Wines of Portugal - Magruder's Excursions in Wine

JULY 10, 2025 6-7:30 pm

Wines of Portugal - A Flight of Reds and Whites

 with Peter Gaylor

Anselmo Mendes - Alvarinho Contacto

Cabriz Dao White Reserva Encruzado 

Vinha Da Coutada Velha - Red Blend Alentejano

Quinta do Cardo Superior

Casa De Santar - Dão Reserva

Real Companhia - Delaforce Touriga Nacional Douro

Quinta Da Alorna - Aabafado

Often a dark horse in the New World, Portugal's indigenous fruit and those imported from other parts of Europe represent a kaleidoscope of styles, terroir, and traditions. Our class will explore the excellence and value of different regions and varietals of Portugal with samples of wines from Vinho Verde, Douro, Bairrada, Dão, Alentejo, Lisboa.

In Portugal wine was consumed in the south from 6th or 7th centuries B.C.. More widespread plantings ensued once the Romans arrived in the 1st century B.C.. Production increased for both local consumption and exports to Rome in the 1st century C.E..

Human selection: Many of the new grape varieties started arriving in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was during this period that new vines from France arrived, along with varietals from Greece and other parts of Europe as well. Those that worked the best in the local climates became established for and identified with each region. Starting in the 1700s, what most people know as Port wine (the fortified wine) was exported to many countries in Europe, especially England.

We will taste and learn about these different regional wines and discover why the wines of Portugal are still excellent values because of their quality/price ratio.  

Recently retired, Peter Gaylor is well known to the Magruder’s community where he has been the Wine Manager since 2019. As a young man Gaylor apprenticed with Chef Yannick Cam in Manhattan and then had a successful 14 year run as a restaurateur in New England where his D’Artagnan garnered praise from Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, and New York Times. With stints in both wholesale and retail settings, including twenty years orchestrating buying excursions for a local importer, Mr. Gaylor is a ready raconteur and savvy observer of the wine trail.