Our Worldwide Search
to Bring You Quality Wines
At Portage we import and market wines from select vineyards around the world. We continually search to discover quality hard-to-source wines.
Our focus is on providing world class service coupled with a growing portfolio of authentic wines, local ownership and outstanding quality.
We are located in Vancouver, British Columbia and serve clients throughout Western Canada.
A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world. — Louis Pasteur
Where Two Worlds Meet
"Old World" implies tradition, history, while the term "New World" invokes technology, science, business and marketing.
– Paul Moore, Founder
The basic difference between Old World and New World wines is geographic: "Old World" refers to the traditional winegrowing regions of Europe, considered to be the birthplaces of wine. (France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Hungary, and Germany.)
"New World" refers to countries that used to be colonies (United States, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Canada, etc.).
Old World wines are from countries or regions where winemaking (with Vitis vinifera grapes) first originated. New World wines are from countries or regions where winemaking (and Vitis vinifera grapes) were imported since the age of exploration.
Differences in style often characterize these two worlds. Generally speaking, The climates of New World wine regions are often warmer, which tends to result in riper, more alcoholic, full-bodied and fruit-centered wines. These wines are often made in a more highly extracted and oak-influenced style. Old World wines tend to be lighter-bodied, more restrained, exhibiting more herb, earth, mineral and floral components.
"Old World" implies tradition, history, while the term "New World" invokes technology, science, corporations and marketing.
Both styles have wonderful things to offer. And, we are delighted to bring them to your table.
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