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Porto Reimagined: How Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel Is Defining a New Model for Wine Tourism in Northern Portugal

An exclusive interview by Liz Palmer with Francisco Viana Brito, General Manager

Northern Portugal has long lured travellers with its riverside romance, cobbled streets, and legendary port wine. But now, a new chapter in luxury hospitality is unfolding along the banks of the Douro. At the heart of it sits Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia, a property that bridges centuries of winemaking tradition with contemporary elegance. In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Francisco Viana Brito, General Manager of Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia, to explore how this hotel is reshaping wine tourism in Porto, offering guests not just a stay, but a sensory journey rooted in the heritage of the world’s oldest port wine house.

Exclusive interview with Francisco Viana Brito, General Manager

General Hotel Concept + Vision

Liz Pamer: What inspired the concept behind this new luxury property in Porto, and does it tie into Kopke and its wine and port culture?

Francisco Viana Brito: The concept behind the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia is deeply inspired by the rich legacy of Kopke, the oldest Port wine house, founded in 1638. The hotel was developed through the restoration of former Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, aiming to deliver a luxury experience that pays tribute to the region’s winemaking heritage. The connection to wine culture is reflected throughout the property: the presence of the Kopke wine cellars, with exclusive access from within the hotel or the opportunity to enjoy exclusive and distinctive Kopke Port wine tastings. Even the hotel’s design is inspired by the world of wine, with beige and burgundy tones, rich wood accents, and textured walls all reflecting the elegance and legacy of Kopke. We want every stay here to be a sensory journey through the history, flavour, and soul of the Douro Valley.

Liz Pamer: How does the hotel reflect the identity of Northern Portugal’s wine heritage, especially Port wine and the Douro Valley?

Francisco Viana Brito: Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia was designed as a true tribute to the wine identity of Northern Portugal, with a special focus on Port wine and the Douro Valley. From its privileged location in Vila Nova de Gaia, the heartland of the great Port wine houses, to the integration of the original Kopke cellars, the hotel embodies this heritage through its architecture, interior design inspired by wine elements, exclusive access to Kopke wine tastings, and a gastronomic offering that celebrates the region’s flavours and traditions.

Liz Pamer: Was wine tourism a strategic consideration in the hotel’s design and development phase?

Francisco Viana Brito: The entire narrative of the hotel, from interior design to culinary offerings, was crafted to deliver an immersive experience into the world of Port wine and the Douro Valley. Our goal was to create not just a place to stay, but a true destination where luxury hospitality meets the region’s wine culture.

Wine Tourism Experiences

Liz Pamer: Francisco, can you describe your wine tourism packages or experiences the hotel offers guests (e.g., vineyard tours, tastings, river cruises)?

Francisco Viana Brito: At Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia, we’ve curated a selection of wine experiences designed to immerse our guests in the rich culture of Port wine. A key highlight is the opportunity to enjoy exclusive and distinctive Kopke Port wine tastings, held in dedicated spaces within the hotel. In addition, guests can enjoy wine-pairing dinners, Port-inspired cocktails at the Sky Bar Kopke, and relaxing moments overlooking the Douro River, always accompanied by a premium wine selection. All of these experiences can be explored and booked through our official Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia website (here), where we regularly update our offerings.

Liz Pamer: Are there any exclusive wine tastings, cellar dinners, or events hosted on-site?

Francisco Viana Brito: Yes, at Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia we offer truly exclusive experiences that blend the best of wine culture with the sophistication of our hospitality. One of the highlights is the opportunity to host private gala dinners and banquets for groups inside the historic wine cellars. These exclusive events offer a unique and memorable setting where the legacy of Port wine meets refined service, ideal for corporate gatherings, celebrations, or special group occasions. At our 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano, guests can embark on a sensory journey through a tasting menu that pays tribute to Kopke’s wine heritage. Inspired by his Asturian roots and the Atlantic richness of the Portuguese coast, Chef Nacho, awarded three Michelin stars, crafts a refined fusion of Iberian flavours, paired with Kopke Port wines and Douro DOC still wines.

Liz Pamer: How do you cater to international guests interested in exploring Portugal’s other wine routes?

Francisco Viana Brito: We understand that many of our international guests arrive at Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia with a strong interest in discovering not only Port wine, but also Portugal’s other renowned wine regions. That’s why we’ve developed tailored experiences and dedicated concierge services to help guests explore the country’s diverse wine routes. Through partnerships with trusted local operators and prestigious estates, we organize private tours to the Douro Valley (to Quinta de São Luiz), including transportation, expert guides, and curated tastings. Our team is also available to recommend personalized wine travel itineraries, tailored to each guest’s preferences, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience across Portugal. These suggestions and bookings can be arranged directly at the hotel or via our official Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia website.

F+B + Wine List Integration

Liz Pamer: How is your wine program curated; do you focus mainly on Kopke’s wines and Ports

Francisco Viana Brito: Our wine program has been carefully curated to reflect the identity of Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia and its historic connection to the Kopke brand. Naturally, Kopke Port wines are at the heart of our offering, with a selection that includes iconic labels such as the Kopke 30-Year-Old Tawny, among other vintages and styles that showcase the excellence of the oldest Port wine house.

Liz Pamer: Is there an in-house sommelier or wine director, and do you offer guided tastings or food and wine pairings?

Francisco Viana Brito: Yes, at Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia we have an in-house sommelier whose role is to guide our guests through a deeper exploration of the region’s wine culture. Their expertise ensures a personalized experience, whether through wine tastings or curated food and wine pairings. We offer Kopke Port wine tastings in exclusive areas of the hotel, designed to deliver a refined and educational sensory journey. At the 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano, our tasting menu is a true gastronomic journey, with each dish thoughtfully paired with Kopke Ports and Douro DOC still wines.

Liz Pamer: What role does other local wine play in the guest dining experience, from breakfast to fine dining?

Francisco Viana Brito: Even in more informal moments, such as breakfast or at the Sky Bar, our guests have the opportunity to enjoy and discover Portuguese wines and sparkling wines, through light pairings and wine-based cocktails that celebrate the national terroir. Our commitment is to deliver a complete and cohesive experience, where wine, in all its expressions, is present throughout the day as a reflection of Portugal’s culture, hospitality, and excellence.

Cultural & Sustainability Aspects

Liz Pamer: How do you incorporate the local wine culture and traditions into the guest experience, from architecture to amenities?

Francisco Viana Brito: Architecturally, the hotel pays tribute to the region’s winemaking heritage, with design elements that evoke the old Douro wine estates and cellars: burgundy and beige tones, natural wood, textured walls, and a classic ambiance that reflects Kopke’s legacy, all seamlessly combined with the timeless elegance that defines the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts brand. At the Tivoli Spa, the connection to wine heritage is elevated into a truly sensory experience with the exclusive “The Essence of Kopke” massage. Inspired by the ancestral history of Port wine, this multi-sensory ritual begins with heated schist stones, symbolizing the earth and helping to deeply relax the body. It is followed by a mantle of aromatic cork stoppers, carefully placed to harmonize the chakras and promote energetic balance. The ritual culminates in a luxurious massage using a heated wine-infused candle, enriched with nourishing oils, resveratrol, and grape extract, enveloping the body while nourishing the skin and revitalizing the senses. A true celebration of the Douro terroir, transformed into wellness.

Liz Pamer: Is sustainability a key part of your wine tourism offering, for example, eco-friendly winery visits or local sourcing?

Francisco Viana Brito: Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of our wine tourism offering. At Tivoli Kopke, we are deeply committed to promoting authentic and conscious experiences that respect the natural and cultural heritage of the Douro Valley. For example, we offer a Green Stay option for bookings longer than one night, where guests can opt out of housekeeping services, embracing our mission to reduce water, energy, and resource consumption. In return, the hotel offers a complimentary drink to encourage this sustainable choice. We also prioritize local sourcing, whether in the wines we present, the ingredients used in our gastronomic experiences, or the partners we collaborate with, strengthening our connection to the community and reducing our environmental footprint. We believe that luxury can and should go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, and we continuously strive to innovate and evolve our offering in line with this sustainable vision.

Marketing + Target Markets

Liz Pamer: What type of wine tourist are you hoping to attract: seasoned connoisseurs, curious novices, or lifestyle travellers?

Francisco Viana Brito: At Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia, we aim to attract a diverse profile of wine tourists, from seasoned connoisseurs who appreciate the depth and legacy of Port wine to curious novices eager to explore this world in an accessible and engaging way. At the same time, our hotel is also designed for lifestyle travellers seeking authentic, sensory, and memorable experiences. The blend of Kopke’s wine heritage, signature gastronomy, wellness at the Tivoli Spa, and our privileged location overlooking the Douro creates the perfect setting for those who see wine as part of a sophisticated and culturally rich lifestyle. Our mission is to offer experiences that cater to all levels of interest and knowledge, always with the quality and elegance that define the Tivoli brand.

Liz Pamer: How are you positioning Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel internationally within the wine tourism space? Are you collaborating with tourism boards or influencers?

Francisco Viana Brito: Internationally, we are positioning Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia as a premium wine tourism destination, blending the authenticity of Douro’s wine heritage with the sophistication of the Tivoli brand. To strengthen this positioning, we have been developing regular collaborations with wine and travel journalists, as well as influencers, alongside partnerships with tourism boards. These initiatives are a strategic priority for us, as they allow us to effectively communicate the uniqueness of our offering to discerning audiences with a passion for wine and culture. Through these efforts, we aim not only to attract a wide range of travellers but also to help establish Northern Portugal as a leading destination for wine tourism.

Vision for the Future

Liz Pamer: Francisco, how do you see Porto evolving as a luxury wine tourism destination, and what role will your hotel play in this growth?

Francisco Viana Brito: Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia plays an active role in this evolution, positioning itself as a flagship for luxury wine hospitality. Through our connection to the Kopke brand, our curated wine experiences, signature gastronomy, and wellness offerings inspired by the Douro terroir, we provide guests with a unique way to experience wine with elegance, authenticity, and cultural depth. We believe our hotel helps elevate Porto’s international profile, attracting discerning travellers in search of memorable and distinctive experiences, and reinforcing the city’s position as a world-class wine tourism destination.

Liz Pamer: Are there any future plans to host wine-focused festivals, events, or residencies at the hotel?

Francisco Viana Brito: Yes, we have a strong ambition to establish Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia as a premier venue for signature wine-focused events, and this vision is part of our medium-term strategy.

Thank you, Francisco! I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to speak with you. Your time and expertise provided valuable insights into the distinguished heritage and vision of Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia.

Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia isn’t just another luxury hotel; it’s a refined tribute to Northern Portugal’s soulful wine legacy. With its immersive experiences, Michelin-starred dining, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity and sustainability, the property offers guests the rare opportunity to live the story of port wine from inside the barrel room to the rooftop bar. For wine lovers, design enthusiasts, and cultural travelers alike, this is more than a hotel; it’s a destination.

Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Website: https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-kopke-porto-gaia

Exploring the “Wines of Portugal” Tasting Room in Lisbon’s Terreiro do Paço

Lisbon’s vibrant energy flows through its grand avenues, pastel façades, and historic waterfront, yet one of its most compelling experiences lies quietly in a corner of the city’s most iconic square. Tucked into the western wing of Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço, the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room, operated by ViniPortugal, offers an exceptional immersion into the diversity and depth of Portuguese wine.

Once the site of Portugal’s Royal Palace during the reigns of King Manuel I (1511) and King José I (1755), this square has witnessed centuries of seismic change, both literally and figuratively. Following the devastating 1755 earthquake, Praça do Comércio was rebuilt in the elegant Pombaline architectural style and has since become a symbol of Portuguese resilience, culture, and commerce. Today, the surrounding buildings house government ministries, sleek restaurants, curated shops, and cultural spaces; seamlessly blending past and present.

At the heart of this transformation sits the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room, a sanctuary for oenophiles. The space offers a self-guided or sommelier-led journey through more than 1,000 wines from across Portugal’s diverse regions, from the granite-soiled vineyards of the Vinho Verde DOC to the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo, and from Douro’s legendary quintas to the volcanic terroir of the Azores.

A visit to the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room is not just about tasting; it’s about time-traveling through the country’s enological heritage, told through native grapes like Touriga Nacional, Baga, Encruzado, and Arinto.

Location:
Terreiro do Paço, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal
Further details: www.viniportugal.pt

Hall Wines, Napa: A Legacy of Innovation Rooted in Napa Heritage

Nestled just off Highway 29 in St. Helena, Hall Wines is established on the storied Bergfeld Vineyard, an estate whose viticultural history dates back to 1885. This historic site was once home to the Napa Valley Co-Operative Winery, a pivotal institution that, at its peak, produced nearly 40% of the region’s total wine output, marking it as a cornerstone of early Napa Valley wine production.

In 2003, Craig and Kathryn Hall, visionary entrepreneurs and passionate stewards of fine wine, acquired the estate. Their commitment to honouring the property’s legacy while embracing sustainable innovation culminated in a decade-long transformation. By 2013, the Halls had completed an ambitious and sensitive restoration, seamlessly integrating the original stone winery with a state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winemaking facility. The new tasting room, a modern architectural landmark, is LEED® Gold-certified, reflecting the estate’s environmental ethos.

The estate itself encompasses approximately 33 acres at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. Collectively, the Hall family cultivates over 500 acres across Napa Valley, dedicated to Bordeaux varietals. These vineyards span both valley floor and hillside sites and are farmed with a meticulous, low-yield philosophy rooted in sustainable viticulture, ensuring both quality and longevity in every bottle.

Arriving at Hall Wines: A Journey into Art, Architecture, and Napa Hospitality

Hall Wines sits in the heart of the Napa Valley “wine strip,” a stretch of road synonymous with legacy, innovation, and some of the most storied names in American wine. Just minutes from the Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture, the estate blends its commitment to fine wine with an evident passion for contemporary art and sustainability.

Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by one of Napa Valley’s most striking landmarks, “Bunny Foo Foo”, a towering 35-foot stainless steel rabbit sculpture by the late artist Lawrence Argent. Gleaming in the California sun, this whimsical figure stood at the estate’s entrance, playfully setting the stage for what would become a richly immersive and sensorial experience.

Driving up the estate’s long, manicured entryway, I arrived at the modern hospitality center, an architectural statement in glass, wood, and stone, unveiled in 2014 after a multi-year transformation. Inside, sleek design meets vineyard warmth. Expansive glass walls draw the eye westward over the estate’s vines, while curated art installations offer moments of quiet reflection.

Adjacent to the contemporary space is the restored Bergfeld stone winery, a 19th-century “ghost winery” brought back to life with care and respect for its historic bones. The juxtaposition of heritage and innovation is palpable throughout the estate.

Members Lounge

Hall’s Member Lounge provides an artisan sanctuary: open seven days a week, accessible by appointment only, and offers exclusive library wines and relaxed seated tastings. Members can bring food and enjoy comfortable couches overlooking the vineyards on the stunning terrace.

My tasting began on the outdoor terrace, along with some Hall Wines members, where the afternoon sun filtered across rows of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. What a stunning view! I found that Hall’s approach to hospitality is layered and thoughtful while offering a spectrum of experiences catering to both connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts, as follows:

Members Lounge Tasting for the day included:

2021 HALL Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon
92 Points Wine Enthusiast

2020 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon
The painting featured on the label was designed by Jack Reynolds, who was 18 months old as a Father’s Day gift for his father, Mike Reynolds, who was the winemaker at HALL Wines at the time. Mike Reynolds, now the president of HALL Wines.

2019 HALL Bergfeld St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
95 Points Owen Barren

2021 HALL Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
96-98 Points (in barrel) Jeb Dunnuck

What a stunning wine – my overall favorite !!

WINE REVIEW

2021 HALL Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine reveals the depth and intensity characteristic of this high-elevation site. In the glass, it presents a deep garnet hue. Aromatically expressive, it opens with layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and crushed violets, interwoven with graphite, cocoa, and hints of cedar. The palate is structured yet polished, showcasing ripe blackberry and cassis, supported by fine-grained tannins and well-integrated oak. A persistent mineral core and vibrant acidity carry through to a long, resonant finish. A compelling mountain Cabernet built for aging but already delivering elegance and power in equal measure – Stunning!

97 Points
Liz Palmer

Other Hall Wines tastings and Experiences include:

St. Helena – Platinum Experience – Discover HALL’s Expressions of Place
This is an exclusive, seated experience which features the coveted Platinum Collection and top-rated Artisan Collection Cabernets.

St. Helena – Cabernet Collector Experience
This is also an exclusive tasting experience which showcases HALL’s top-rated Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, which are paired with seasonal bites.  This is perfect for collectors looking to explore Napa Valley’s premier appellations.

St. Helena – Signature Tour – A Walk Through Winemaking
With this experience, you take a guided walk through HALL’s vineyards and winemaking facilities, where you gain some insight into Hall’s sustainable practices and rich history.  After the walk, you participate in a tasting of their four award-winning wines paired with seasonal bites.

St. Helena – Reflections of the Valley – Bar Tasting in our Modern Gallery
With this experience, you savour a curated flight of award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a standup tasting at their modern bar. Don’t forget to view the stunning vineyard views.

Hall Winery stands at the intersection of Napa’s storied past and forward-thinking future. The estate is simultaneously a cathedral of Cabernet, a canvas for art, and a leader in sustainability. From its first impression to final sip, Hall Wines is more than a tasting; it’s a narrative told through art, architecture, and world-class Napa Valley wine.

Erni Loosen Launches a New Winemaking Project in Burgundy

Internationally renowned winemaker Erni Loosen announces the launch of Perron de Mypont, his new winemaking project in Burgundy. A passionate and lifelong collector of Pinot Noir from around the world, Erni has long dreamed of producing wine in Burgundy, the variety’s birthplace. That dream has now become a reality. The initial releases from Perron de Mypont will be available to U.S. consumers beginning May 2025.

“I fell in love with Burgundy about 50 years ago, during a winemaking internship there,” said Loosen. “I was immediately struck by the similarities between Riesling and Pinot Noir, which are both cool-climate varieties that can make truly profound wines that develop beautifully with age. Since then, I’ve dreamed of making my own wine in Burgundy. And it’s finally happening!”

Perron de Mypont is based at the Vieux Château de Puligny-Montrachet, in the famed village in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. In 2019, Erni acquired the east wing of the 15th-century “Old Château” and began work on a multi-year restoration project. He also established his own négociant company and began working with growers and producers to create his own collection of wines, made to his personal standards for high quality and exceptional ageability.

Erni’s partner in Perron de Mypont is Manoël Bouchet, a long-time collaborator, highly esteemed wine professional and denizen of Burgundy, with deep expertise in the region’s terroir and legacy. Their shared vision is to produce wines that are true to the heritage and culture of the Burgundy region by blending proven traditional methods with a modern winemaking approach to ensure superior wine quality and value.

For Erni and Mano, the signature of true Burgundy wine is an elegant blend of balance, minerality and finesse. To achieve this fine balance in the wines, this alliance of good friends combines the Négociant model of sourcing finished wines with the Parcellaire approach of working directly with individual growers and specific vineyard parcels. The wines are offered in two tiers: Maison Perron de Mypont and Edition Perron de Mypont.

The Maison tier is for regional wines sourced through the traditional Burgundy Négociant system. The dedication to value is particularly evident in this tier, which blends stringently selected grapes and wines from multiple growers to maintain affordability, without compromising quality. The Maison’s initial offerings include Bourgogne AOC Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 2022 vintage.

For the more limited Villages and Premier Cru appellations of the Edition tier, Erni and Mano pursue excellence through close collaboration with growers, emphasizing a focus on specific climats. This is the Parcellaire approach, which benefits from the practice of maturing the wines in the growers’ cellars to harness their unique environments and capture a genuine expression of terroir. It also fosters long-term relationships with growers to build a consistent portfolio of wines.

The initial Edition offerings include 2022 Meursault, 2023 Gevrey-Chambertin, 2023 Volnay, 2022 Meursault Premier Cru Perrières, 2019 Vougeot Premier Cru, and 2022 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Suchots.

Legendary Winemaker Gérard Bertrand Releases His Latest Book “Multidimensional Wine”

Gérard Bertrand has just released his latest book Multidimensional Wine. In his book, Gérard Bertrand presents more than just an exploration of wine; he offers an intimate journey into a life deeply entwined with the vine. As the proud inheritor of a winemaking legacy, Bertrand has built a global reputation by blending his family heritage with an ambitious goal to elevate the wines of Languedoc to the world stage. Bertrand invites you to discover how he has made a global impact while staying rooted in the traditions of his homeland, Corbières, France.

Multidimensional Wine is far from a technical guide to winemaking it’s a personal odyssey, a fusion of expertise and sensory experience, with each page resonating like a note in a symphony Bertrand shares the secrets of his craft with remarkable honesty, reflecting on biodiversity, biodynamic viticulture, and the role of wine in contemporary society. His narrative captures the true essence of his work and his lifelong passion for wine.

” Blending is the Everest of every winemaker, the vertical opera that every year requires questioning, preparation, and the conquest of a new face of the same mountain. There is nothing more beautiful, more exhilarating in this profession. “  Gerard Bertrand

About Gérard Bertrand

Gérard Bertrand is a renowned winemaker committed to viticulture in harmony with nature. Over the past 35 years, he has transformed his family vineyard in the south of France into a global benchmark for excellence and biodynamics, elevating the wines of his region to rank among the world’s finest. Gérard Bertrand is also the author of two previous books: Wine, Moon and Stars and Nature at Heart.

For further details: https://shorturl.at/mwlXs