Pestana Vintage Porto

Photographing the Pestana Vintage Porto meant diving into the soul of Ribeira. I wanted to begin with the architecture: the yellow Pombaline façade rising among the historic houses, the stone arches and the way the building converses with the Douro river. I sought framings where the river and the bridge appear framed by the windows, letting Porto’s golden light pour into every space — a place where heritage and contemporary comfort meet effortlessly.

I devoted myself to exploring the entire hotel: from the stone lobby and reception to the event halls, from the restaurants and bars to the river-view rooms and suites, not forgetting the marble bathrooms and the design details that pay tribute to the city. I gave special attention to the gastronomy — from dry-aged meats and picanha on the board to fresh burrata, from salmon to small plates — always paired with good wine and the riverside landscape as the backdrop.

The Port wine ritual could not be missing: I photographed the decanter pouring the ruby red into the glasses, with pastéis de nata and Ribeira in the background, as well as sparkling-wine toasts on the terraces by the Douro. I set out to show not only the spaces, but the feeling of being there: the wine, the view, the history in the walls and the Portuguese hospitality. It was a great pleasure to translate into photography the vintage, riverside spirit of this very special place.