EPISODE 1
DRUNK CRUSADERS TO DARING TRADERS: The rise and rise of port
Pour yourself a glass and settle in for the inaugural episode of Intoxicating History. Join food writer Tom Parker Bowles and wine expert Henry Jeffreys as they lead a tour through Portugal’s storied relationship with the Britain and its liquid legacy: port wine.
Expect tales of medieval crusaders, the evolution of port from pigskin wine to aristocratic indulgence, and larger-than-life figures who drank (and occasionally drowned) their way through history. There's even a bear-riding, port-swilling squire whose antics make modern excess look tame.
Tom and Henry explore how the British taste for bold wines shaped an industry, why the Scots initially hated port, and what happens when a Marquis declares elderberries treasonous. Think of it as a history lesson with better stories—and more alcohol.
IMAGERY
BARON JOSEPH JAMES FORRESTER
Baron Forrester's early 19th-century map of the Douro (above) is an exceptional cartographic work detailing the river's winding path and landscape. It illustrates key geographical features and crucial wine-producing areas that support the Douro Valley's prosperity, encapsulating the growing port wine industry with depictions of vineyards and estates essential to Portugal's exports.
Forrester's annotations provide valuable historical insights into agricultural practices and trade routes, making this map a significant resource for historians and geographers, reflecting the region's cultural and economic transformation in 19th-century Europe.
Dona Antonia Ferreira, often revered as the matriarch of the Douro Valley, significantly transformed winemaking and social conditions in the region during the 19th century. As the head of the Ferreira wine dynasty, she was instrumental in elevating the quality and reputation of Portuguese port. Her visionary approach not only embraced innovation in viticulture but also prioritised the welfare of her workers. Ferreira implemented fair wages, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities, setting a precedent within the industry. Her legacy endures, exemplifying the fusion of excellence in winemaking with social conscience, shaping a prosperous future for both the vineyards and their labourers.
Dona Antonia Ferreira
SOURCES
Barry Hatton’s The Portuguese dives into the rich history and quirky charm of a country that’s often overshadowed in European conversations. Portugal, a founding member of the eurozone and NATO, has a fascinating past—from leading the Age of Discovery and building a global empire to enduring Europe’s longest dictatorship under Salazar. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake shook more than the ground; it shifted the country’s trajectory, while the 1974 Carnation Revolution put Portugal at the center of Cold War intrigue.
Hatton highlights Portugal’s love of food, relaxed lifestyle, and a rebellious streak that keeps life interesting. He explores the nation’s complex ties with Spain, its oldest ally England, and its stunning yet diverse landscapes. With humor and insight, Hatton captures the essence of this small but storied country, proving there’s much more to Portugal than meets the eye. It’s a delightful read for history buffs and culture lovers alike