To celebrate the summer reopening of Grand Hotel Portovenere on 7 July 2020, we have interviewed some of the protagonists of the iconic and exclusive experiences that its Guests can enjoy in the Gulf of Poets between Liguria and Tuscany… what are the strongest sensory impressions that inebriate them in our mesmerizing bay?
Paolo, Mussel & Oyster Farmer at Cooperativa Mitilicoltori Spezzini
OYSTER TOUR EXPERIENCE
The scent of the sea is part of my daily life. I get the strongest sensory impression of air laden with saltiness when I cross the Cisa Pass leaving the Po Valley and heading to La Spezia. And it’s also very strong when arriving in Portovenere, at the roundabout on the hilltop (Rotonda del Cavo), where the aroma of the sea hits all visitors, welcoming them to the village.
Samuele, Winemaker at Azienda Agricola Possa
WINE OF CINQUE TERRE EXPERIENCE
My vineyards are attached to the sea: you can smell the aroma of saltiness in my land and you can even feel a hint of it in my wines under the form of sapidity. I must also mention the fragrance of the aromatic herbs that visitors will find scattered around my vineyard… an additional layer of sensory richness that brings them closer to the reality of the place.
Bruno, Sommelier at Palmaria Restaurant
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
The scent of the vines… approaching Portovenere you cannot help but notice the mussel farms on the sea and the surrounding plots of vineyards, a combination of man and nature. The vine varieties on Palmaria Island are arranged in a precise way: Vermentino is the first and takes in the salted notes thanks to the winds; then there is Albarola with vegetal notes ranging from the Mediterranean scrub to the crunchiness of apricots and even tropical fruits; finally we find the Bosco, with structure, alcohol and minerality. Together, they create long-lasting, fresh and unique white wines from the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre. I don’t forget the wines of Lunigiana: its Vermentino vines are found on hills that a little more isolated from the coasts but that are ready to take on its characteristics. Born where history takes us back to important Roman ports and the empire of Luni, local wines are a little more full-bodied and, especially in higher hills, exceptional Vermentino crus are born, ready to accompany oysters, white fish and mussels in traditional recipes.
Lorenzo, Guide at WalkYourLifeTrek
TREKKING EXPERIENCE
The first thing that comes to mind, especially in this period of the year, is the scent of freshly cut grass. This fragrance that reminds me of our intimate relationship with the territory, based on seasonality, farmer culture and traditions.
Summer Holidays in Portovenere – Italian Riviera off the beaten path
Imagine yourself jumping into the crystal-clear sea from your private boat, swimming in hidden bays, diving in the Protected Marine Area of Portovenere, hiking on the wild trails of Palmaria Island or along the vertical paths that take you to the sanctuaries of Cinque Terre off the beaten path … nothing beats being outdoors and rediscovering your senses while on holiday!
If you would like to discover the tailor-made experiences in nature by Grand Hotel Portovenere, please call +39 0187 777 751 or email
reservations@portoveneregrand.com or visit the official website of the luxury hotel in the Gulf of Poets.
