All guides at the Graham’s 1890 Lodge undergo an intensive training programme, which includes familiarisation with the Douro and Graham’s Quintas. Under the guidance of the viticultural team, they learn about the unique terroir of the Douro, the specific nature of the vineyards, the different varieties of grape and planting styles, as well as the winemaking process.
To complete their preparation, the guides also undergo intensive courses with the Graham’s oenologists on the different styles of wines; with the marketing team to learn about the brand positioning and identity; and with Master Cooper Emílio at the cooperage, where he reveals the secrets of his profession.
The training is also supplemented with courses on Douro DOC wines. After the initial training, special care is taken to ensure that the team regularly takes part in wine tasting events, supported by the Graham’s oenologists.
To ensure the best service for visitors to the Graham’s 1890 Lodge, there are guided tours in a broad range of languages, a fundamental consideration when putting the teams together. In 2013, for example, the team was made up of eleven different nationalities: Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Danish, German and Dutch: adding value to the experience of the many visiting international tourists.