Grapevines form intriguing patterns along the Douro River in Portugal.
Cork oak trees and grape vines share the Portuguese countryside. As the saying goes, "Cork is to wine as the earth is to the vine". An obvious lifelong affair... cork and wine. Foreground in this image is a cork tree overlooking the fall colors of the Douro Valley vineyards.
Barrels of aging port wine stoppered with natural corks. Port wine has been produced for more than 400 years in the north of Portugal along the rocky mountainsides of the Douro River. Despite the adventurous driving experience (one can take the calmer river boat route) the excursion is well worth it.
