Sandeman - Quinta de Sexio

We travelled by bus to Sandeman winery. This area is the heart of port wine and is a UNESCO site. Everywhere the steep mountains are terraced with grape vines. This hot dry climate, soil and rocks makes excellent growing conditions for wine. Normally, this time of year the temperature should be in the 30's, but it has been much cooler (22), like today. If this cooler weather continues the wine will not be good this year. The grapes are harvested in September or October over a 2-3 week period by 60-70 people and because the mountains are so steep the grapes are picked by hand. Once the grapes are harvested they are crushed and truck to Vila Nova de Gia (town across river from Porto). Everyone living in this region is involved in producing grapes. Tourism is growing. The region also produces olives, kiwis, cherries and almonds.