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Seneca once said, “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” He’d obviously never tasted Porto’s fortified wine. Any force carrying you to a pour of the city’s famous export is a welcome one.
Puns aside, any Porto itinerary should feature wine as a centerpiece. From the decadent port lodges on the South bank to breathtaking wineries further inland along the Douro River, wine, particularly port, is intrinsically linked to the region.
Whether you’re an independent DIY traveler or enjoy hopping on a hands-off group tour, there are many ways to explore Porto’s wine scene. Here are the best port experiences in Porto.
Port Lodges
The South Bank of the River Douro, across from the historic center of Porto, is home to the cellars of 99% of the world’s port producers. Technically a different city named Vila Nova de Gaia, or Gaia for short, the city has been the home of Port for four centuries. It’s also where tourists have the opportunity to learn the history of Port – and sample some, of course.
There are dozens of lodges to choose from, all within walking distance of central Porto, so there will be plenty of chances to visit multiple. You can see yourself and jump on a tour (best book a spot) or sign up for an organized tour that takes you to several. Here are some of the best.
P.S. if the British names throw you off, production was originally operated by British businessmen, while Portuguese men worked the farms.
Port Lodge Guided Tours
Price: $38
What’s included: Wine tastings, tour guide, Portuguese Tapas, port cellar visit
The rundown: While the port lodges are easily accessible, it’s easiest to be shown around by a tour guide. Not only will the local expert explain how port and other wines are made, but they’ll also give you a glimpse into its role in the broader context of the city.
Graham’s Port House
Price: $37
What’s included?: Guided tour, wine tasting, food pairing
The rundown: Graham’s Port was founded in 1820 by a pair of Scottish brothers after receiving twenty-seven barrels of port as a debt payment. The cellars have been operating in their current location since 1890 and are still owned by the ancestors of an early business partner.
On a visit, expect a behind-the-scenes look at how port is made and tastings of three Graham’s wines paired with cheese, chocolate, and Pastel de Nata. It’s the furthest lodge from the city, but guests are rewarded with stunning views of the city.
Burmester
Price: $13, $17, or $20
What’s included? Guided tour, tasting, food pairings
The rundown: Even older, Burmester was founded in London in 1750 when Henry Burmester and John Nash began exporting wine from Gaia. The family business went from strength to strength over the following centuries. Today, its stunning cellars are one of the most popular in Gaia.
The lodge offers three tours, with the exclusive offering the most extensive. It’s an excellent cellar choice on a budget, as the cheapest is only $13 and still includes two port tastings. Its beautiful location under the Luiz I bridge fosters a wonderfully atmospheric visit.
Calem
Price: From $23
What’s included? Guided tours, fado performance, tastings
The rundown: One of the most spectacular port cellars, Calem has gone all out to entice visitors. A wonderful interactive exhibit featuring a 5dimmersive film is a perfect introduction to port, while its beautiful tasting room regularly hosts Fado shows. There are also upgrade options to pair wines with delicious finger food.
Calem’s rich history centers around its adventurous founder, who boldly sailed to Brazil, forgoing the traditional British export routes. It proved a huge success and allowed Calem to build its own fleet of ships to travel the Atlantic.
Duoro Valley Tours
Beyond Porto itself, the Douro Valley holds a special place in the world of wine. The staggeringly beautiful landscape carved by its eponymous river was the first demarcated wine region in the world and hosts several wineries. It fuels the port market and produces a range of red and white table wines. Its terraced vineyards are spectacular.
The region is hard to explore alone, so we recommend a tour to experience it.
Douro Valley Boat Tours
Price: $101
What’s included: A tour guide, transportation, winery estate visit, wine, cheese, and olive oil tastings, wine-paired lunch, hotel pickup, and drop off.
The rundown: If you’re short on time or want a completely hands-off experience, jump on a valley tour. Not only will you get to tour some of the valley’s wineries, but you’ll also enjoy a scenic boat trip down the river and a lunch paired with some of the wine you’ve tried.
Quinta Nova
Price: From $32
What’s included? Wide range dependent on selection
The rundown: Quinta Nova is a stunning winery nestled in the Duoro Valley. It offers some of the most extensive tour packages. The most straightforward offerings include a winery tour and a tasting, while the higher-end packages include winemaking experiences and sunset tastings. There’s even a hotel located on-site.
Quinta de Tedo
Price: From $32
What’s included: Wine tasting, guided tour
The rundown: Quinta de Tedo is one of the youngest wineries in the region, although the land itself has been used for centuries. It marks an exciting glimpse into the future of wine in the valley and one that shouldn’t be missed.
They offer a number of tours at varying price points depending on the vintage of wine you’ll be sampling.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
