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 off-the-beaten-track adventure stories in tiny Spanish towns, there’s one element that has always remained consistent at Catavino’s core outstanding food, wine and culture stories.
IN THE PRESS
- Highly recommend the Catavino tour The History of Portugal in 5 Glasses, exploring streets of Porto and learning hidden facts and stories about daily portuguese pleasures, like drinking tea, coffee, beer and wine. Even as a local, had a great experience in my own city, and at the end can only raise my glass and say Cheers to these beautiful moments. Thank you Catavino!read moreread lessViver o Porto Pc6/18/2019Catavino is Ryan Opaz. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. There is a team behind the scenes. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture. We enjoyed three days with Ryan as he guided us through the Douro Valley and the ancient town of Porto. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version. Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. 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. The guides in the Quintas and Port Houses learn from Ryan, not the other way around. American? Yes. Portuguese? Yes. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal. Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. You must get to know Catavino.read moreread lessGeorge L. Leonard6/09/2018
- My wife, son, daughter-in-law and I just returned from a memorable, two-week adventure in Spain and Portugal which was arranged by the wonderful team at Catavino. There aren’t sufficient superlatives to describe these extraordinary individuals who made this trip so very special.Our primary contact, Janelle Norman, guided us with great creativity, attention to detail and sensitivity in addressing our focus on food, wine and culture. Her choices of extremely professional drivers, knowledgeable and engaging guides and delightful restaurants were outstanding. Her suggested day in the Douro Valley with Ryan Opaz was educational and great fun. Ryan was a superb and entertaining host who guided us through the tasting of aged port from even older barrels in a private quinta. Lunch at a small family restaurant and a cruise on the beautiful Douro River were wonderful.In Porto, one of our many highlights was a walking tour of this magical city with the vibrant and ever engaging Gabriella Opaz. Not to be missed! Her personality is infectious and seeing Porto through her eyes will guarantee your return.I must also mention that throughout our two weeks of travel, Janelle was never far away, during the day and well into the night, checking on our experiences and making modest adjustments in our plans where appropriate. Our travels were flawless.In summary, our family shared numerous experiences we’ll remember forever and we met many wonderful people along the way. However, it was the Catavino team that made it all possible and gave us a truly memorable journey. We’ll be back very soon!read moreread lessGlenn Kalnasy6/19/2018This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class. Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine. The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.read moreread lessAnna Gunn6/19/2018