You won't be disappointed. For our trip to Portugal my wife and I wanted insider... Ryan and his team are very humble. They are able to arrange experiences that you would not be able to arrange for yourself. We'll be back! I've traveled the world for food and wine, having many amazing experiences along the way. we have been many exotic places and serious hikes. This is the mousse that you will use to stuff the chicken breast. We were able to see many parts of this beautiful country! Ryan and his team of angels of Catavino created an absolute exceptional itinerary for our group of 10 from Minnesota. When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. read less - 10/04/2017, Simplesmente fantástico para quem quer conhecer Portugal e Espanha e experimentar o que de melhor têm estes dois países para oferecer, a Catavino é o parceiro ideal para organizar aquela experiência especial para não mais esquecer. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. Thank you, Catavino! I recommend chilling for about half an hour to firm and give a nice chill, but this can be eaten right after making. We can't thank Ana, Ryan & Catavino enough for creating our custom itinerary that will be a great memory for a lifetime! I also credit them with two of the most incredible tasting experiences of my life. Ryan was a superb guide and our visits included intimate... read moreWe had a wonderful multi-day tour of northern Portugal with Ryan at Catavino. Tons of fun and very interesting. They planned the tour around our desires (wine, food, culture) and within our budget requirements. For our trip to Portugal my wife and I wanted insider access to the best experiences without getting bogged down in too many touristy things. Unlike any tour!! Or spending some quality time with their kids, teaching them a family recipe or having fun cooking something new. If you go to Portugal you must ask Catavino tours to assist with some or all of your itinerary. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) | The Douro Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and our guides were wonderful. We'll be back! Lucy and her Catavino team have now set me up with two completely different trips in two years, both of which were perfectly executed. So glad we decided to work with them and didn't try to save a couple bucks and do this trip DIY. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture. Ryan is on a first name basis with many upscale restaurants and wineries and we were treated like rock stars at all these places. The most recent one was quite specialized and required a good bit of research and diligence on Lucy’s part. He is extremely knowledgeable and helped us learn to appreciate Port. 3 pleasant hours that pass without noticing, ending at the beautiful Wine Shop - The Lab, where Ryan, the owner, welcomes you with a smile and an assumed love for Portugal.I could only raise my glass and say Cheers to all these beautiful moments.Thank you Catavino. We flew in to Lisbon, spent a couple days there then moved up to Porto for a couple days, the Douro Valley for a few and finished in Cervães in the northern region. This delicious food tour is more than a culinary experience, it’s a love letter to Porto highlighting the city’s history, architecture and... Ryan and his team are very humble. Cook for 20-25 minutes/speed 2/Varoma temperature or until firm to the touch. The wine tastings, tours and meals they arranged were all superb. The team at Catavino have an uncommonly detailed and up to date list of recommendations that they tailored for us based on our requirements and when we would be traveling. I've traveled the world for food and wine, having many amazing experiences along the way. Unlike any tour!! You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version. Add the … This was an ongoing visual and sensory experience from start to finish with several “pinch yourself” moments along the way. & we laughed for days. Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. - 2/27/2019, Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. maybe the... read morewe are a regular group of experienced upscale travelers. Pour into the prepared moulds, dividing the mixture equally. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) Of course, gourmet food at every meal as well. Fantastic, approved by an italian! We took the class in Lisbon, Portugal. read less - 7/05/2019, As a local, exploring my own city - Porto - through the eyes and tastes of others is always a challenging experience, and I had a great experience with Catavino - learning a lot of... read moreAs a local, exploring my own city - Porto - through the eyes and tastes of others is always a challenging experience, and I had a great experience with Catavino - learning a lot of hidden facts and stories about our portuguese daily pleasures (tea, coffee, beer, wine...). The Douro Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and our guides were wonderful. They planned the tour around our desires (wine, food, culture) and within our budget requirements. We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. read less - 1/05/2020, We loved our multi-day tour with Ryan at Catavino. Ask for William he was amazing as our guide. It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. It was a stress free vacation and top notch the entire trip! We... Catavino is Ryan Opaz. You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version. Great for potlucks and layered deserts! Thanks!! Our visitors loved every minute of the day, and so did we. Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. Beyond the wonderful private tasting sessions,... My husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. Just when I think I had the best day ever, the next day is even better! Funny personable and super knowledgeable. Our passion and love for Vowerk products are stronger than any social restriction and go well beyond the screen of a laptop to reach our customers. My wife and I worked with Catavino Tours to plan a special trip for our 10 year anniversary and couldn't be happier! Our chefs were friendly, warm, and made the experience unforgettable. One was at a family winery tasting ports out of barrels and the other was in Madeira tasting through all of the grape varietals used in vintage bottles going way way back in time. Hard. Yes. The tour and experience could not have been better! Saute until the greens lose water. This is a must! It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. Everyday was full of fun adventures and all organized by Catavino. Of course, gourmet food at every meal as well. We booked a food tour in Porto through Catalina. read less - 8/10/2016, When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. Thank you for giving us this experience. There is a team behind the scenes. Amen. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. They show you a true picture of what goes on, busting myths about the wine and... read moreThe Catavino team is world class. Then add spinach and sweet corn and sauté for 5 … Easy. Throughout the entire day, he provided us with tips and recommendations for the remainder of our journey throughout Portugal. Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate you use. we ate and drank superbly. Cook for 10 minutes/speed 2/ 100ºC or until the cream thickens to a suitable coating consistency. We've always planned out our trips on our own to save money, but we made the exception to work with Catavino this time as it was clear that they could provide great value and many unique experiences. Our guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgable and brought great enthusiasm... What an amazing trip with a fantastic group of people. Thank you for giving us this experience. Chill. Remove the bay leaves and add the greens. A luscious white chocolate mousse that is great to serve with fresh fruit, a berry coulis, or on its own. Fantastic tour of the Portugal wine country organized and conducted by the Catavino team. I highly recommend this to anyone who visits Lisbon. It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. We were able to see many parts of this beautiful country! Put the spinach, eggs, 250 grams of cream, nutmeg salt and pepper into the TM bowl and blend for 1 min/speed 5. A tour with them is guaranteed to be something that you won't forget. I felt very good about having her in Catavino's hands.... Ana arranged a trip for my client through Portugal. I felt very good about having her in Catavino's hands.... read moreAna arranged a trip for my client through Portugal. I believe this one was originally by Simon Hopkinson. Obrigada! We were able to see many parts of this beautiful... read moreWe had a very enjoyable trip to Portugal. Had a great experience in the walking tour, and as a Portuguese I learned a lot of things about the history and the origin of some of the things we normally take for granted in... Had a great experience in the walking tour, and as a Portuguese I learned a lot of things about the history and the origin of some of the things we normally take for granted in this beautiful country of ours. Or, for a large crowd - why not make this, as well as a chocolate mousse, then serve smaller portions of each? Benjamin kept us on schedule, organized our lunch (which included a couple of tasty extras), and as a Douro native, spoke passionately about his home territory. Ryan and his team of angels of Catavino created an absolute exceptional itinerary for our group of 10 from Minnesota. At every stop we were met by friendly, professional drivers, wonderful private English speaking tour guides, great 4 & 5 star hotels and of course amazing food and wine. But don’t stop at spinach. Add cold water and vinegar. Echoing the comments of the previous reviews below, my wife and I experienced one memorable experience topped each day by the next memorable experience. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Those who enjoy sharing new recipes. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. read less - 1/07/2020, We had a wonderful multi-day tour of northern Portugal with Ryan at Catavino. Wonderful winery visits including lunch with winemakers and a wonderful introduction to this warm, friendly culture. They organized the tour around our interests (wine, food, culture) and budget. From our first winery visit to grape stomping to our splendid view from our hotel in the Douro Valley, the Catavino team left no details behind. No enough words, even for a wordsmith like me, to say how wonderful it was spending time with Gabriella and Ryan. Everyday was full of fun adventures and all organized by Catavino. I can't even begin to describe the amazing lunch at the farm, overlooking the most spectacular views that only the Douro provides - breath taking! read less - 9/10/2019, The cooking class was incredible! Catavino... read moreWe booked a food tour in Porto through Catalina. We enjoyed three days with Ryan as he guided us through the Douro Valley and the ancient town of Porto. Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. tell him what you want and it will be even better. Doesn't get any more special than that! Beyond the wonderful private tasting sessions,... read moreMy husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. From our... read moreRecently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. Our visitors loved every minute of the day, and so did we. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. Like most learning experiences I feel like I’ve retained a fraction of what I learned about the wines and cuisine or Portugal. Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. Ryan and his teams services were more than worth every penny we spent. The tour included several days in and... We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The most recent one was quite specialized and required a good... read moreLucy and her Catavino team have now set me up with two completely different trips in two years, both of which were perfectly executed. One of our guests summed it up like this during one of our lunches, "Patti, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. You must get to know Catavino. Excellent... read moreNo enough words, even for a wordsmith like me, to say how wonderful it was spending time with Gabriella and Ryan. License Number: RNAVT no. It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. The most recent one was quite specialized and required a good... Lucy and her Catavino team have now set me up with two completely different trips in two years, both of which were perfectly executed. Boil the greens in salt water until just tender. Highly recommended!! Portuguese? read less - 9/19/2017, My husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. read less - 7/11/2016, © Catavino LDA 2005 - 2020 You could easily serve 12 this way! We would HIGHLY recommend it! There are many smoke houses dotted around the coastline and these are certainly the places to find the highest quality fish. We can't recommend them enough! In every region we were treated to tours and excursions that were "off the beaten path" that we never would have found on our own. This was an... read moreOur Fall Harvest trip through the Douro valley led by Ryan Opaz and organized by the talented team at Catavino was truly a once in a lifetime experience (well maybe twice)! Catavino can design trips of any length and scope to suit your criteria. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. read less - 10/29/2019, We booked a food tour in Porto through Catalina. I also credit them with two of the most incredible tasting experiences of my life. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! I highly recommend this to anyone who visits Lisbon. A tour with them is guaranteed to be something that you won't forget. My husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. Great itinerary, great tour guides - fun, original and unique experiences every day! For our trip to Portugal my wife and I wanted insider access to the best experiences without getting bogged down in too many touristy things. we have been many exotic places and serious hikes. We were part of the 2016 Harvest Tour and had the experience of a lifetime! Ryan Opaz's personal relationship with so many in the wine/food industry allows for intimate experiences everywhere we went, unlike... read moreA week like no other. read less - 6/20/2019, Ryan and Will are amazing! Catavino is very strongly recommended. Amen read less - 10/20/2018, A week like no other. As a local, exploring my own city - Porto - through the eyes and tastes of others is always a challenging experience, and I had a great experience with Catavino - learning a lot of... As a local, exploring my own city - Porto - through the eyes and tastes of others is always a challenging experience, and I had a great experience with Catavino - learning a lot of hidden facts and stories about our portuguese daily pleasures (tea, coffee, beer, wine...). We were treated like esteemed guests everywhere we went and even treated like family is more like it! We took the class in Lisbon, Portugal. Portugal’s Esparregado de Espinafres (spinach mousse) contains the ideal balance of velvety textures and earthy notes. Put the parmesan in the TM bowl and grate for 10 to 15 second/speed 10. This is a must! Catavino is very strongly recommended. I am grateful that Lucy was running with my requests because I don’t think anyone else would have had the inside contacts and resources to put it together. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. Prep Time. read less - 8/07/2016, Thank you for an amazing and unforgettable week!! read less - 6/30/2017, We were part of the 2016 Harvest Tour and had the experience of a lifetime! The Portuguese are huge fans of these leafy greens and throw them into soups, or into their “Esparregado.” Summertime is when these babies start to bloom! Doesn't get any more special than that! Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Portugal’s UNESCO Heritage Sites. and stayed at very nice inns. Marcella adds two tablespoons of rum to her version, and I switched that for two tablespoons of orange liquor, but the two main flavors that come through are chocolate followed by … This is Italian chocolate mousse. When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. One was at a family winery tasting ports out of barrels and the other was in Madeira tasting through all of the grape varietals used in vintage bottles going way way back in time. Wonderful winery visits including lunch with winemakers and a wonderful introduction to this warm, friendly culture. Cook Time-Serves-Difficulty. They understood what our visit meant to us & offered us fantastic guides & activities. This Spinach Mousse with parmesan cream is light, rich and super tasty. You will not get a stock tour: you will get an experience tailored to your interests and tastes.Ryan will take you to places you cannot enter as a tourist on your own. At its peak in springtime, spinach is an ideal choice for Easter. In a deep skillet, sauté the minced garlic and bay leaves in olive oil on low heat until golden. Prepare the dariole moulds by buttering them well and dusting them with some of the grated parmesan and placing the disc of greaseproof paper at the bottom of the dariole mould. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! The tour was a highlight of our trip. Catavino designed an amazing tour for our private group. Excellent wines, wonderful views, terrific people and a delightful lunch topped off with a lovely boat ride. Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. There is no difference. Throughout the entire day, he provided us with tips and recommendations for the remainder of our journey throughout Portugal. Mold and chill. 6. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal.Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. Once evenly mixed, slowly and while stirring, add the milk. They assist with hotels, transportation, tours. We would HIGHLY recommend it! Trained as a Chemical Engineer, he loved the Thermomix because of it’s high technical ability and he always converted the best recipes. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal.Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. Maria and Bruno were so informed and interesting and funny. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. Portuguese? Cook Time. If you’re only using spinach, feel free skip this step. I guess that’s a reason to do it again. Combine celery, onion, mustard, parsley, whipped cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, salt and pepper, lobster and cooled broth; mix thoroughly. 3 pleasant hours that pass without noticing, ending at the beautiful Wine Shop - The Lab, where Ryan, the owner, welcomes you with a smile and an assumed love for Portugal.I could only raise my glass and say Cheers to all these beautiful moments.Thank you Catavino. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! Ryan was a superb guide and our visits included intimate winery visits, lunch with the winemaker and a wonderful walking food tour in Porto. I've traveled the world for food and wine, having many amazing experiences along the way. & we laughed for days. !It is guaranteed to be filled with passion and love, leaving you with a yearning to come back time and time again.Can't recommend this enough. If you go to Portugal you must ask Catavino tours to assist with some or all of your itinerary. Recipe by: cadburyqueen Spinach & halloumi salad. They show you a true picture of what goes on, busting myths about the wine and port industry to show you the real side of Douro. Difficulty. Catavino... We booked a food tour in Porto through Catalina. Catavino is Ryan Opaz. From our first winery visit to grape stomping to our splendid view from our hotel in the Douro Valley, the Catavino team left no details behind. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture. We flew in to Lisbon, spent a couple days there then moved up to Porto for a couple days, the Douro Valley for a few and finished in Cervães in the northern region. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. One Girl and her Thermie © 2019 | Designed by pixable | Terms and Conditions | Data Protection | Website Disclaimer. To make the Spinach mix: -Melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat. I'm going through withdrawal and plan to go back with the whole family in the near future. Ryan Opaz's personal relationship with so many in the wine/food industry allows for intimate experiences everywhere we went, unlike... A week like no other. The team at Catavino have an uncommonly detailed and up to date list of recommendations that they tailored for us based on our requirements and when we would be traveling. read less - 11/10/2019, My wife and I worked with Catavino Tours to plan a special trip for our 10 year anniversary and couldn't be happier! The cooking class was incredible! Fantastic tour of the Portugal wine country organized and conducted by the Catavino team. They arranged all of the details and allowed us to really enjoy our trip. We traveled with our guests in air-conditioned comfort and with a superb, English-speaking driver. we have been many exotic places and serious hikes. Wonderful winery visits including lunch with winemakers and a wonderful introduction... We loved our multi-day tour with Ryan at Catavino. Funny personable and super knowledgeable. There is a team behind the scenes. Place the chicken fillets that you have separated out, the spinach and egg into the food processor and chop together into a fine puree. It was an overall wonderful experience. Chestnut and whisky mousse with chocolate and walnut biscuit and chocolate sauce. Put into a food processor with egg whites, nutmeg, salt and pepper. For our trip to Portugal my wife and I wanted insider... read moreRyan and his team are very humble. We took the class in Lisbon, Portugal. Highly recommended!! They assist with hotels, transportation, tours. Ryan was a superb guide and our visits included intimate... We had a wonderful multi-day tour of northern Portugal with Ryan at Catavino. Ryan was a superb guide and our visits included intimate winery visits, lunch with the winemaker and a wonderful walking food tour in Porto. I highly recommend Lucy and Catavino if you are seeking a wonderful and unique Portuguese experience. Add garlic and stir for a minute, then add chopped onion. Wonderful winery visits including lunch with winemakers and a wonderful introduction... read moreWe loved our multi-day tour with Ryan at Catavino. Kudos to Catavino for a wonderful and supremely well organized trip. Our tour with Ryan as our guide to the Douro Valley was spectacular. Ask for William he was amazing as our guide. What an amazing trip with a fantastic group of people. Thank you! Ana arranged a trip for my client through Portugal. So glad we decided to work with them and didn't try to save... read moreMy wife and I worked with Catavino Tours to plan a special trip for our 10 year anniversary and couldn't be happier! Our guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgable and brought great enthusiasm to the experience. They planned the tour around our desires (wine, food, culture) and within our budget requirements. Catavino designed an amazing tour for our private group. We were treated like esteemed guests everywhere we went and even treated like family is more like it! 10 mins. I highly recommend Lucy and Catavino if you are seeking a wonderful and unique Portuguese experience. Process for 1 minute. They organized the tour around our interests (wine, food, culture) and budget. Portuguese Recipe: Spinach Mousse (Esparregado de Espinafres) Stir well. We can't thank Ana, Ryan & Catavino enough for creating our custom itinerary that will be a great memory for a lifetime! maybe the... we are a regular group of experienced upscale travelers. who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. This delightful smoked haddock mousse is a spectacular starter for any occasion and is anchored in the beauty, simplicity and vibrancy of the fish. Yes. The whole day was the highlight of our trip! Our Fall Harvest trip through the Douro valley led by Ryan Opaz and organized by the talented team at Catavino was truly a once in a lifetime experience (well maybe twice)! After an initial phone interview to discuss what we wanted to see and do they were totally tuned in to our travel preferences and style. Vat Number: PT513397051 Season with a little pepper, red wine vinegar and grated nutmeg. We were able to see many parts of this beautiful... We had a very enjoyable trip to Portugal. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. We've always planned out our trips on our own to save money, but we made the exception to work with Catavino this time as it was clear that they could provide great value and many unique experiences. Our tour with Ryan as our guide to the Douro Valley was spectacular. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and reserve.