I heard it through the grapevine…

Day 26 now - The hillside hideaway is a perfect base to explore a bit of Portuguese life from and also a few days off not lugging all my clobber around too. A little bit away from the well-worn tourist/druid track enables me to shop, eat and drink in local spots and get a real feel for the place. 

Two streets back and busily frequented with local folk is usually a giveaway. This is where you can find local food at incredible value for money and to also to research, explore ad enjoy the wines grown in this area.

Vinho Verde is not a grape variety, but a unique Portuguese wine region in the lush, rainy northwest of Portugal. The name literally translates to "green wine," which refers to its young, fresh style meant to be consumed soon after bottling rather than its color. 

The Demarcated Region of Vinho Verde stretches across the historical Minho province from the Douro River north to the Spanish border. The Atlantic Ocean creates a cool, high-rainfall climate, keeping the landscape extraordinarily green. Vineyards are traditionally trained on high pergolas (enforcado) to keep grapes off the damp ground and prevent rot. 

What a song and a fantastic version here by Amy at her soulful best…with the added bonus of Weller and Jools…