Travel Guide to Portugal

About

Since 2005, we have lived and breathed the Peninsula, seeking out engaging
and knowledgable guides, exceptional lodging, once-in-a-lifetime
experiences, and of course, outstanding food and wine!

Catavino prides itself on designing highly customized experiences throughout Spain and Portugal. Since 2005, we’ve lived and breathed the Peninsula, seeking out engaging and knowledgable guides, exceptional lodging, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and of course, outstanding food and wine!

What makes us different is our unmatched custom trip planning from experts who not only adore the art of crafting a personalized trip, but who challenge themselves to ensure that you want to come back!

Since 2005, Ryan and Gabriella Opaz have shared both their personal and heavily researched stories about Spain and Portugal. Ranging from jaw-dropping culinary experiences to simple o-the-beaten-track adventure stories in tiny Spanish towns, there’s one element that has always remained consistent at their core: outstanding food, wine and culture stories.

In 2013, Catavino moved its base from Barcelona to Porto to create a full service DMC Destination Management Company.

Today, Ryan and Gabriella help people discover the hidden treasures of Portugal and Spain, through their custom designed tours and experiences specifically related to wine, food and culture. We hope you like what you discover here, either as you browse our site or consider a vacation to our Iberian home!

Our core team is made up of passionate people whove not only traversed the globe, but whove sought out the very best flavors in route. From tiny grandmother kitchens tucked away in the Spanish Pyrenees to haute cuisine in Michelin star restaurants of the Algarve, weve uncovered the very best for you.

Ryan Opaz

Born in Minnesota, Ryan is the co-founder and CEO of Catavino. Although a chef at heart, Ryan’s time is spent giving workshops and speeches internationally on social media and blogging for wineries. Examples of his work include Wine Future, London International Wine Fair, Essencia do Vinho, WBIS, Fine Wine, and many more. He currently lives in Porto, Portugal where he explores the country with his camera and family. 

Gabriella Opaz

Born and bred in Chicago, Gabriella is the co-founder and Editor-and-Chief of Catavino. As an award-winning speaker and writer, she uses stories to create a human connection between worlds that would otherwise never converge. Her book, The Undiscovered Food Stories of Northern Portugal, was inspired by the alluring grandmother stories inside Porto’s centenarian open-air market, Mercado Bolhao.

PRESS
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“Foot Trodden,” named for the traditional method of crushing grapes with the feet — still common among port-producers in the Douro Valley — is not a textbook that surveys Portuguese grapes and methods. Rather, it’s an impressionistic travel guide through the major wine regions. “Foot Trodden” introduces readers to a well-chosen group of growers and producers whose deftly rendered individual stories and distinctive wines shine a light on the insularity of Portuguese history, the opening of the country, the challenges that continue to confront growers and producers, and the potential future of its wines. - Eric Asimov - New York Times
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Decanter Magazine’s Annual Power List includes Ryan Opaz as the one to watch in the wine industry – Decanter Power List 2011
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Catavino, one of the most revered websites on Iberian wine and gastronomy, left Barcelona to settle in Porto, Portugal. The North American couple, Ryan and Gabriella Opaz, created not only a detailed map of the Port Wine Lodges, but an Iberian focused travel agency committed to highlighting the undiscovered cultural, vinous and gastronomic treasures of Portugal. - Publico 2013
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“…according to Ryan Opaz, a former Twin-Citian who with his wife, Gabriella, runs Catavino, a Porto-based company (catavino.net) that organizes food, wine and culture based tours in Portugal and Spain. Most people are afraid they won’t like it (sic Port Wine) because it’s ‘sweet,’ ” he said. “Turns out balance is what makes Port great, and the diversity. To say ‘I like Port wine’ is to leave me guessing as to what you mean. Sweeter? Drier? Red fruits? Caramel? – Star Tribune – A glass of Port? Perfect to sip on a wintry (or any) night
Eric Asimov
Eric Asimov@username
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“Foot Trodden,” named for the traditional method of crushing grapes with the feet — still common among port-producers in the Douro Valley — is not a textbook that surveys Portuguese grapes and methods... Rather, it’s an impressionistic travel guide through the major wine regions. “Foot Trodden” introduces readers to a well-chosen group of growers and producers whose deftly rendered individual stories and distinctive wines shine a light on the insularity of Portuguese history, the opening of the country, the challenges that continue to confront growers and producers, and the potential future of its wines.
"The ever-ascending local craft-beer movement did not put a dent in wine sales or interest. Minnesotas own Ryan Opaz, now a Spain-based, world-renowned blogger, has an interesting take The intense ardor for not only beer and wine but also distinctive coees, teas and craft cocktails are parallel tracks with the same destination."
"The ever-ascending local craft-beer movement did not put a dent in wine sales or interest. Minnesotas own Ryan Opaz, now a Spain-based, world-renowned blogger, has an interesting take The intense ardor for not only beer and wine but also distinctive coees, teas and craft cocktails are parallel tracks with the same destination."
"The ever-ascending local craft-beer movement did not put a dent in wine sales or interest. Minnesotas own Ryan Opaz, now a Spain-based, world-renowned blogger, has an interesting take The intense ardor for not only beer and wine but also distinctive coees, teas and craft cocktails are parallel tracks with the same destination."
"The ever-ascending local craft-beer movement did not put a dent in wine sales or interest. Minnesotas own Ryan Opaz, now a Spain-based, world-renowned blogger, has an interesting take The intense ardor for not only beer and wine but also distinctive coees, teas and craft cocktails are parallel tracks with the same destination."
"The ever-ascending local craft-beer movement did not put a dent in wine sales or interest. Minnesotas own Ryan Opaz, now a Spain-based, world-renowned blogger, has an interesting take The intense ardor for not only beer and wine but also distinctive coees, teas and craft cocktails are parallel tracks with the same destination."
"The ever-ascending local craft-beer movement did not put a dent in wine sales or interest. Minnesotas own Ryan Opaz, now a Spain-based, world-renowned blogger, has an interesting take The intense ardor for not only beer and wine but also distinctive coees, teas and craft cocktails are parallel tracks with the same destination."
REVIEWS
Miriam Van Nie
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was
nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit
meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We
ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we
laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was
nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit
meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We
ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we
laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was
nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit
meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We
ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we
laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was
nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit
meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We
ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we
laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was
nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit
meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We
ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we
laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was
nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit
meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We
ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we
laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.
When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & oered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.