Port, the great fortified wine created by the English in Portugal, was once an essential indulgence in every self-respecting home. Now, after decades of being as unfashionable as acrylic slacks, it is showing signs of a comeback. Leading wine commentators extol its high standards and fantastic value for money, and a new generation of mixologists is creating port-based cocktails from the beaches of Ibiza to the underground bars of Manhattan. Photographer COLIN HAMPDEN WHITE recently toured the Douro region of Portugal, home to the ancient port houses, and we showcase his images on this page

Down The River – Viewing the scenic and culturally-rich upper Douro Valley by boat

Douro Valley – Six villages are located on the slopes of the valley, each contributing to the region’s wine-producing industry

Respected as a producer of wood aged ports, Taylor’s holds one of the largest reserves of rare cask aged wines

Quinta do Noval – One of the major historic Port houses, renowned for its great Vintage Ports, old Tawnies and since 2006, for its Douro wines

Grapes at Quinta do Noval are picked exclusively by hand

Taylor’s is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port