A day to remember: “enthronement” in the Confraria do Vinho do Porto

With my sponsor & host, Miguel Roquette of Quinta do Crasto

“Enthronement” was the give away. As you can see from my photos of Saturday’s ceremony, welcoming (or promoting) members of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Port brotherhood) is a pageant-filled affair – trumpeters, red carpet, cloaks, hats, a procession lead by the national guard on horseback and, to finish, a Port toast of course!

Roll out the red carpet!

I was thrilled to be part of it and to catch up with so many luminaries of the Port trade, producers and fellow writers Roy Hersh (For the Love of Port) and Axel Probst (The World of Port).

Mestres of the brotherhood

The Chancery, headed by George Sandeman

Enthroned by Mestre Jorge Roquette of Quinta do Crasto

The procession through the streets of Oporto

Arriving at the Museum of Transport (formerly Customs House) for the gala dinner

Horse guard salute