Like so many wine lovers around the world, we limited our travels in 2021 again, staying stateside and taking the opportunity to support as many Portuguese wine producers as possible from our home, Vivenda Vista de Paz, in western Maryland.

We made two important connections (finally) during the year. The first took us to Durham, North Carolina, to visit Wine Authorities (curbside), which imports wines from our friends at Quinta de Sant’Ana. Not only did we haul away a case of their latest rosé, brancos, and tintos, but we also found new-to-us offerings from Tejo and Douro to enjoy.

  • Wine Authorities in Durham, North Carolina
  • Wine Authorities Curbside Pickup in Durham, North Carolina
  • Portuguese Vinhos from Wine Authorities

The second score struck twice–Julie had a meeting in New York City to attend in late August, and this enabled her to (finally) visit Astor Wines & Spirits in Greenwich Village. Astor imports wines from our friends at Quinta de Paços. Another trip to the City in October meant another six bottles could come back with her by train. Joy!

  • Manhattan View from Hudson Yards looking north
  • Astor Wine Haul August 2021
  • Casa de Paços Fernão Pires 2020 at the summer table

We found other new bottles in our limited forays around Maryland, Virginia, and summer travels to the Midwest. But perhaps none charmed us more than finding a bottle of Filipa Pato’s 3B Blanc de Blancs on the wine list at an Indian restaurant (Kanak) in Charlottesville. A fine friend to the marvelous cuisine, indeed!

  • Filipa Pato 3B Blanc be Blancs Brut Nature at Kanak Indian Cuisine in Charlottesville
  • Filipa Pato 3B Blanc de Blancs Label
  • Finding a Baga friend on the Kanak menu in Charlottesville

As we turn the page into 2022, we find more hope that we’ll be able to return to Portugal for a long-overdue visit…and to catch up in person with our dearest amigos around the country. But until then, here’s to more 366 Vinhos finds in the new year!