond tributes to favorite regions of Martine Saunier, a ground breaking wine importer in the US. The movie will be released on Sept. 6 via iTunes. Like the other movies, A Year in Port follows the seasons during a year in the region, and chronicles the work of several winemakers. In the Douro, these are the “Port Houses”. If you’ve never been, this is the next best thing to a visit to Porto, Portugal. This movie could be the beginning of your Port journey!

Watch it on iTunes starting on Sept 6. Images from the film used with permission.

Gaia, just across the Douro River from Porto is the home to all the Port houses

Fun drinking game for watching the movie: Every time they pour, you pour!

You’ll travel 100 miles up the Douro to the vineyards

Harvest time in the Douro

Lots of men in suits in this movie, but Dirk Niepoort (a man after my own heart) is always seen in fleece and comfortable clothing.

Stomping the grapes by foot in large granite lagars

Head into the cellars in the winter.

Yep, a lot of guys in suits in this movie!

They do know how to have fun. Even the suits get out for a crazy annual race on the Douro.

The Movie
Beautifully photographed, the movie provides a compelling image of this ultra-traditional wine and wine region. Because of the history, Port has dual identities as being both very Portugese and also very British. There are an awful lot of men in suits in this movie, and you’ll need to watch carefully to see some of the conflicts at play in the region. By the end of the movie, if you’re not already a Port fan, you’ll likely want to start your own exploration. I’m familiar with Port, but I still learned several things while watching the movie. I had no idea how many of the Port “Brands” are owned by the two biggest houses: Taylor’s and Symington.  While large, they are both still family owned and the families are very intimately linked to their wines. I also enjoyed the scenes in the vineyards and in the granite lagars, as I have not yet had the opportunity to visit.

Mark Sept. 6 on your calendar, buy a bottle of Port and settle in to enjoy the movie!

My Port History
A few years ago, I had a unexpected free afternoon on a business trip.  On the airplane on the way into Porto, I realized that it was the home of Port, a wine with which I was totally clueless. A bit of quick research pointed me in the direction of Gaia and my love of Port was born.

My Chance Trip to Porto, and Port 101

My Love Affair with 10 Year Tawny Port

My Previous Experience with the “A Year In” Movies

Disclaimer: I was able to pre-screen the movie for free online with a request to post on social media if I enjoyed the film. All opinions are mine, and all the wine shown in this post was purchased at retail.

The images below are not from the movie, they’re from my house! As you can see, I have a thing for 10 year Tawny Port!

Once you are hooked on Port, you’ll want to own some true Port wine glasses

There are multiple types of Port: Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, LBV, Colheita. Learn a little then try them all!

Tawny Port is my favorite, and 10 year Tawny hits the magic intersection of price and delicious. An affordable luxury!

Colheita is a single vintage Tawny port.

New addition to my 10 year Tawny experience

Grahams is a Symington brand.

Dow’s is a Symington brand

Niepoort is independent

Taylor Fladgate, flagship brand of Taylor’s.

Tawny ports are beautifully translucent

Kopke is independent

Blue cheese, dried fruit and nuts are a perfect after dinner accompaniment.