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Port cellar tours and Port tastings in Porto - updated for 2024

Porto is famed for producing Port wine, and a tour of one of the historic port cellars along with a port tasting session, is one of the best unique activities of the city.

Ancient laws dating back to the 17th century, dictate that for the sweet, fortified wine to be classified as Port, it must be stored and matured within the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, which sits opposite Porto on the southern banks of the Douro River. This means that within a relatively compact area of Vila Nova de Gaia are all of the major Port houses and their cellars (which are referred to as Lodges)

Many of the Port houses provide guided tours of their cellars along with Port tasting sessions. These tours and tastings sessions are informative, social and surprisingly inexpensive, and are a fantastic experience while on holiday to Porto.

This guide will detail the best Port tour and tasting sessions and help you get the most from this very enjoyable experience. Related articles: Introduction to Porto – Top 10 Porto

Being many centuries old, the Port cellars are rich in heritage - such as the Caves Burmester, pictured above

Tawny Ports are aged in small, oak casks and are typically stored for between 10 and 40 years

Port cellar tours in Porto

All of the Port cellars are situated on the southern side of the Douro River in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Each of the Port houses provides a slightly different experience, but they generally follow the same pattern: • An overview of the production of Port • The history of their company • A guided tour of the cellars (including photo opportunities) • A tasting of two or three ports

The tasting session often compares the three types of Ports; White, Ruby and Tawny or a selection of Ports of different ages.

The typical cost of a cellar tour, with a basic tasting, will range from €14-17. This type of tour is offered by all of the Port houses. More expensive tours include a premium selection of Ports, often hosted in a more impressive tasting room.

All of the Port cellar tours (except for Taylor's) are led by a tour guide, so they have a maximum number of spaces and set times for different languages. Tours should be pre-booked before heading to Vila Nova de Gaia, as turning up on the day can often lead to disappointment, especially in the peak summer season.

We always suggest visiting at least two Port cellars during your stay in Porto. This is a fantastic activity for later in the afternoon or evening, as you may leave a little bit tipsy!

The main tourist area of Vila Nova de Gaia lies along the banks of the river, and the port houses in this area (such as Sandeman and Cálem) will always be the most popular and sell out first. The cellars further away from the river, which are up a steep hill, provide a calmer atmosphere and often have more spaces available. These cellars include Real Companhia Velha, Graham's and Cockburn's.

The interactive map below shows the location of the Porto lodges within Vila Nova de Gaia. The shaded yellow area marks the main tourist area. ( Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Key: 1) Augusto's 2) Burmester 3) Cálem 4) Churchill's 5) Cockburn’s 6) Ferreira 7) Fonseca 8) Graham’s 9) Poças 10) Ramos Pinto 11) Real Companhia Velha 12) Sandeman 13) Taylor's 14) Vasconcellos

Sandeman is one of the most popular Port cellars

The colour scale and storage time of the different varieties of Port, as seen in the Cálem museum

The best Port cellar tours and tastings sessions in Porto

With more than ten different Port houses providing tours and tasting sessions, there is a wide choice available to you. As these are all very similar, you will have a fantastic time whichever one you choose to visit.

The best Port cellars to visit are: 1) Ferreira 2) Cálem 3) Real Companhia Velha 4) Graham's 5) Sandeman 6) Taylor's 7) Ramos Pinto 8) Cockburns 9) Burmester

Insight: If you are new to Porto, we would recommend starting with one of the more tourism-focused Port cellars, such as Cálem or Sandeman, then have a second (or third) tour to one of the more atmospheric cellars, such as Real Companhia Velha, Ferreira, Graham's or Cockburns.

Ferreira is regarded by the residents of Porto as the best Port cellar to visit. It offers an informative tour of some of the oldest port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and concludes with a great selection of Ports. The Ferreira company is highly regarded by the Portuguese, as it is a wholly owned Portuguese company (most Port houses were British owned) started by an inspirational woman named Dona Antónia Ferreira.

If you have no prior knowledge of Port, Cálem makes a great starting point. It provides knowledgeable guides and fascinating interactive displays. The downside is that it can get very busy, with large tour sizes and slightly rushed tasting sessions. ( Cálem cellar tour tickets )

Real Companhia Velha provides a more authentic experience and features magnificent port cellars, however it is a long way from the main tourism area of Vila Nova de Gaia. Real Companhia Velha is one of the oldest wine companies of Portugal, having been started by King Jose I in 1757. ( www.realcompan hiavelha.pt)

Graham's is a highly recommended experience, with a relaxed atmosphere and a larger set of cellars (www.grahams -port.com ). The Sandeman cellar, at the heart of the tourism area, has enthusiastic guides and is always a popular choice with visitors: www.sandeman.com

Taylor's should also be mentioned, as it provides a self-guided tour with a multi-language handset. This tour is not limited by visitor numbers, which is great for the busy summer season or if your desired language tour is sold out at other cellars. Taylor’s also has a pretty outside tasting area in a charming courtyard garden. ( www.taylor.pt )

Ramos Pinto makes an interesting choice for your second or third Port tour, as it includes the original 19th-century office and details the 'unique' marketing techniques of the company. www.ramospinto.pt/

Cockburn's is the largest Port cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. Their tour provides something extra, as here you are able to watch the coopers at work as they preserve and repair the wooden barrels. ( www.cockburns.com )

Burmester is a smaller Port cellar at the base of the Ponte Luís I, which is also well worth a visit.

Porto tasting

Tourist insight: The port tours are excellent value, but the bottles of Port sold in the shops attached to the Port houses are often not good value. For standard bottles of Port, it is much better value to visit the wine shops in Porto or even the supermarkets. Unique gift: Each bottle of Port states the year it was produced, which can make a unique gift for a birthday or to commemorate a special year such as an anniversary.

Why are the Porto lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia?

All of the Port cellars are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the reason for this dates back to the 13th century.

Medieval Porto was effectively ruled by the bishop of Porto, and he taxed all boats that moored in the city. King Alfonso, seeking to avoid these taxes, established a second port in Vila Nova de Gaia (New Town of Gaia) opposite Porto on the southern banks of the Douro.

This port became the main centre for the transportation of grapes from the Upper Douro, and it became law in the 18th century that all Port must be matured within Vila Nova de Gaia.

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5 Port Wine Cellars You Can’t Miss in 2024

Port Wine is born in the Douro Valley, but it is the city of Porto that gives the name to the wine. Why? Because that’s where the wine ages and is shipped to all over the world. Any trip to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a Port Food Tour and a visit to the famous Port wine cellars . Scroll down to discover our Top 5!

PORT WINE CELLARS

These Port wine cellars are all located across the river from the old city center of Porto. To get there you only need to cross the emblematic Dom Luís I bridge. It will take you about 10 minutes and you can easily walk from one side to the other.

Nearly all Port wine cellars provide guided tours and tastings. Not only will you receive a tasting of different Port wine varieties, but you will also learn about the history of the house you are visiting and a broader history of Port wine. There are dozens of Port wine cellars and we know one can feel a bit uncertain. So we’ve decided to make your life a bit easier and selected 5 Port wine cellars where you can’t go wrong. As travelers ourselves, we know it’s not easy to navigate a different culture, a foreign language, and over 20 Port wine lodges. So we are very happy to help!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taste Porto – Food Tours (@portofoodtours)

5 PORT WINE CELLARS THAT WE LOVE

Caves ferreira – port wine cellar.

We have to start with Caves Ferreira. This is the only big house of Port Wine that has remained in Portuguese hands since its foundation. Founded in 1751, the brand’s history is intertwined with the history of the evolution of the Douro Region, demarcated only 5 years after, in 1756.

Twice widowed, Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira contributed significantly to the consolidation of the brand, taking over the business at 33, strengthening and expanding it thanks to her entrepreneurial spirit and charisma. Today, by visiting Caves Ferreira, you can discover a brand that is over 250 years old, the history of Port wine, and the Douro region. Easily accessible from the river, this port wine cellar is a must-go!

ESPAÇO PORTO CRUZ – PORT WINE MULTIMEDIA CENTER

Espaço Porto Cruz offers more than Port wine tasting, it offers a full experience with the purpose of celebrating the culture of Port wine by associating modernity with tradition. It was created as a place for information, exhibition, and leisure providing new experiences around the famous Port wine and combining it with artistic creations in different areas such as fashion, art, and gastronomy.

Besides wine tasting, you’ll have access to the multimedia center, workshops, chocolate, and cheese tastings. Before you leave, go up to the 360º terrace for a truly memorable view!

CAVES CÁLEM

Calém cellars are some of the most famous and most visited Port wine cellars. They are a renowned brand in the wine industry and they stand out as a world leader. Besides the traditional tour to the cellars, Calém offers a unique experience available at no other Port wine cellar: a fado concert, the traditional Portuguese music. This experience combines two of the most iconic aspects of Portuguese culture: Port wine and fado. An unmissable experience!

CAVES CHURCHILL

More off the beaten path, Churchill’s is a wine cellar of high levels of elegance and style where you can taste the best wine they have to offer. Their approach is based upon the philosophy that “enjoyment of a glass of Port requires a state of wellbeing”. Its visitors center provides the opportunity to taste rare Vintage ports and you can even tailor your own wine tasting in the Tasting Room, which, of course, wouldn’t be complete without the great view over the Douro river that it offers.

CAVES TAYLOR’S

A classic! Taylor’s Cellars are 300 years old but have been recently renovated to incorporate a modern and innovative museum. What was already excellent is now even better! Here too you will learn about the history of Port wine, how it was produced in the beginning as compared to modern days, and how it was brought to Porto to age and then shipped to Britain.

Like all the Port wine cellars we recommended previously, here too you can enjoy your wine tasting up on the terrace while taking in the magnificent views over the city of Porto. You have to do a bit of climbing to reach Rua do Choupelo but it’s worth the effort!

Pssst…If you are interested in Port Wine Cellars in Porto, you’re going to love our Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour »

A visit to the Port wine cellars is a mandatory activity during any trip to Porto, so we hope these suggestions can help you trim down the options and contribute to a successful trip planning to the best European destination, the city of Porto!

WAIT, PORTO IS NOT ONLY ABOUT PORT WINE!

Food is also a very important part of the city’s heritage and history. Discover Porto’s food and wines, tradition, and its people through a Food & Wine Tour with us. Why? Because a Food Tour is a vehicle for a city’s culture. What locals eat, when, where and how much is a window into their every day and therefore, into the country’s way of life. Our hosts are all passionate locals who will easily make you fall in love with our city of Porto. The Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour , for example, takes you through a journey in time, from the rebirth of specialty food shops to the new restaurants adopting old ways to traditional buildings finding new purposes. The best of the past with a modern twist. Oh, and it even includes Port wine tastings from small-scale producers that truly are different from the big brands and there is real value in getting to know them! Cheers! Taste Porto Foodie Team

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Related foodie articles.

Sandeman Port Wine Cellars

Some places preserve time, memories, and the flavors of a region. Sandeman Wine Cellars is one of those. A magnificent building, home of the most internationally recognized of Porto wines – Sandeman.

At Sandeman Wine Cellars, you will have plenty of artifacts to explore as a fascinating display of paintings and photographs collected over the centuries. Finally, you will have the chance to know one of the most impressive and significant bottle collection in Europe. Here you will discover examples from the mid-17th century and the entire brand’s 200 years of history.

Enter in Sandeman mysterious journey and let yourself be surprised.

Contacts & Location

Port wine cellars.

See our offers

Port wine cellars, sandeman 1790 visit, €28.00.

DURATION: 1h30min TASTING: 5 PORT WINES PLACE: THE 1790 ROOM

This historic tour takes us back to the date of Sandeman’s establishment, exploring the roots of its historical heritage and its irreverent advertising since the start of the 20th century. The tour ends in The 1790 Room, with an extended tasting of Port Wines.

SANDEMAN OLD TAWNIES VISIT

€48.00.

DURATION: 1h30 min TASTING: 4 PORT WINES PLACE: THE 1790 ROOM

An experience which begins with the timeline of Sandeman's history and its long tradition in the production of high quality Old Tawnies.

In the tasting, the award-winning wines Sandeman Tawny 10, 20, 30 and 40 Years Old... a complete century of Tawnies. 

PORTO SANDEMAN VISIT

€21.00.

DURATION: 50 min TASTING: 3 PORT WINES PLACE: TASTING ROOM

The Don leads visitors through rows of vats and casks, in a building where Sandeman Porto Wine ages since 1811. A fascinating story, which ends with a widescreen video experience. The tasting includes three styles: White, Ruby and Tawny.

MASTERING SANDEMAN PORT WINE

€68.00.

DURATION: 3h TASTING: 5 PORT WINES PLACE: THE 1790 ROOM

An educational experience to learn more about Port Wine, its production and different categories, the Douro Region, and how to taste this special wine.

PORTO SANDEMAN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

€160.00.

DURATION: 2h30 min TASTING: 6 PORT WINES PLACE: THE 1790 ROOM

An exclusive experience where to learn more about Sandeman's history chronology, its long tradition in the wine production and tastesome of its famous Vintage Ports and Old Tawnies.

SANDEMAN VISIT & METAVERSE EXPERIENCE

€25.00.

DURATION: 1h30min TASTING: 2 PORT WINES PLACE: TASTING ROOM

Visit the Sandeman Cellars, and enjoy an extraordinary Metaverse Experience to Quinta do Seixo in the Douro Valley!

At the end, enjoy a delicious port wine tasting including the irreverent Sandeman Beat on Ice!

Only available from the age of 16.

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13 Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto

To help you decide which are the best Port wine cellars in Porto , I made the selfless sacrifice of setting out to visit all of the Port wine cellars across the river from Porto while taking ample notes of my experience (between sips of Port, of course).

Not everyone is aware of the connection between the city of Porto and Port wine before their first visit, but once arriving to this homey metropolis nestled on a hill between the Douro River and the Atlantic sea, there’s no avoiding the importance of this sweet, fortified wine for centuries past up until today.

A trip to Porto would be incomplete without taking a stroll across the Luís I Bridge for a tour and wine tasting at one (or more!) of the many Port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most delicious and rewarding things to do in Porto .

But how do you choose which one to visit? There are over a dozen options to choose from, and each one has wonderful wine to taste and impressive cellars stacked with hundreds of barrels to see.

No need to fear. Your friendly wine expert is here. No matter if you’re a complete beginner to the world of wine or can distinguish a Pinot from a Primitivo, there’s plenty for you to enjoy during a Port wine tour in Porto.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Port wine cellars in Porto

1 – Cálem

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 1613 reviews )

“The Fado show was absolutely fantastic.” Akvile, Getyourguide

The Cálem Cellars and Fado Show is certainly a crowd favorite among visitors to Porto. Not only do you get to take a tour of the Cálem Cellars where they store and age millions of liters of Port wine, but you also get to sample two glasses of their Port while enjoying a live show of Fado music.

Before your tour starts, you can enjoy a modern Port wine museum in the waiting area. During the tour, you’ll also be treated to innovative installations that help demonstrate the capacity and functionality of the large vats and barrels.

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Although Cálem Cellar tours are not the most exclusive experience with group sizes of up to 45 people, the guide will give you a comprehensive overview of how the different styles of Port wine are made.

This is a perfect introduction for those just discovering Port wine, and the fado show during the tasting makes for a complete Portuguese experience at an excellent price.

• compare Cálem cellars tours

2 – Cockburn’s Port Lodge

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 1180 reviews )

“Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and found the story of Cockburn port absolutely fascinating.” Anne, Civitatis

Cockburn’s Lodge is one of the most unique Port wine cellars that you can visit in Porto for two reasons. First, it’s the largest in the area, with over 10 million liters of wine aged in hundreds of wooden vats and barrels. Second, it’s the only one with an on-site cooperage, where you can witness the coopers in action repairing barrels and fixing vats.

Each tour is the same, but the difference in ticket price determines how premium your wine and tasting room will be and whether it will be paired with cheese or chocolate.

The Cockburn’s Lodge is one of the most impressive and authentic Port wine cellars you can visit. The facility is not only the largest in the city but also features a grand cobblestoned hallway that makes an impact when you suddenly turn a corner and face the seemingly endless rows of wooden vats and barrels.

• compare Cockburn’s Lodge tours

3 – Graham’s Port Lodge

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 251 reviews )

“The views of Porto from the winery are incredible.” María José, Civitatis

Graham’s Port Lodge is one of the most internationally recognizable Port wine brands and an official Port supplier to the British royal family. Graham’s distinguished cellar and tasting rooms reflect the refined style of the stereotypically elegant English gentleman.

Whether you choose to indulge in their entry-level Ports in the main tasting room or treat yourself to a premium selection in the VIP Vintage Room, you’ll gain an appreciation of how Graham’s Port wine has consistently stood out from the pack since the early 19th century.

Graham’s and Cockburn’s are both owned and operated by the same family, Symington Family Estates , so there may be some overlap of information in the tours. However, the two brands and lodges couldn’t be more different.

Whereas Cockburn’s provides a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of the cooperage, Graham’s tasting room offers impeccable views over Porto and the riverside that are simply breathtaking.

• compare Graham’s Port Lodge tours

4 – Burmester Winery

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 ( 731 reviews )

“Very nice place, cozy, the guide was very professional.” María, Civitatis

Burmester Cellars was first established in 1750, making it one of the oldest Port wine houses you can visit in Vila Nova de Gaia. You can choose from three types of tours, where you’ll sample two to three types of Port wine and maybe even pair them with chocolate!

Children are welcome but aren’t allowed to sample the wine, of course. Visitors 17 and under only pay half-price admission, and kids five and under can join the tour for free. Get ready to step back in time to see winemaking methods that have hardly changed since the 18th century.

Burmester is the only Port wine cellar along the riverside set east of the Dom Luís I bridge. A highlight of the tour is an outdoor space where you can take advantage of Burmester’s location for a unique photo op with the other side of the bridge as a background. (Unfortunately, it was raining heavily during our visit, so we couldn’t do this ourselves.)

This tour is slightly shorter than others, both in terms of time and distance, so it’s a good option if you have impatient little ones or less mobile older ones in your group. Burmester is also one of the only houses with a German co-founder, which is another reason to visit if you have German roots.

• compare Burmester cellars tours

5 – Quevedo

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 156 reviews )

“Excellent value for money, great guide and the port was also excellent.” Stefan, Getyourguide

Quevedo is one of the new kids on the block compared to the other Port wine houses, as the Quevedo brand is younger than most of the visitors who come to their tasting room, having been established in 1993.

However, the winemaking traditions of the Quevedo family go back over five generations, and this expertise is evident in the quality of their Port wine. Although there are no Quevedo cellars to visit in Porto, there’s a beautiful two-story tasting room to try not only Port wine but also dry red and white wines — and even a housemade gin.

Quevedo’s wine specialist, Michael, was a gracious host for the Port wine tasting — paired with cheese and chocolate, which I highly recommend. The low-key vibes of the space make it easy to feel comfortable and relaxed without the overly formal and rigid structure you might come across in other tastings. The aged white Ports are an uncommon style you must try while there.

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6 – Taylor’s Lodge

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 3 reviews )

“This was a great outing. The personal touch of the tour guide and the meal we had was excellent.” Barry, Viator

Taylor’s is one of the preeminent names in Port wine and one of two official suppliers to the British royal family. Taylor’s Lodge cellar tours are unique for two main factors — they’re self-guided and no pre-booking is necessary.

However, for a truly special afternoon, you can have an experienced guide chauffeur you to the seaside in Matosinhos for a seafood lunch followed by a visit to Taylor’s for a Port wine tasting.

At first, I was suspicious about the self-guided nature of the cellar tour, but my suspicions were soon alleviated. It was liberating to have the freedom to skip information I already knew and focus on the parts that were most interesting to me. Being able to control the pace of the tour is also a major benefit, especially for those on a tight schedule.

• compare Port wine cellars in Porto

7 – Real Companhia Velha

Rating: ⭐️ 3.9/5 ( 570 reviews )

“Good value for money. Nice quick city tour.” Bernard, Getyourguide

Kick your feet up and settle in for a magic train ride around the enchanted city of Porto. Hop in at Sé Cathedral and be whisked across the Don Luís I bridge to the headquarters of one of the oldest Port wine brands — Real Companhia Velha .

After tasting two glasses of Port wine, jump back on the train and cross back over the river for a sightseeing tour of all the must-see spots in the historic center of Porto, including Clerigos Tower and the well-known Lello Bookshop.

This is a great budget option, especially if you’re traveling with little ones who may not be up for walking up and down the hills of Porto all day. The main downside is that at Real Companhia Velha, you taste Port wines in their welcome area but don’t visit where the wine is aged in vats and barrels.

8 – Caves Poças

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 104 reviews )

“Small group, quite informal. Thoroughly enjoyed it.” Benjamin, Tiqets

Poças is one of the rare stories of a Port wine house that was founded and remains in the hands of one Portuguese family. On a tour of its cellars, you can learn more about this unique family history and the brand’s success over the centuries.

Poças Cellars offers seasonal wine-tasting menus where you can focus on dry red and white wines, Port wines or a mixture of them all.

Poças Cellars is a great place to visit for a Port wine tour and wine tasting not only for the beauty of its tasting room but also for the fact that you can enjoy tastings that offer a selection of their dry wines and Ports, especially appealing for those who don’t have much of a sweet tooth.

• see price and reviews

9 – Fonseca Cellars

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 57 reviews )

“Plenty of food and wine and an excellent fado singer. Beautiful dinner setting with candle lights.” Michael, Getyourguide

Fonseca wines are one of the most well-known Port brands in the world, particularly in the United States and Canada. On a visit to their cellars, you can sample some of their best vintage ports and see first-hand where they age their acclaimed Fonseca Bin nº27.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Taylor’s and the WOW museum, it’s easy to find. Consider stopping by Fonseca Port Cellars on a Saturday evening to take advantage of their newest program — a guided tour followed by dinner and a fado show.

The main draw of this Fonseca tour is the delectable 3-course meal included with the visit and wine tasting. The fado shows in the other cellars only allow you to sip on a glass of Port, but at this time of the early evening, it makes perfect sense to combine a dinner with the show.

• compare Fonseca cellars tours

10 – Kopke Cellars

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (99 reviews)

“The tour was intimate and a lovely way to experience the city [at] some unique spots off the beaten path.” Caroline, Viator

Billing itself as the oldest Port wine brand, Kopke was founded way back in 1638, making it the pioneer in shipping Port wine internationally. Your guide will reveal how the city was back then and much earlier to its founding, pre-dating Roman times.

Your guide from C&D Porto Local Tours will ensure that your mind is full of engaging stories, your eyes are overwhelmed by beautiful views, and your palate is drenched in the sweet nectar of Port wine.

This tour is a good choice if you’re interested in sightseeing and learning about the history of Porto more than wine tasting, as the Port wine portion of the tour will only be about one-fourth of the experience.

• compare price & reviews

11 – Sandeman Port Wine Cellars

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 (589 reviews)

“The tour, history, and tasting were excellent. A very knowledgeable guide.” Steve, Tripadvisor

Sandeman is responsible for what must be the most iconic visual symbol of Port wine — the caped Zorro-like figure known as the Don. Sandeman introduced this image in the early 20th century, which has since been featured on countless ads and billboards worldwide.

On a guided tour of the Sandeman Port Wine Cellars, you can follow the Don (yes, the guide wears a wide-brimmed hat and cape) to learn more about the history of the brand and see where Sandeman ages and stores its many, many liters of Port wine.

Although not as exclusive as some of the cellar tours described above, Sandeman offers an array of high-quality tours and tastings making it one of the best options among the cellars situated along the riverside.

12 – Ramos Pinto Lodge & Visitor Center

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (969 reviews)

 “Informative tour (fun facts and not at all boring!). Fantastic port to taste. Well worth a visit!” Lainey, TripAdvisor

Ramos Pinto is one of the few Port wine houses with a Portuguese name, as most of the branding and international export has been handled by non-Portuguese shipping companies, most commonly run and founded by British and Dutch families.

Another factor that makes Ramos Pinto unique is their strong market presence in Brazil, so don’t be surprised if you’re unfamiliar with the brand. Consider pairing your tour and tasting with a visit to Casa São Roque — the former residence of António Ramos Pinto.

The brand’s founder, Adriano Ramos Pinto, studied art in Porto before entering the wine industry and was a pioneer in the marketing of Port wine. His influence is clear to this day, as you can appreciate when viewing the elegant labeling and adverts for Ramos Pinto Port in their museum.

13 – Vasconcellos

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (271 reviews)

“Learnt a lot and tasted some great wines.” Peter. TripAdvisor

Vasconcellos is not one of the most recognizable Port wine brands outside Portugal. However, domestically, it has maintained a reputation for quality since the late nineteenth century.

Located halfway between the cellars of Cálem and Ferreira, this smaller producer offers tastings with a view of Porto across the river. Although you can try all different styles of Port, the showcase wine is certainly the 80-year-old tawny.

Although I haven’t yet had the possibility to visit Vasconcellos in person, according to the reviews, most people love it, but there’s a vocal minority who didn’t have the best experience. There’s a sense that things function off-script here, which some find authentic and endearing while others find it confusing and dishonest.

Best Port Wine Cellar Tours in Porto

Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “One Port wine cellar isn’t enough. Give me more! More!” If so, I don’t blame you. I’ve been there myself. No need to fear. The right tour is here.

There are plenty of Port wine cellar tours that’ll take you to several spots and even throw into the mix a rooftop bar or typical restaurant. Check out my personally curated list below for the ones I think are the best of the best.

If you’re looking for tours that go beyond the Port wine cellars, like a day trip into the Douro Valley or a tasting of dry wines, you can refer to a separate list of the best wine tours and tastings in Porto .

1 – Living Tours Porto City Tour & Port Wine Tasting

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 573 reviews )

“Very good guide, very friendly and very knowledgeable.” Catherine, Civitatis.

Living Tours organizes the perfect budget option if you’re interested in combining a guided walking tour around Porto’s historic center with bus transportation across the river to a Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.

After meeting at São Bento train station, you’ll explore Sé Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, and the Lello Bookshop before hopping on the bus and capping off your tour with a Port wine tasting at one of the historic Port wine lodges with views over the Douro River.

This tour is great for all ages as the bus transport eliminates the need to trek up the steep hills in downtown Porto, which may prove too much of a challenge for younger or older guests. Tick off a good number of must-see attractions and must-do activities in just a few fun-filled hours.

2 – Port & Douro Wine Tastings at Cálem, Churchill’s & Quinta de Noval

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 564 reviews )

“Amazing guide, great wines, strongly recommend.” Marta, Getyourguide

If you want to try some non-sweet Douro wines along with some Port, this is the tour for you. Enjoy a total of 10 tastings at three different wine cellars while learning about the history of producing fortified and non-fortified wines in the Douro Valley.

You’ll meet your guide along the riverside of the Cais de Gaia and then stroll around the cobblestone alleyways from one wine cellar to the next to sample the best Port and Douro wines that each one has to offer.

Without a doubt, you get plenty of bang for your buck with this tour as far as wine tasting goes. The chance to try ten different wines in just a few hours is a challenge that most wine lovers would happily accept. This is also a good option if someone in your party stubbornly opposes sweet wines, as traditional robust red wines are also on the menu.

3 – Seven Tastings at Three Port Wine Cellars

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1046 reviews )

“Absolutely love this tour, so much so this is my second time doing it.” Ricardo, Viator

Porto Walkers operates this whirlwind half-day walking tour to three different Port wine houses, where you’ll try seven glasses of this delectable fortified wine. Your guide will typically take you to Cálem Cellars , the Porto Cruz rooftop bar and the Vasques de Carvalho wine bar and shop, all overlooking the Douro River.

At each Port wine cellar, you’ll have the chance to sample two to three Port wines and shop for bottles and other souvenirs to take back home with you, all while enjoying the scenic views on the cobblestone streets and rooftops of Vila Nova de Gaia.

This tour lets you experience some of the best views of Porto from the Cais de Gaia while tasting and exploring three of the most well-known Port houses in the area. If you’re not afraid of a little walking, you can make the most of this comprehensive, half-day tour.

4 – Sunset Walking Tour & Rooftop Port Wine Tasting

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 50 reviews )

“Insight into the real Porto of locals […] I came away with some amazing tips for restaurants!” Sarah, Getyourguide

This is the perfect tour for rooftop bar lovers and for those who want to combine a Porto walking tour with visits to some of the most scenic views over the city from both sides of the river.

Although this tour doesn’t include a visit to any of the Port wine cellars, it’s a great option if you’ve already done a cellar tour or if you want to take full advantage of a sunny Portuguese afternoon.

Although this tour doesn’t stop at any of the Port wine cellars, it’s a wonderful option for those who can’t get enough of rooftop bars and would enjoy sampling Port wines in the sunshine and fresh air overlooking this picturesque city at the golden hour.

5 – Candlelight Concerts at Ferreira Cellars

Rating: ⭐️ 4.1/5 (495 reviews)

“The cellars are absolutely extraordinary and are rich with history dating back 100+ years.” Michelle, TripAdvisor

Ferreira is the second-to-last Port wine cellar along the riverside if you’re walking west from the Dom Luís I Bridge. They offer eight different tickets for tastings and tours, including one which is quite different — a combo ticket with the contemporary art museum, Serralves.

Ferreira Cellars has a grand entryway to host events and activities. One of the most romantic and enchanting of these are the Candlelight Concerts. If you happen to be visiting Porto at the same time that Ferreira hosts one of these concerts, make sure not to miss it.

• candlelight concerts in Porto

Ferreira and Sandeman are both under the same parent company, Sogrape , so the design of their tours and tastings are similar with each one adapting to the unique history and styles of the cellar. If I had to choose only one to visit, it would be a tasting at Sandeman followed by a Candlelight Concert at Ferreira.

How to book Port wine cellar tours in Porto online?

It’s easy to book Port wine cellar tours in Porto online. In fact, most of the Port wine cellars require a reservation and cannot accommodate walk-ins. All you need to do is click on the appropriate link in one of the tour descriptions above or follow the link below to compare all the Port wine cellar tours in one place.

As we conclude our journey through Porto’s iconic wine cellars, let’s raise a glass to the wider world of Portuguese wines, inviting both connoisseurs and curious travelers to explore further the depth and diversity that Portugal’s wine regions have to offer.

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Best Cellars in Porto

Most Porto cellars and wine lodges are located in Vila Nova de Gaia , on the other side of the Douro River. Porto wine has been produced in this region for several centuries , ageing the world’s most famous fortified wine in wooden barrels.

The fundamental difference between Port wine and other wines is its  fortification with aguardiente  which  stops the fermentation . Thus, the wine preserves the original sweetness of the grapes but has a high alcohol content.

When British merchants discovered Port wine in the seventeenth century and transported it back to Britain, the wine would go bad during the journey, so they decided to fortify it with aguardiente so it would preserve better.

Wine tours in Porto

You can visit numerous wine lodges in Gaia, where you’ll explore the installations with a guide that will explain the winemaking process .

The tour ends with a tasting of the Cellar ’s wines (usually two select Porto wines).

Porto's most famous wineries

Ramos pinto cellars in porto, sandeman cellars, ferreira cellars, cálem cellars.

Visiting at least one of Porto’s renowned wineries is an absolute must: one of the most interesting attractions in Portugal’s second most populated city.

The guided tours are carried out in the language chosen by the first person to reserve the visit, so be sure to book the visit significantly ahead of time .

If you want to visit several Cellars, you can purchase a combo ticket . An interesting option is a ticket that includes the Sandeman, Offley and Ferreira wine lodges.

If you take a sightseeing cruise along the Douro River, the promoter will probably offer you combo tickets with a wine cellar. Make sure the price is worthwhile because sometimes the Cellars included in the ticket are free to visit.

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Clérigos Church and Clérigos Tower

The Clérgios church was built between 1735 and 1748 in a baroque style. It's topped by the Clérgios tower, and it's one of the most emblematic monuments in the city.

Founded in 1790, Sandeman is not only famous for its quality wines but also thanks to the mysterious man on its logo, known as 'The Sandeman Man', created in 1928 to represent the brand.

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Visit Taylor's

Taylor’s, accepted by most wine authorities to be the greatest of all port shippers invites you to an exciting and informative tour of its famous port wine cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia. 

• Do I have to book in advance for a tour? You can book tickets on this page, should you wish or buy tickets on arrival at the cellars.
• Is there a tour schedule? No, you will be able to get started as soon as you arrive.
• How much does a ticket cost and what does it include? Adult tickets cost 20€ and include an audio guide (available in 13 languages) and Port wine tasting. For children between 8 and 17 years of age, the ticket costs 7,5€.  It includes an audio guide, grape juice and cookies. For our guests under 8 years of age, entrance is free. 
• What wines will I taste? Two of Taylor’s iconic Port wines to taste: Chip Dry – Extra Dry White and Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), invented by Taylor’s in the 1930’s and 1970’s respectively, and a can of Chip Dry & Tonic - the delicious new Port and Tonic ready to drink.
• Can I book a private tour? Yes. With advance booking, you may enjoy a private tour and tasting. Whatever your knowledge of Port we can provide you with the right level of tour. Each tour is customised and charged based on each event. Should you be interested in a private tour and tasting, please fill our contact form .
• How can I book a tour for a large group? You should book in advance, sending a message through our contact form .

Opening Hours during the Year Cellars (mon-sun):  10:00 – 18:15 Tasting Room and Shop (mon-sun):  10:00 - 19:30  Restaurant:  12.30-15.00 // 19.00-22.00

Opening Hours - Festive season: December 24th:​  From 11 am to 5 pm, with the last admission for the audio tour at 3:45 pm. December 25th:  From 12 pm to 7 pm, with the last admission for the audio tour at 6 pm. December 31st:  From 11 am to 5 pm, with the last admission for the audio tour at 3:45 pm. January 1st:  From 12 pm to 7 pm, with the last admission for the audio tour at 6 pm.

The audio-guided tour lasts, on average, one hour, with a further 30 minutes required for the Port wine tasting at the end, in the tasting room.

Please note that there’s enough material on the tour for 2 hours if you wish, therefore if you think you would appreciate staying longer for the tour and tasting, then we would suggest that you arrive no later than 3.30 / 4pm.

Taylor’s, now in its fourth century, recently renovated its 300 year old Cellars to incorporate a modern and innovative museum circuit. The story of Port wine and Taylor’s is now told through an extensive audio-guided visit, available in 13 languages , (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Danish, Mandarin (+info 参观泰来波特酒窖) , Dutch, Polish, Korean and Russian) which will take you on a vivid tour of the Lodge that includes an array of films, images, exhibits, photographs and paintings.

The visitor is given the opportunity to journey into the past and learn about the history of Port wine and its production today, the Douro Valley and the house of Taylor’s, its past, present and its wealth of exceptional Ports. In addition to the two wines included on the tour, there is a range of Port tastings for our visitors to enjoy including a choice of many different aged Tawny Ports, or one of Taylor’s classic Vintage Ports. 

With advance booking, you may also enjoy a private tour and tasting. Whatever your knowledge of Port we can provide you with the right level of tour. Each tour is customised and charged based on each event. For those interested we also recommend: • Traditional opening of Taylor’s Vintage Ports with hot tongs; • A private commented Port tasting with accompaniments • Different educational experiences such as a Vintage Port Master class or informal  lesson in Port cocktails  • Tasting of olive oil from the Douro valley - Quinta de Vargellas extra virgin; • A visit to our wine shop where you can find the whole range of Taylor’s Ports including charming gift boxes or rare Vintages; • Tasting by-the-glass of old tawnies; • Restaurant "Barão de Fladgate” - www.baraofladgate.com , open daily for lunch from 12h30 until 15h00 or from 19h until 22h for dinner; • Trying one of our food and wine pairing options during your tasting  

Opening Hours during the Year Cellars (mon-sun): 11:00 – 18:00  Tasting Room and Shop (mon-sun): 11:00 - 19:00  Restaurant: 12.30-15.00 // 19.00-22.00

Taylor's Port Rua do Choupelo, nº 250 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal GPS Coordinates: 41.13394, -8.61435 Tel. +351 223 772 973  (*Call to the Portuguese fixed network)

Visit Taylor's Barão Fladgate Restaurant

Make the most of your trip to the Taylor’s cellars by accompanying your visit with a sumptuous lunch or dinner at our Barão Fladgate Restaurant.

Visiting Oporto? The Yeatman Hotel

With breathtaking views over the Douro River and historic city of Oporto, The Yeatman is THE place to stay for the discerning luxury traveller.

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Wine Travelista

Wine Destinations · March 14, 2024

The Best Porto Port Houses for Tastings & Tours

Are you a wine lover planning a trip to Porto, Portugal? If so, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t miss: Porto port houses. 

While technically located just across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, these historic port producers are just a quick walk or boat ride away. You’ll get to tour ancient cellars, learn about port winemaking, and taste some amazing ports. 

But with around 60 port wine cellars and tasting rooms to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. Don’t worry! As an advanced WSET wine expert , I personally researched and tasted my way through the port houses. And I put together this easy guide that has everything you need to know.

Read on to find out the best port houses in Porto for wine tastings, cellar tours, and more.

The Best Port Houses for Port Tastings

These port houses are great for enjoying port tastings without a tour. And they’re all right along the Douro River just steps apart from each other. So, you can easily do them in one day.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, one of my favorite tastings was C.N. Kopke , the oldest port house. What makes it so special? Well, for starters, they pair their delicious ports with chocolate. Yup, you heard that right!

Kopke has been in the game since way back in 1638 when Nicolau Kopkë started a wine-buying venture. But it became a port producer in 1781 after snagging a farm in the Douro Valley.

And let me tell you, they’ve got some seriously old ports. You’ll find vintages dating back to the 1930s. And even a 50-year tawny.

If you want to try some non-fortified wines too, Kopke’s got you covered. These come from Quinta de São Luiz, which they purchased in the 1920s. The vineyards are in the Cima Corgo area of Douro Valley, where you’ll find many of the top quintas.

I love their non-fortified wines too, including reds, rosés, and white wines from vines planted up to 50 years ago. You’ll see top Portuguese grapes like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cão.

Visiting Tips

In Kopke’s cozy tasting room, you can choose from a selection of tastings that include their ports and Douro Valley DOC wines. The tasting room staff is very knowledgeable, and they’ll give you just the right amount of information without overwhelming you.  

Plus, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the city while sipping and snacking on traditional Portuguese chocolates. 

Quinta do Noval

This famous port wine house is another great spot to stop and sip along Vila Nova de Gaia’s waterfront. 

Quinta do Noval ’s Douro Valley vineyards date back to 1715. After being hit hard by phylloxera, the property was bought and replanted by a port shipper named António José da Silva.

By 1931, Quinta do Noval was making a name for themselves as one of the only ones that year to declare a vintage. And the president of Portugal chose it for Barack Obama’s visit in 2010. Talk about a good endorsement!

Today, Quinta do Noval makes a variety of ports and non-fortified wines. These are all produced and aged in the Douro Valley.

You won’t want to miss unique finds like the single-vineyard vintage port made from ungrafted vines. Plus, they make an unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage that you can age in the bottle.

For non-fortified wines, you’ll find red wines and white wines from local grape varieties. But they also make international varieties such as Syrah and Petit Verdot.

Quinta do Noval’s tasting room is open for walk-ins, so stop by to try five of their delicious port wines. And did I mention they make their own olive oil too?

Espaço Porto Cruz

If you’re looking for an interactive and fun wine experience, check out Espaço Porto Cruz . 

Cruz is one of the largest port producers, with 10 million bottles sold annually. Their grapes are grown on 400 hectares in the Douro Valley and the wines are produced at Quinta de Ventozelo.

Their ports run the full gamut, with ruby, tawny, white, and rosé. And they’ve got a variety of Vintage, LBV, and Colheita port wines.

The 5-story Espaço Porto Cruz is like a wine lover’s playground. There’s a tasting room, restaurant, wine shop, and even a gelateria! I mean, it’s hard to say no to wine and ice cream . 

If you’re planning ahead, you can make a reservation for one of their delicious wine, chocolate, and cheese tastings. But if you’re just popping in, there’s plenty to see and do. 

The first floor is a multimedia center with interactive experiences and sensory activities to help you learn all about port wine. And you can even check out some cool contemporary Portuguese art while you’re there. 

But my favorite level is the fourth-floor roof deck. The 360-degree terrace has jaw-dropping views of the river and city. It’s the perfect spot to order a glass of wine and a cheese platter, and just take it all in. 

Besides Cruz ports, they also serve ports from Dalva, a smaller producer owned by the C. da Silva family. And a great selection of white, rosé, red, and sparkling Portuguese wine.

The Best Porto Port Houses for Port Cellar Tours

While there are many great port houses, these are my picks for some of the best port wine cellars for port tours. All offer options for an English tour and have excellent port wines to taste.

Taylor Fladgate

For experiencing one of the larger and most famous port houses, I’d recommend Taylor Fladgate . This OG producer has been making port for more than 300 years. And their 20-year Tawny is one of my go-to ports.

It all started back in 1692 when an English merchant named Job Bearsley arrived in Portugal. In later generations, they were the first British wine shipper to buy land in the Douro Valley. And they even invented Late Bottled Vintage port.

Taylor specializes in vintage ports. And you’ll find ones dating back to the 1960s. Their tawny ports go up to 50 years. Plus, they have a newly released Very Very Old Port (VVOP), made with wine from before the Second World War!

Take a self-guided audio tour to explore the ancient cellars at your own pace. Learn about the history of port wine and how production has changed over the years.

After your tour, you can enjoy a tasting and fantastic views from the terrace overlooking the city. And if you’re there around lunchtime, grab a meal at the on-site restaurant, Barão Fladgate.

Plan to spend an hour and a half to two hours for the informative tour and port wine tasting. No reservations are needed for the audio tour. But you can book a private tour and tasting in advance.

Churchill’s

If you’re looking for a more intimate visit, head to Churchill’s . This family business is located a bit off the beaten path. But it’s worth the walk.

Although founded by a descendant of the Graham’s Port family, Churchill’s is a newer port producer. John Graham (aka Johnny) arrived in Porto in the 1970s. 

His family had recently sold Graham’s Port Lodge to the Symington Family, who also own Cockburn’s Port, Warre’s Port, and Dow’s Port.

Johnny wanted to make port wines in a more modern, drier style. So, he founded Churchill’s, naming it after his wife Caroline Churchill.

Grapes for the wines come from Quinta da Gricha, a grade-A vineyard in the Cimo Corgo sub-region of Douro Valley. These are hand-picked and foot-treaded, ensuring the best taste and quality.

I like that Churchill’s is a smaller place, so you don’t have to deal with massive groups during the tour and tasting.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit the cellars with a tour guide and learn about the port-making process. And then enjoy a tasting of their excellent port and other Douro wines in the 1982 bar and garden.

Ramos Pinto

Another great option for a tour and tasting experience is Ramos Pinto . This historic port house was founded by the young artist, Adriano Ramos Pinto, who had great success exporting his ports to Brazil.

Over the years, Ramos Pinto continued to expand by acquiring more vineyards in the Douro region. They currently own four quintas. And they’re now part of the famous Louis Roederer Champagne house.

During the museum visit, you’ll learn about the company’s history and Adriano’s unique marketing methods. Then you’ll take a guided tour of the cellar, followed by a tasting of Ramos Pinto ports.  

The tasting pours are generous. So, if you plan on visiting multiple port houses, you may want to share one between two people. There are also different levels of tastings to choose from, so you can tailor your experience to your preferences. 

You can make a reservation in advance online, but they do take walk-ins if space is available.

Porto Wine Museum

While you’re in Vila Nova de Gaia, don’t miss the WOW museum complex . With 7 museums and 12 restaurants and bars, you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of things to see, eat, and drink.

Learn about winemaking and Portugal’s wine regions at The Wine Experience. Plus, enjoy a wine tasting at the end of your visit.

And did you know Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork? Find out how wine corks are made at Planet Cork. This interactive museum has kid-friendly exhibits so it’s great for the whole family.

Wine Tour in Porto

If you’re not the DIY kind of traveler and prefer a guided tour, this is a great half-day port wine tasting tour . It includes an English-speaking guide who will take you to 3 port houses. You’ll get to visit a cellar and enjoy tasting 7 different ports.

🚌 Book the Half-Day Port Wine Tasting Tour

Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me share new wine destinations with you and I only recommend products and services that I love and think you’ll love too!

Where to Stay for Visiting Port Houses in Porto

As one of the most affordable places to visit in Western Europe, there are lots of great accommodation options in Porto. If you plan to spend most of your time seeing the historical attractions in the old city center of Porto, then you’ll want to be on the Porto side of the river. 

Eurostars Porto Douro is a great value. Located right along the banks of the Douro River, it’s close to the Dom Luis I Bridge. So, you’ll have easy access to both the port houses and Porto’s main attractions. And they even have room options with kitchens.

But if you’re all about the wine, there are great places to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia too. The Yeatman is a fantastic luxury option. All rooms have river-facing views. And the hotel has a great program of wine tastings, seminars, and wine dinners. Plus, a 2-Michelin-star restaurant.

🏨 Book Eurostars Porto Douro or The Yeatman

FAQs About Visiting Porto Port Houses

When is the Best Time to Visit Port Houses?

The summer months are the best weather-wise for visiting Porto. July and August are the peak tourist months. If you want to avoid the crowds, you’ll still have great weather in May, June, September, and October. 

You could also time your visit around the Essência do Vinho event that’s held in Porto each year. Wine producers from all over Portugal come together at the Palácio da Bolsa. You can join masterclasses, walk-around tastings, and find out who made the list of the top 10 Portuguese wines.

Where Are All the Port Houses in Porto?

The port houses are all located in Vila Nova de Gaia. This is an area on the southern bank of the Douro River just across from the city of Porto. Getting there is easy. Just walk across the double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge. Take the lower deck for the faster route.

Or for spectacular views, I recommend walking across the top deck. At the other end, the Gaia cable car will take you straight to the pier. And you’ll be right in the middle of all the port houses. 

Another option is to take a boat taxi across the river for a few euros. These run every 15 minutes but may not be available in the evenings.

Vila Nova de Gaia is perfect for exploring on foot. But be warned that the port houses farther from the river are up steep hills. So, wear comfortable shoes. And don’t worry, the port will be worth it!

Do You Need Reservations for Port Houses?

Visiting port houses is a popular activity in Porto, so it’s best to be prepared before you go. Some places don’t require reservations, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time to avoid any surprises.

If you’re set on visiting a specific port house, make a reservation in advance to ensure you get in without any wait time. But if you didn’t plan ahead, you can try walking in and see if they can fit you in.

Keep in mind that port is stronger than your average wine. And those small tastings can add up fast! It’s best to limit your tastings to 2-3 per day, but at most 4. 

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History of Porto Port Houses

If you’re familiar with port, you know that it’s made in the Douro Valley, which is about 60 miles inland from Porto. But you may be wondering how all these port houses ended up by the coast.

Well, back in the day when Great Britain was at war with France, they could no longer get their beloved Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. So, they started looking for a new source of good wine.

The British took a liking to Portuguese wines. But found they would often spoil on the long journey. 

But then, a couple of English brothers had the brilliant idea to add some grape brandy to the wine before one trip. They found that it worked to preserve the wine. And just like that, port wine was born!

So, British-owned port houses began popping up in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. This cooler coastal climate was much better for aging the wines than the hot Douro Valley.

The Brits would buy the wine from the Douro Valley and it would be transported downstream in flat-bottomed boats called rabelos. Once aged, the port houses also handled the transport to England.

In the late 1800s, the root-louse phylloxera devastated much of Europe’s vineyards. And many of the Portuguese winemakers gave up and sold their land to British companies.

After the solution was found of grafting vines to American rootstock, port production started up again. Except this time many of the British companies were running the production from start to finish.

So, that’s why you see so many port lodges today with British names like Graham’s, Croft, Taylor, and Sandeman.

Port Winemaking Process

Grapes for true port wine are grown in the Douro Valley, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The vineyards are planted along terraces on steep slopes that rise above the Douro River.

If you’re visiting Porto, make sure to take a wine tour of Douro Valley . It’s seriously one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. And you’ll get to see where all the magic happens.

There are actually 100 grape varieties allowed for port production. But the top ones used for premium ports are Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo).

Since port wine goes through a shorter fermentation process, winemakers use special techniques to extract lots of color and tannin. The traditional method is called foot treading, which involves getting a bunch of people together to stomp (or dance!) on the grapes in large granite troughs (called lagares).

But nowadays, they also use machines like autovinifiers and robotic lagares that don’t require as much manpower.

Once the grape juice reaches 5-9% ABV during fermentation, a neutral grape spirit called aguardente is added. This spirit can be up to 77% ABV, which kills off the yeast before it can convert all the sugar to alcohol. And voila! You have a sweet wine with alcohol levels between 19% and 22%.

Back in the day, all port was aged at the Vila Nova de Gaia port houses. But with the invention of air conditioning, some producers are now aging their ports in the vineyard area.

Styles of Port

Port wine is typically made from a blend of grapes. And often from different harvest years. But there are some single-year versions, such as Vintage Ports, Late Bottled Vintages, and Colheitas.

The style of port varies based on the type of aging vessel. For example, small vs. large oak barrels or stainless-steel tanks. And how long it’s aged.

Here are the most common types:

• White – A white port made from a blend of indigenous white grape varietals 
• Rosé – A newer port style made like a rosé wine with red fruit and floral notes
• Ruby – Fruity style of red port aged for 1-3 years in large oak barrels or stainless steel
• Tawny – Red port aged for 1-3 years in smaller oak barrels called pipes, giving it nutty and caramel flavors 
• Reserva – Higher quality versions of the basic ruby or tawny ports, with tawny requiring 6 years of aging
• Aged Tawny – A long-aged tawny port that can range from 10 to 40+ years old, giving it flavors of walnuts, coffee, and chocolate
• Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) – Ruby port produced from a single harvest year, aged 4-6 years before releasing, and may or may not be filtered
• Vintage – Ruby port produced from a single vintage, aged 2-3 years, and released unfiltered
• Single Quinta Vintage – Vintage port made with grapes from a single estate vineyard
• Colheita – Special tawny port made from a single harvest year and aged a minimum of 7 years

Most ports are released ready to drink. But vintage ports are meant to be aged in the bottle for as much as 40 years. And unfiltered LBVs can improve similarly with time in the bottle.

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Have you visited any of these port houses? What’s your favorite port wine?

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10 wine tours you can't miss in porto.

Porto is Portugal's second-largest city and was elected Second best city in 2021, Best European Destination in 2017, and  awarded as European Leading Destination in 2018 . Every year the city attracts thousands of tourists eager to discover the ancient downtown, the typical riverside with colorfully painted houses, to get lost in century-old streets, to enjoy the Portuguese gastronomy, and, of course, to taste its delicious wines and visit the Port wine Cellars.

If you're in Porto and haven't planned a trip to the stunning Douro Valley but find yourself in the mood for a Port wine tasting, there are plenty of choices, mainly on the other side of the Douro River, Gaia. Each visit is different, featuring a tasting room, artisanal cheese, amazing chocolate pairings, and on-site sommeliers, among other fantastic experiences. So, discover the top ten wine tours that you can't miss in Porto .

Caves Ferreira

At Caves Ferreira , you travel back to the origins of the Portuguese tradition. In this cellar, you will learn more about the history of Port wine and the Douro region and discover one of its most iconic figures - Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. The tour includes tastings of some of the best Douro wines and visits to the Old Bar, an iconic tasting room that dates back to the 19th century. More wine tastings at Caves Ferreira.

Caves Offley

Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, near the waterfront, at Caves Offley , you will learn the fascinating story of the Baron of Forrester and his role in the Port wine industry. In this guided tour through the cellar, there will be wine Port tastings and for small groups of connoisseurs, there is also available an intimate visit with a wider selection of Port Wine tastings. Get to know the  best Portuguese wines at Caves Offley .

Caves Sandeman

Caves Sandeman is located in Vila Nova de Gaia, in an 1811 granite building overlooking the river and facing Porto's historic center. In this tour, you will discover more about Sandeman wine tradition and the aging process, and you will have the opportunity to taste some Ruby and Tawny wines in the contemporary room or in a private room where you can also admire our antique bottle collection. More wine tasting  at Caves Sandeman .

Real Companhia Velha

Real Companhia Velha is probably the most original wine tasting tour in Porto. With a century-old tradition and the most important role in the history of Port wine, the guided tour of the centennial cellar of Real Companhia Velha begins with a video that portrays the process of Port wine-making in the Company. The tour continues across the main aging warehouse to the "Vintage Museum" and ends with a tasting of Port wines of exceptional quality. Take a look at all the available Port wine tastings at Real Companhia Velha.

Espaço Porto Cruz

Espaço Porto Cruz offers much more than a wine tasting tour - it is an experience all in itself. Designed as a place for information, exhibitions, and leisure, it offers new experiences around Port wine combining it with artistic creations in areas such as fashion, art, and gastronomy. The tours at Espaço Porto Cruz include wine tastings and visits to the multimedia center, chocolate workshops, and chocolate and cheese tastings. Moreover, you will enjoy the best sunset view over Porto historical center and the beautiful Douro River from the Porto Cruz terrace. Check all the wine tasting tours at Espaço Porto Cruz . 

Churchill's Wine Cellar 

Churchill's is a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, known for its elegance and style, serving as a backdrop for the  best Churchill's has to offer  - its wines. For those keen to enhance their knowledge of the Douro Region and the history of Churchill’s, the visitor center provides a perfect platform. Here you can also enjoy tailor-made tastings of Churchill's the Douro and Port Wine and Port in the Tasting Room, which has a spectacular view of the Douro River.

Caves Cálem

Caves Cálem at Gaia waterfront is one of the most famous and most visited cellars for wine tours in Porto. Visits to Caves Cálem include a guided tour to the cellar and its ancient traditions, followed by a tasting of Port wine - white and special reserve. In this tour, you can also enjoy another wonder of the Portuguese culture - a fado concert - which will grant you a different and pleasant evening with two of the greatest icons of the Portuguese culture: wine and fado . 

Caves Burmester

The Burmester Museum and Wine Cellar are built in a privileged place overlooking the Douro River and the historic Luis I Bridge. It was created with the clear ambition of making the history of the brand Burmester known to the public. The tours at Caves Burmester  include a guided visit to the Cellar Museum, where you can learn about the peculiarities of Port Wine, and ends with  tastings of three excellent Port wines paired with the best chocolates . 

Caves Graham’s

Graham's port lodge and tasting room is an impressive location, with high ceilings and big windows through which the lodge’s stunning view of the city can be fully appreciated. Here you can relish the range of Ports available to taste, while your expert guide talks you through your wines. Graham’s has a wide range of different tasting options , from Classic to Premium, Vintage, and Tawny Ports. It is an unparalleled tasting experience! If you wish to learn more about Graham's, you can book a tasting in the private Vintage Room. With its quiet atmosphere and professional tasting conditions, you can relax in an armchair with a glass of fine Vintage Port or a rare Single Harvest Aged Tawny , which will make for a memorable experience.

Caves Taylor's

Taylor's port wine cellars and lodges stand on a commanding ridge across the Douro River from Porto, affording outstanding views of the city, which has also a fantastic modern museum circuit. The story of the brand and port is told through an audio-guided visit available in eight languages that includes an array of educational films, images, and exhibits about the Douro Valley and the work in the wineries. The visitor is allowed to choose from a range of port tastings including a choice of many Tawny or Vintage Ports, accompanied by classic pairings such as roasted almonds, cheese, and chocolate. The visitor has also the option to take a masterclass led by in-house wine professionals where they'll learn about vintage or a tawny port. 

Why  book now your tour? Because by booking all your tours  with us you will have  flexibility  in the future, plus an acquired  "Clean and Safe" seal . We are available to plan, reschedule, and move your trip around your needs through these unique times, as always. If your new dates may no longer work with your initial travel plan, a dedicated consultant will be available to  tailor  and reschedule your time in Portugal according to your needs and preferences, and to assure you that you will have the best and most memorable experiences.

Article originally published on 2018

Topics:   Wine Tours Porto Wineries wineries porto

Written by: Wine Tourism in Portugal

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Best Port Wine Cellar Tours

• Paulo Tavares
• August 6, 2017

• No Comments

A port wine cellar tour is mandatory for wine lovers. But did you know that the  port houses and warehouses for storing and shipping port are all located in Vila Nova de Gaia (Gaia) not Porto (after which the wine was named). Gaia is on the opposite riverbank to Porto and the weather conditions and humidity are better on that riverbank. Furthermore, the cost of storing wine was lower in Gaia because they did not have to pay taxes to Porto’s bishop. We have put together this list for you based on what is unique about each cellar plus places to stay and eat, whether you’re travelling alone with the family or friends.

What to Visit

Port wine cellars offer different types of tours in several languages. In order to welcome visitors several cellars renovated their interior keeping all the original features. In addition to touring ancient cellars of wine casks and tasting port you can also visit museums, entertain children, listen to music and eat well. This is not a comprehensive list of cellars, but rather a list we’ve put together based on what is unique about each one.

Port wine cellar tour with interesting Museums

Graham’s   1890 building has always provided an aging warehouse for the brand’s Port wines. They renovated the cellar recently to improve the space. The tour begins in the museum and ends with a port wine tasting.

Ferreira was established by a family of Douro wine-growers in 1751. The warehouse entrance faces the waterfront. There is an exhibition dedicated to Dona Antónia Ferrira (1811-96) who made a major contribution to the development of Port wine in a society ruled by man. There is also a shop where you can taste and buy wines.

Port wine cellar tour with a View

Taylor’s have preserved the atmosphere of ancient times. On the tour you can learn the basics of making Port wine as well as the brand’s history. After passing through the cellars in the old warehouse you can taste the wines including the Taylor’s Chip Dry, (extra dry white, Taylor’s late Bottle Vintage and Taylor’s 10 –year Tawny wines paired with almond and chocolate truffles.

Port wine cellar tour with Multimedia

Porto Cruz don’t have a warehouse open to the public. There is a multimedia centre about port where visitors can discover all the different types of Port Cruz and the sensory flavours of each through interactive tables. They also have tasting rooms and workshops and a roof terrace with a 360º view of Porto.

Port wine cellar tour with Music

Located on the riverfront, Calem is the cellar closest to the Luis 1 bridge. Those who visit after 6.00pm will be entertained with a Fado performance that lasts about 45 minutes. For more information click here

Where to Stay for Wine Lovers

 The Yeatman

Perched on a hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, The Yeatman is the place to stay for wine lovers. It has the most comprehensive cellar of Portuguese wines in the world. The wine theme extends to the decoration of the spacious rooms and spa with vine products and therapies. A decanter shaped infinity pool adds to the wow factor. You’ll love the breathtaking views of Porto from the balcony of your room. Seat yourself in the Orangerie Restaurant with open air terrace and let your imagination wander.

RELATED: Best Tours and Day Trips in and around Porto

The House of Sandeman Hostel and Suites

Experience the history of one of the world’s most iconic port wine brands and stay at the riverfront House of Sandeman Hostel and Suites, housed in the same building as the Sandeman cellars. Located on the south bank of the river Douro 200 meters from the Luís 1 bridge. This unique hotel hostel hybrid offers 12 suites and 43 hostel beds. The surrounding area is chock-a- block with restaurants and bars.

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Port Wine

Where to Eat

• Located just beside Campanha train station Casa Aleixo offers traditional dishes in a rustic and relaxed atmosphere. It has one of the best wine cellars in the North. Try the grilled octopus or hake fillets served with octopus rice.
• Abadia do Porto is a spacious restaurants spread over two floors not far from São Bento station in the centre of Porto. The menu offers a wide range of Portuguese dishes. There is a different bacalhau dish every day and other fish and meat dishes depending on the season.
• For traditional Portuguese flavours interpreted and presented in a contemporary style head for The Yeatman’s  2 Michelin starred restaurant.
• To sample some of the freshest seafood from the Atlantic take a 15 minute taxi to A Marisqueira de Matosinhos for excellent quality shellfish or try the ( arroz de marisco) seafood rice.
• To dine on the seafront head to the neighbourhood of Foz just west of Porto to Do Molhe   restaurant.

I hope this post has inspired you to visit Porto and take a Port tasting tour and if you do please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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The Best Port Wine Houses to Visit in Porto, Portugal

A sommelier and a wine tour guide. I travel all around Portugal collecting the best wineries to visit, best places to stay and eat.

I organize wine tours in the Douro Valley.

Are port wine houses worth visiting?

Port wine tasting in Porto is a must-do and an extremely rewarding experience.  Although port tastings are available all around the city of Porto, it is best to taste port at one of the original port wine houses of  Vila Nova de Gaia  across the River Douro from the old city center of Porto. You will immerse into the history of port wine production, taste different styles of port wine, and enjoy great views. 

Port wine is a big part of Portuguese culture and history.  Although the cellars are refurbished, most port wine houses still use original buildings, some equipment and follow traditional methods to make port.  

Visiting port lodges is also very educational.  The port wine production and blending are fascinating and complex.  There are several different ways to make port wine, and different styles of ports, which will be explained in detail.  

During your visit, you will see the huge wooden vats (toneis), very old oak barrels (barricas) holding decades-old port wines, and bottle ageing cellars.  At the end of the tour, you will be offered to taste different styles of port wine.  

Even if you are not into a formal tasting or a guided tour of cellars, it’s a great idea to come and sip a glass of port on a terrace with a view.  

By the way, you are not limited to port wine only –  at some houses you can have dry wines. For example, at  Graham’s , Porto Cruz, Ferreira, and Cálem dry wines are either included in one of the visit packages or can be tasted by the glass.

On a good day, I recommend combining your visit with lunch at a port lodge. Graham’s and Taylor’s have restaurants with excellent views named  Vinum  and  Barão Fladgate .

How to visit port wine cellars?

To taste port wine head over across the River Douro from the old city center of Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia.  

To get there you only need to cross the Dom Luís I bridge.  Alternatively, take a boat across the river from Porto to Gaia for 3 euros per person.

All port wine houses are clustered in the same area within only 10 minutes walk between them.

Map of port wine cellars

Here is the map of port wine lodges created by  IVDP  – Institute of Wines of Douro and Porto.  Generally, port wine houses are very well marked, they are very easy to find.

Do I need a reservation or can I walk-in?

Simple tastings are often available on a walk-in basis, however, in my experience, it is better to book guided tours and tastings in advance.

This is especially recommended if you would like a more advanced tasting option, a workshop, or a food and wine pairing experience.

Another important thing to note is that English language tours run several times per day depending either on a schedule that changes according to the season and demand. For example, English tours can be offered at 11 am and then at 4 pm.  Therefore, some advanced planning will be necessary.

I recommend visiting at least one of the port cellars with a guided tour, while at others you can go directly to a tasting.  Allow approximately 1 hour for a standard guided tour with tasting.

Most of the cellar tours are offered in small groups.

I found that is easy to book visits to port wine houses at GetYourGuide  or Viator rather than emailing or calling.

Here are some quick links to book your visits at port wine cellars:

• Burmester’s

If you are visiting several port lodges and other attractions in Porto, the  Porto Card  can save you a few euros.  They give a  10% to 50% discount on tastings and wine purchases at several port lodges including Cálem, Sandeman, Ferreira, Graham’s, Taylor’s, Ramos Pinto, Real Companhia Velha, Burmester, and Fonseca.

If you need a lunch break between your visits, there are multiple traditional Portuguese restaurants near the river, gastronomic restaurants at the port houses, and the WOW museum complex .

Cálem  and Fonseca wine houses offer a Fado program in their cellars which is a very neat experience.

Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting

Fonseca Cellar Tour, Dinner and Fado Show

The best port wine houses to visit

1. Graham's

Graham’s port wine lodge is located above most other famous port wine houses in Vila Nova Gaia across the river from Porto. 

It took me about 10 minutes and an easy short climb through the historic neighborhood of Gaia to reach Graham’s from the quays.

Graham’s brand is owned by Symington Family Estates.   Today, the business which also  owns other premium port brands including Cockburn’s and Dow’s is managed by 10 Symington family members . 

Since 2017, the Symington Family Estates are the official supplier of port wine to the British royal court. 

Graham’s offers guided tours of the historic cellars followed by a tasting of port wines.  

A guided tasting is held in a spacious and bright main tasting room with a view of Porto and a barrel cellar, or a cozy Vintage Room in an atmosphere of a classic 19th-century salon with comfortable armchairs and books.  

You can upgrade the tasting options to include premium and rare ports as well as pairings with chocolate, cheese, and custard tart.

Symington Family Estates are also producing dry wines in the Douro Valley and the Alentejo regions available to taste at the wine bar or to buy at the boutique.   

A special treat is olive oil made from olives grown at Douro Valley vineyards.  

The tasting room, the boutique, and the restaurant are beautifully designed which adds to the experience.  

After the tasting, I would recommend staying a little longer on the terrace with excellent views on P orto and the Dom Luis I bridge.  Vinum Restaurant and Wine Bar is an excellent option for lunch or a casual drink.

Opening hours:  

Every day from 10 am to 7 pm.

Address: Rua do Agro 141, 4400-281 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

+351 223 776 490

Graham’s Port Lodge Guided Tour with Wine Tastings and Pairings

2. Taylor's

Taylor’s is next to the WOW museum complex and near the luxury Yeatman Hotel .

Established in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest port houses. Today, Taylor’s brand is part of the portfolio of Fladgate Partnership owned by descendants of the Yeatman family who entered port trade in 1838. 

Taylor’s is well-known for its vintage ports and tawny ports.   The house is also known as the originator of my favorite Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) style port.

The guided tour of Taylor’s cellars with an audio guide is convenient as it is available any time during opening hours.  After you have walked through the cellars, you will be offered to taste two of Taylor’s iconic Port wines: Chip Dry – Extra Dry White and Late Bottled Vintage.

Other than the tastings included in the tour, Taylors offers a wide menu of tasting options in its spacious tasting room or the classic garden with a pet peacock.  

I opted to have a glass of Taylor’s port on a beautiful terrace with amazing views of Porto.  

Just drop by Taylor’s shop and pick your tasting.  I found the atmosphere at Taylor’s very relaxed.  There is a lot of flexibility in their visits and tasting options.

The Barão Fladgate Restaurant located right next to the tasting room has excellent views.

Opening hours:

Cellars are open every day from 11 am to 6 pm. Tasting Room and Shop are open every day from 11 am to 7 pm. Restaurant: 12.30 pm to 3 pm, and from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Address:  Rua do Choupelo, 250, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia

+351 223 772 973

Save 10% on tour price with  Porto Card.

Port Wine Cellars Private Tour with Local Lunch

Cálem port house is the easiest to reach, it is right on the river bank and next to the Dom Luis I bridge.

Cálem is the most visited port house in Porto.  

Founded in 1859 by António Alves Cálem, the house was in the hands of the same family for generations before the ownership was passed to Sogevinus in 1998.

During a visit to Cálem, you will see the museum and the cellars followed by a tasting of two wines.  I upgraded the tasting to pairing with cheese and chocolate and it was a wonderful experience.

Cálem Cellar Tour, Interactive Museum & Wine Tasting

Cálem Cellar with Chocolate, Cheese, and Wine Tasting

Another interesting option is a visit with the fado show in the evening.  Listen to fado, while tasting port wine and looking at the Douro river.  Highly recommended!

Opening hours: April to October from 10 am to 7 pm November to March from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

Address: Avenida Diogo Leite, 344, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia

+351 223 746 672

Porto card discount – 10% on visits (standard and premium) and wine purchases (not applicable to chocolates and merchandising) from November to March and 2€ discount on “Fado in Porto”

4. Ferreira

The House of Ferreira was b uilt by a family of Douro winemakers in 1751, 

Dona Antonia Adelaide Ferreira is a Portuguese businesswoman behind the brand.   Often referred to in Portugal as “Ferreirinha”, she is  known for her leadership in the 19th-century port winemaking, but also for her kindness and intelligence. 

Dona Ferreira inherited many vineyards from her wealthy family.  Widowed at 33, Ferreira took over the business, invested in new vineyards, and became the first major importer of port wine to England.

The exposition at Ferreira has many historic artifacts including a replica of Dona Ferreira’s dress. 

You will be taken through an incredibly atmospheric cellar with vaulted ceilings, huge vats full of future tawny ports.  I found the tasting room tasteful and unpretentious, and the overall experience at Ferreira very authentic.  Ferreira port wine is known as “the Portuguese brand”.

The basic tasting includes three port wines, White, Ruby, and Tawny, which will be poured very generously.  You can also choose a more advanced tasting option or even select a port wine workshop where you will learn all about production, different categories, and tasting techniques of port wine.

Sogrape, the owner of Ferreira and the large Portuguese wine company, also produces Douro DOC dry table wines under the Casa Ferrerinha brand, including red and white Papa Figos, a brand which is very popular among locals.  If you prefer to taste dry wines, request the Casa Ferrerinha visit.

Every day from  10 am – 12:30 pm, and from 2 pm to 6 pm

Address: Avenida Ramos Pinto, 70, 4400-082 Vila Nova de Gaia

+351 223 746 106 

Porto card discount discount on Ferreira Visit – November to March: 30% discount – April to October: 10% discount

5. Burmester

Founded in 1750 by Henry Burmester and John Nash,  Burmester port wine located right by the iconic Dom Luis I bridge.  It is the closest port wine house to the downtown of Porto.

The house offers several tiers of tastings.   

I found the standard visit quite quick.  I would choose a premium visit next time.

Open every day from  10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm.  

Last visit at 6:15 pm.

Also, this boat tour includes a visit to Burmester cellars.  I thought it was a good value.

Bridges tour with Burmester wine cellar guided visit and tasting

Address: Largo Ponte Luiz I 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal T.  +351 913 288 994

Porto Card offers 10% discount on visits and wine at Burmester from April to November.

6. Cockburn's

Cockburn’s is the largest port cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.  A steep climb up rua Serpo Pinto and you find yourself in a cozy shaded courtyard of Cockburn’s port lodge.  

Before the tour, have some drinks or snacks on a terrace or go straight to a porto tonic with some delicious Portuguese picnic food. 

Founded in 1815 by Robert Cockburn, a Scottish soldier and merchant, Cockburn’s quickly established itself as a prominent player in the port wine industry. 

Since 2006, the Symington Family Estates, one of the leading producers of Port acquired Cockburn’s.  The spirit of innovation that Symington is known for, transformed Cockburn’s lodge it into the most welcoming port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia.  

The cellars you are going to see are so vast and well-kept.  

I love artistic concept of Cockburn’s with bright and fun labels and  their new port-based cocktail recipes.

Enjoy your visit!

April 1st to October 31st: Visits: 10am  – 5:30 pm (reservation required) Tastings: 10am – 7 pm  November 1st to March 31st:

Cockburn’s tour and tasting

Rua Serpa Pinto, 346 4400-307 Vila Nova de Gaia

The last but not least, Fonseca is a historic port wine lodge founded in 1840 proud to be the only port wine house with four 100-points port wines.  Perhaps, you have heard of their legendary Bin No.27 fruity and full-bodied port, which is included in their tasting. 

I think Fonseca offers very reasonable prices for visits. Families with children get additional discounts.  There are some activities for kids and teenagers with some cookies and juice tasting at the end of the visit.

Great news!  Recently, Fonseca has started the new Saturday night program. After a guided tour of the port cellars and the tasting, you will be invited to a special Portuguese dinner in the vat room accompanied by a live Fado concert .  Book your tickets here .

Monday through Sunday 11 am  – 7 pm

Fado dinner is at 7 pm every Sunday

Rua do Choupelo 84,  4400-187 Vila Nova de Gaia

The WOW Wine Experience

Port wine tasting in the douro valley.

Many of the port houses also offer visits at their Douro Valley  quintas (wine estates) welcoming visitors for tastings, guided tours, picnics and stays.

Following my numerous visits to the valley wineries, I collected a lot of useful information in my blog. 

In my article How to Visit Douro Valley Wineries I provide tips on selecting the best Douro Valley quintas to visit.

You may also like…

Map of Douro Valley Wineries

Which Are the Main Towns for Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley?

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Tours and Experiences

For the best local car rental rates visit  Rentalcars .

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The 10 Best Douro Valley Wine Tours in 2024

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The Best Wine Hotels Near Porto, Portugal

Where to Stay in the Douro Valley? Updated in 2024

Hotels in pinhão, douro valley.

Best-rated Douro Valley Hotels

• Six Senses Douro Valley
• The Wine House Hotel – Quinta da Pacheca
• Quinta Nova Winery House – Relais & Châteaux
• The Vintage House – Douro
• Hotel Rural Quinta Do Pego
• Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta
• Lamego Hotel & Life
• Quinta da Salada
• Quinta da Côrte
• Casa do Arco
• Quinta Vale de Lobos Douro
• Casa Relogio de Sol
• Quinta do Tedo
• Quinta de São Luiz The Vine House

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Porto Wine Cellars

Guide to visit the wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia

Visiting the Porto wine cellars

How the porto wineries operate.

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Wine cellar + tourist bus + cruise offer, how to reach the porto wineries, visit to the douro region.

Porto Wine Cellars are the place where port wine , produced in the Douro Valley region, is stored.

In Portuguese, the cellars are known as caves. So when you see that word walking around Porto, you know what it means.

Technically the wineries are not in the city of Porto, they are actually in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia . To get there, you just have to cross the river across the  Dom Luis I Bridge from the Ribeira . It's just a few minutes and in addition it's a very pleasant walk with one of the best views of Porto’s riverfront.

On the other side if you are looking to book a day trip to the region where this wine is made, you should take a look at our Douro Valley section, since the Douro Valley is where the port wine comes from.

Now, after that little explanation, let's find more about the wine cellars in Porto ! 👇🏼

We recommend anyone visiting Porto to make a visit to the wine cellars. It is interesting to learn about the history, the processes and the impact that wine has had on the city. In addition to the delightful tasting that awaits you at the end of the tour.

Origin of port wine

In the Douro Valley region white and red wine was already being produced in the 17th century. But it was the conflicts of 1678 between England and France that led to the emergence of port wine. The English ran out of wine imports from France, and in the search for alternatives they came across the wines of the Douro. They experimented mixing the red wine with spirits or brandy, to stop fermentation and be able to preserve it better during the voyage to England. This is how Porto wine or port wine was born and became popular.

Thanks to this origin related to England, you will see that many wineries have names that are not Portuguese at all. It was not until the creation of the Real Companhia Velha , in 1781, that the Portuguese began to enter the port wine business as well.

In the guided tours of the different Porto wine cellars, they will explain you the whole journey of the grapes until they are transformed into this precious wine. While your guide tells you everything, you walk through the barrel rooms, some of which are reserved for celebrities.

At the end of the visit you will go to a tasting room where you will be served two or three types of Porto to enjoy at your leisure.

The generic tour usually costs between 10€ and 15€, and is offered in different languages.

You can make a reservation in advance, in order to be able to do the visit when you desire. That said, you can also make the reservation at the winery on the same day, but you run the risk of not being able to find a place in the language or the time you desire.

You should always ask for updated schedules because each winery has different hours of operation and can vary according to demand.

The wineries are mostly quite close to each other and almost all of them close early, so it is best to arrive before 5 pm.

All the wineries have their own store where you can buy bottles of port wine and other souvenirs related to the world of wine to take home.

The truth is that all of them are beautiful, interesting and with a wonderful product. So you really don't need to give it too much thought. And if you can, visit more than one.

Poças: a family business with more than 100 years of history, but with a young spirit. They have a newly renovated visitor center. We recommend visiting them to get to know a more modern approach of port wine. Their visitor center is a bit away from the river (approximately a 20 min walk). Nevertheless, it’s worth the effort because it tends to be not as crowded as the ones by the river front. Thus, you will be in a relaxed atmosphere to appreciate one of the best port wines. Book a visit here .

Calém : is one of the classic wineries and one of the first you find when crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge. It has a small interactive museum that you can walk around while waiting for your guided tour. Book a visit here.

Sandeman: A classic and well located winery in a 1797 building.

Ramos Pinto: in the riverfront area, with a small museum of antique viticultural objects. You can buy their old posters to take home.

Real Companhia Velha: the first Portuguese port wine house.

Offley: one of the old British companies.

Ferreira: You have to walk a bit along the river in Vila Nova de Gaia to get there. Nevertheless, its location in an old convent, makes it is well worth it!

If you buy a ticket for this  Porto tourist bus , you have access to its two routes covering the whole city for 48 hours, including the wineries area. It includes a visit with wine tasting at the Cálem Cellar and a river cruise.

Buses 900, 901 904 and 906 will take you there, but we recommend passing the Don Luis Bridge walking, starting at the La Ribeira and continuing on foot to the cellars.

We recommend you not to hesitate, and visit at least one winery. You will realize that it is one of the essential visits to do in Porto.

If you have the time and can afford a visit to the Douro Valley from Porto  we highly encourage you to do it. Here you will be dazzled by the staggering landscape and the vineyards that stretch all the way to the river. You can visit the quintas (the Portuguese name for the estates) where wine is produced and do wine tasting as well.

Book your visit to Porto’s wineries

Choose your favorite activity related to port wine.

Tasting at "Poças" winery.

Learn about port wine in a cellar with more than 100 years of history. Taste three different ports.

Porto Tour with Wine Tasting

Walking tour with English speaking guide through the city, including admission and tasting in a Porto wine cellar.

Tour of the Douro vineyards, wine tasting in 2 cellars, lunch and cruise

Full day excursion from Porto to the Douro Valley region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Calem Porto Wine Cellar Tour – Is It Worth It?

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And when in Porto, Portugal, drink as the Portuguese do. In other words, drink the local port wine, preferably on a port wine tasting tour that explains the wine-making process from vineyard to table, with lots of tasting samples!  That’s exactly what you’ll get on a tour of the Calem wine cellars in Porto – an unmissable experience on any trip to the city.

I recently spent almost two weeks in Porto, Portugal, and a big part of my trip was learning about the region’s famous wines. The nearby Douro Valley was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, with thanks to its 2,000 years of wine production and, specifically, its world-famous port wine.

I spent a full day in the Douro Valley visiting vineyards and seeing the wine-making in action, but I know that not everybody has that much time in Porto. For travelers on a tighter schedule, the next best thing is a Porto wine cellar tour in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood. Here, dozens of winemakers store and age hundreds of millions (!) of liters of wine, and in recent years many of those winemakers have opened their doors to the public.

One of the wine cellars in Porto that is open to the public is Calem. I spent several hours visiting their caves, learning about their history and tasting some of their finest port wines. If you’ve been thinking about visiting a wine cellar in Porto, keep reading to see what you can expect on a visit to Calem or one of the neighboring wine companies.

Note: I paid in full for my Calem wine cellar tour in Porto and I didn’t disclose to my guide, or any staff members, that I was a blogger. Also, I should note that technically Calem is written like Cálem, with an accent over the “a”. However, I know some computers and phones have problems showing that symbol so I’ll be omitting it throughout this post.

All About the Calem Wine Cellars in Porto, Portugal

Although Vila Nova de Gaia is technically its own city, most people think of it as being part of Porto, Portugal. Located on the opposite bank of the Douro River from Porto’s historic center, it’s easy to reach by foot, bus, metro or car in less than five minutes (seriously, it’s that close!).

In 1926 the Portuguese government passed a law requiring all wine producers in the nearby Douro Valley to move their storage, aging and export processes to Vila Nova de Gaia, freeing up space in Porto and concentrating port wine production under the government’s watchful eye. This law stayed in place until the 1980s, cementing Vila Nova de Gaia as the heart of Portugal’s port wine industry.

Calem is one of the many port wine producers who still maintain operations in Vila Nova de Gaia today. The company was founded in 1859, and at first focused primarily on breaking into the lucrative Brazilian market. As the years passed Calem also rose in popularity with local Portuguese drinkers, and today it is one of the most recognizable wine houses in the country.

Calem’s wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia are located directly on the waterfront, less than 100 meters from the lower level of the Ponte Luis I Bridge.

Calem Wine Tour Overview

I recommend that you purchase your tickets to Calem in advance, especially in high season. They can and do sell out, especially for the English-language tours. I bought my tickets about three days in advance to get the time that worked best for me.

There are a few different tasting options, which I’ll discuss below. Generally, though, I recommend choosing one of the tours that includes three wine tastings.

At the time of my visit in 2023, the Calem Wine Tour experience featured four main stops:

• Port Wine Museum – We were given free time to explore this interactive, hands-on museum that explored the process of wine-making from soil to bottle.
• Tour of Calem Wine Cellars – Then, our guide led us into Calem’s wine cellars to see how port wine is aged and stored.
• Calem Port Wine Tasting – Finally, we were taken upstairs to a wine tasting room and seated based on which tasting package we’d purchased.
• Calem Wine Shop – On your way out, you’ll exit through Calem’s boutique. Here, you can buy full bottles of the wines you tasted, along with small gift sets (perfect gifts for friends and family back home) and some local treats like jams and chocolates.

I see that Calem is currently building a “5D Cinema” that will include “a film full of sensations” but it hasn’t opened yet (as of Fall 2023). If it’s open by the time you visit, please let me know if you enjoy the experience!

Calem Port Wine Museum

You’ll want to arrive about five to ten minutes before the time on your ticket – no need to come earlier. You’ll be invited to queue at the entrance gates until the exact moment you’re scheduled to enter, at which time the staff will start scanning tickets and letting guests inside.

The first stop on a Calem Porto tour will be a self-guided tour of the museum. The interactive exhibits here explain what makes the Douro Valley region so conducive to wine-making, from the specific type of soil to the climate. Then, you’ll learn how the grapes are harvested and processed to become wine, as well as what separates the different types of wines and ports.

It can be a bit crowded here, with up to fifty guests in the museum at once time. I recommend starting at the opposite end of the exhibits and then backtracking, so you’re going against the crowd.

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Inside the Calem Wine Cellars

After you’ve had about twenty minutes in the museum, your guide will collect the group and you’ll go into the Calem wine cellars.  This is where they store millions of liters of wine, carefully monitoring the aging and fermentation to ensure that the finished product is absolutely perfect.

Your guide will be wearing a microphone so that everyone in the group can hear what they’re saying as they discuss the harvesting of the grapes, how they are processed into wine, and the art and science of both aging and fortifying the wine to make Portugal’s iconic port beverage.

I’ve done quite a few wine tours before but I always find it interesting to hear regional differences and preferences, and to understand the interplay between wine production and the local culture and economy.  While you are supposed to stay with your guide throughout the door, nobody minded when I stepped away a bit to snap some photos and to look for a barrel from the year I was born (I didn’t find one – maybe you’ll be luckier than me!).

Your tour through the cellar will take about thirty minutes, and during this time you’re welcome to ask questions about what you’re hearing. You can sign up for a tour in English, French, Italian or Spanish, so you can trust that your guide will be able to explain things in a way that you’ll understand!

Calem Wine Tour Tastings

After our guided tour of the Calem Porto wine cellars, we headed upstairs to the tasting room.  On the way we were separated into groups based on which of the tasting packages we’d purchased, and we were then guided to the pre-set table with the wines we’d selected.

• Book a tour with two or three wine tastings. 🍷
• Book a tour with three wine tastings, plus a chocolate and cheese pairing. 🍫
• Book an evening tour with four wine tastings during a live Portuguese Fado music performance. 🎵

I had bought a ticket that included three wine pairings (highly recommended – two is not enough!), so I was seated in that area. Each bench seats two people, so couples can sit beside or opposite one another, and solo travelers will be seated with another person.

Once seated, you are free to start your tasting right away. There are several staff members working in the tasting room and they will circulate to explain the different wines, but generally it’s more of an independent tasting.

Apparently I’m a cheap date, as I found I actually enjoyed the less-expensive ports (especially the rosé!) more than the very-expensive vintages. However, I’m glad I got the chance to try some pricier ports so that I’ll never wonder what I missed out on!

The Boutique at Calem Porto

You don’t have to wait for your group to finish their wine tasting – when you’re done, you can head downstairs to Calem’s boutique and gift shop. There shouldn’t be any surprises here as your table in the tasting room will have a list of the bottles you tasted (and others) as well as their retail price.

Personally, I didn’t make any purchases in the gift shop as I still had a few weeks left in my Portugal trip and didn’t want to be carrying around heavy bottles of wine. I was very tempted by a few of the other products, like a really interesting pumpkin jam and some local chocolates, but I didn’t want to carry them around for the rest of the day.

If you feel the same you can always swing by the gift shop at the end of your day of sightseeing, as you can enter directly from the street without needing to pass through the cellars.

One things I did was snap a photo of the price list and I compared it to the prices for Calem wines at the Continente supermarket near my Porto hotel. The prices were quite similar, but the official shop here in Vila Nova de Gaia definitely had a much better selection. If there’s a particular bottle you really want, you should pick it up here or plan to possibly have to order online.

Is a Calem Wine Tour in Porto Worth It?

If you have two days or less in Porto, a Calem wine tour is definitely worth it. This region of Portugal is renowned internationally for its port wines, and a short visit to Calem gives you a good introduction to the regional specialties.

However, if you have three days or more in Porto, I would recommend spending one of those days in the Douro Valley itself. Visiting the actual vineyards and seeing the natural landscape that produces these grapes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was by far the highlight of my week in Porto.  This is the specific tour that I recommend , and this is my article about what you can expect on the tour.

Of course, if you’re an oenophile, you could do both the Douro Valley tour and a tasting at Calem (or one of the other cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia).

If you have children, you really need to consider their tolerance for sitting around while you drink wine. 😉 The kids I saw at Calem seemed moderately interested in the museum and tour, but very bored during the tasting experience. The upcoming opening of the aforementioned “5D Cinema” might make this a more attractive option for families in Porto.

Other Port Wine Tours & Tastings in Porto

As I mentioned, if you have three or more days in Porto I would highly recommend spending one of those days on an excursion to the Douro Valley.  My recommended tour is run by a local family and takes you to independent wineries – click here for all the details.

However, there are other wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia that run similar tours to Calem. Here are a few other Porto wine cellar tours to consider:

• Graham’s Port Lodge Tour & Vintage Room Wine Tasting – A signficantly more upscale experience, this wine cellar on the hill of Vila Nova de Gaia is open by invitation and appointment only. They have premium and super-premium tastings, each with single-harvest and vintage port wines.
• Burmester Cellar Tour with Tasting & Pairing Options – Burmester is one of the oldest port producers in Vila Nova de Gaia, as their business dates back to 1750!  Their cellars are located right at the end of the Ponte Luis I (even closer than Calem!) and they offer guests standard tastings, premium tastings, and tastings paired with chocolate and cheese.
• Cockburn’s Cellar Tours and Tastings – Founded by two brothers from Scotland in the early 1800s, Cockburns is now one of the biggest port producers in the region. This is reflected in the many different tastings they offer, all of which follow a one-hour cellar tour. As with Calem, don’t book anything with fewer than three tastings!
• Self-Guided Tour of the Fonseca Wine Cellars – Worried about your kids getting bored? You can go through this wine cellar (dating back to 1815) at your own pace, and then end your tour with a glass of wine or grape juice. They also have an affordable family ticket for two adults and two kids.

If you’re really into wine and can handle your drinks, you could definitely visit two or three Porto wine cellars in a single day.  Just book each one at least two or three hours apart, and try to book them in geographical order (from east to west it’s Burmester, Calem, Fonseca, Cockburns and Grahams, and you’ll pass several others along the way).

Planning a trip to Porto?  I’m writing all my Porto travel guides as fast as I can, but for now I recommend you check out:

The Best Douro Valley Wine Tour from Porto

How to Take a Day Trip from Porto to Guimaraes

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Porto

The 3 Pairs of Shoes You (Seriously!) Need to Pack for Portugal

(Seriously, I never thought I’d write a post about shoes until I encountered the unimaginably slippery stone sidewalks in Portugal!)

Planning a trip to Portugal?  Pin this post for later!

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Localizadas em caves com séculos de história, a Experiência Fonseca permite ao visitante conhecer a singularidade do vale do Douro, o papel que a Fonseca tem desempenhado na viticultura sustentável, e também aprender como é feito o vinho do Porto.

A Quinta do Panascal disponibiliza uma visita educacional com contacto direto com as vinhas. Na sala de visitas pode desfrutar de uma bela paisagem e uma degustação comentada de vinhos de Porto.

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Fonseca Port Wine Cellars

The Cellars

Located in cellars with centuries of history, Experiencia Fonseca allows the visitor to get to know the uniqueness of the Douro Valley, the role Fonseca has played in sustainable viticulture, and also learn how Port wine is made. It also includes the possibility to test the ability to identify the aromas of Port wine.

Visitors will learn about the history of Fonseca and its world-famous wines.

With spectacular views over the city of Porto and the famous Luis I bridge, guests will learn about Fonseca's role in the production of some of the best wines in the world: the Fonseca Vintages and about the versatility of Port wine for gastronomic associations where they can also leave their own suggestions.

The Fonseca Experience

The Fonseca Experience costs €10 and includes a commented tasting of the famous Fonseca Bin nº 27 in the historic tasting room. Fonseca is family-friendly and offers activities for children. Children's tickets (from 8 to 17 years old) are €5 and include cookies and grape juice from the Douro Valley, served in a Port wine glass allowing younger guests to toast with their parents. A family package for 2 adults and 2 children, including a Bin nº 27 tasting for the adults and Douro valley grape juice and cookies for the children costs €25.

For visitors who are very interested in learning more about Fonseca Port wines, several tasting sets with various wines are available. The "Introduction to Fonseca" is a commented tasting of Fonseca references that include Siroco, Bin Nº 27, 20 Year Old Tawny and Fonseca Vintage 2009.

Other wine experiences allow you to combine the latest Fonseca Vintages with chocolates. If you truly wish to experience the best of Fonseca, the Fonseca Vintages Classics experience which includes vintages from 1985, 1997, 2003, 2007 and 2017 is ideal. The Fonseca Experience is open Monday through Sunday from 11am - 7pm. Address: Rua do Choupelo 84, 4400-187 Vila Nova de Gaia RNAAT Registration no. C-619/2016

Tasting Room

For those who wish to taste Fonseca's exceptional Port wines, the tasting room has a wide range of Port wines by the glass.

Several side dishes are available to complement the tasting, including cheese and/or sausage dishes; chocolate, almonds, olives and other delicacies. A monthly Fonseca Port wine-based cocktail is also available for those curious about new Port wine experiences.

Groups can be welcomed into a private tasting area that overlooks the historic area of Porto. Fado in the cellars, cocktails and other guided tastings are available in this unique space, situated in the cellars among the Port wine barrels.

For those who wish to complement their visit by buying wine to enjoy on their return home, our store, located among the barrels, offers the entire Fonseca range. We also offer a variety of Fonseca merchandising and other items to complement the wine.

Visit + Tasting + Dinner + Fado

Fonseca Cellars invite you to a sensorial, intimate and exclusive experience, not to be missed, on every Saturday starting on March 2nd. The experience begins at 7pm with a guided tour of the Cellars and the tasting of the iconic Siroco, a dry white Port wine from Casa Fonseca.

This is followed by a special dinner amidst the casks and vats where the mythical Fonseca Port wines age. The dinner includes three traditional Portuguese dishes to the sound of one of the greatest symbols of Portuguese culture, Fado. The initiative takes place on Saturdays, from March 2nd 2024, between 7pm and 10pm, and from May 3rd until August 3rd on Fridays and Saturdays, between 7pm and 10pm. It is limited to a maximum of 40 people per night.

PROGRAM : 7pm: Visit to the Fonseca Cellars, with a tasting of the Fonseca Siroco Port Wine. 8pm - 10pm: Three-course dinner, to the sound of Fado music. PRICE: 75€/person + 37,5€/Child aged 5-12 . The ticket includes a guided tour to the Fonseca Cellars and a special dinner, to the sound of Fado. Three-course dinner and drinks defined in the menu.

Reservations

*Cost of a call to a Portuguese landline

Fonseca Cellars

Address: Rua do Choupelo 84, 4400-187 Vila Nova de Gaia

Last Acceptance 18h to the tours. Tasting Rooms closes at 19h. Schedule during the Festive Season: December 24th: From 11 am to 5 pm, last admission for free visit until 4 pm. December 25th: From 12 pm to 7 pm, last admission for free visit until 6 pm. December 31st: From 11 am to 5 pm, last admission for free visit until 4 pm. January 1st: From 12 pm to 7 pm, last admission for free visit until 6 pm. RNAAT Registo n.º C-619/2016

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Do you need to book these tours and tastings in advance?

Does anyone have any recommendations?

6 replies to this topic

We were there last week and did two. Augusto's, which was excellent, and Sandeman's which was ok. We both much preferred the Augusto's one.

We visited Quinta Do Bom Dia and really enjoyed it. The Port was excellent. We purchased more than we had thought we would it was so delicious.

I should have said that we had to book Sandemans, but we just turned up to Augustos.

Many thanks for your replies

Good to know those you particularly enjoyed and that you can just turn up for some of them 😊

We just walked in for Bom Dia, too.

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Porto Hotels and Places to Stay

• What's There to See In Porto

Porto Ferreira Cellars | Discover the Essence of Port Wines

Guided tour of history and wine tasting., ferreira’s wine cellars are located on the banks of the river douro, in the historic centre of vila nova de gaia, in a vast and historic building that dates back to the start of the 18th century..

Within its walls, it tells the story of Porto Ferreira all the way back to 1751, tracing back to the Douro region and the life and contribution of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira to the sector and to the wines of Porto Ferreira, as well as the processes relating to the production and ageing of these wines.

Port Cellars visits

At Ferreira Cellars, we can have incredible experiences connecting with the historical heritage and nature which Sogrape has always sustained with great care, so that each visitor can be part of our story as well.

Vintage Porto Visit

A guided tour to uncover Ferreira’s rich tradition and prestige in producing Vintage Port to the highest standards. After a talk in the Vintage Room, there is a tasting in the ‘Tiled Room’, which includes two famous Ferreira Vintages.

Dona Antónia Visit

An intimate tour with a focus on the personality of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. Highlights her life and her achievements, which were of such importance to the development of the Port Wine business and the Douro region. The tasting includes a selection of 5 Port Wines bearing her name.

Porto Ferreira Exclusive Experience

A unique opportunity to discover a universe of aromas and flavours! Four selected Port Wines in an exclusive experience.

Ferreira Porto Wine Workshop

An educational experience to learn more about Port Wine.

Porto Ferreira Visit

The guided tour starts in the house of Casa Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira and proceeds to the large warehouse where hundreds of barrels and casks age the wine. The visit passes through the Vintage Room and the garden prior to a tasting of three different types of Port Wine - White, Ruby and Tawny.

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: +351 937 850 335 (call to a national mobile network).

Telephone: +351 223 746 106/07/08 (call to the national fixed network)

Av. Ramos Pinto, 70 - 4400-082 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Latitude: N 41º08 12.93”

Longitude: W 8º37 9.39”

Open every day: 10h00 - 12h30 / 14h00 - 18h00 (last tour: morning - 12h15 / afternoon - 17h15)

Wines to drink with family, among friends, or to offer.

Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Best things to do in porto portugal.

Porto is… a city torn between the currents of time. On one hand, is firmly rooted in the past with its history and culture in full display. On the other hand, it reaches out excitedly towards the future, complete with all the modern conveniences.

In between, Porto has its unique charm. Whether it’s a rustic view of the river or the countryside, a warm shot of port, or a welcoming smile from one of its locals, there are many things to do in Porto.

Also read: 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

Which is amazing, since it’s Portugal ’s second prime city. And yet it’s not one that’s trapped in the ravages of modernization, its skyline not ruined by the skyscrapers of today’s metropolis. There’s modern architecture, yes, but there’s also the raw street art not too far away from the classic tourist sights of museums and cathedrals.

Like in many other grand cities of the world, you could easily stay here for a week and still be fascinated. But if you don’t have that time, we have curated the best of Porto into this ultimate guide that will get you going!

If you want something a little more relaxed, you can also take a look at these Yoga Retreats in Portugal – some of them are located near beautiful Porto.

Porto Attractions

One of the main reasons why Porto draws a lot of tourists is because of its laid-back environment. Europe can be a pretty hectic place for a tourist (maybe not for a local) because of the many things to see, and Porto allows you an opportunity to just sit back or maybe take a slow stroll while appreciating what it has to offer. Even with a laid-back town like Porto, it’s best to be prepared with the Porto Pass to get you where you need to go.

That does not mean there aren’t a lot of Porto sights, though. Between the beautiful landscapes and the museums, your eyes will have a lot to feast on!

Porto Sights: Sé Cathedral

You don’t have to be a Catholic to appreciate the grandness of the Cathedral otherwise known simply as “Sé”. The stone structure hails back to the 13th century, and has a myriad of architectural influences from the Gothic to the Romanesque.

It’s hard to miss its silver altarpiece and its ceramic-tiled cloister, among the many treasures that lie in its otherwise simple (at least in comparison with other European cathedrals) façade.

Of course, its fortress-like vantage point also gives way to an amazing view of the city below, with its orange-brown roofs. The cathedral’s terrace overlooks this perfectly, giving you some really Instagrammable shots at some quality Porto attractions!

To get to the Sé, alight at the São Bento stop of the D (yellow) rail line. There’s a EUR 3 cost to enter the cloister, but the rest of the Cathedral is free. The Sé is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The name translates to “Crystal Palace Gardens”, and while no Crystal Palace is in sight (it was demolished in 1956) the gardens are really worth your while. The flowers, greenery, fountains, and general ambience feels like the set of one of those Hollywood period films about royalties! There are even peacocks that roam here, though they can be quite shy.

There’s a pavilion here for events, though it’s quite plain. It’s best to stick to the multitude of flower classes here and the priceless view of the Douro River!

There are two metro stops near the Jardins — the Aliados stop of the yellow line, and the Carolina Michaelis stop that services all the other lines. There are also bus routes, and you can catch either Bus No. 200 or 207 and get off the Palácio stop.

Dom Luís I Bridge

Bridges aren’t always likely candidates for top things to do in a city, but the Dom Luís I Bridge is especially interesting. Aside from being an important artery of traffic in Porto, the bridge was the product of a student of Gustave Eiffel — the architectural similarities between this and Paris’ top attraction is readily visible. It was also once the longest iron arch bridge in the world.

But what really makes it great is the spectacular view it affords of the Douro River. Pedestrians can walk along the sides of the bridge’s two levels. As a plus, there are also great wineries nearby!

The bridge is on the northern side of Vila Nova de Gaia. If you’re walking, you can take the metro to São Bento or Jardim do Morro stations, serviced by the yellow line.

Sogrape Vinhos Wineries

Speaking of wineries, this is one thing you really should do before leaving Porto ! Port wine is definitely one of the city’s greatest creations. And Sogrape Vinhos is one of the most distinguished in this regard, owning three cellars (Sandeman, Ferreira, and Offley) in Vila Nova de Gaia.

You can visit all three of them, and each one has a distinguished history starting from the 1700s. Aside from the port, keep your eyes peeled for the photographs and other memento from their rich history!

A wine-tasting experience could cost anywhere from EUR 3 to EUR 35 depending on how intimate you want to get with Porto’s beloved export. There’s a basic wine tour across all three that costs around EUR 10.

All cellars can be reached via the Jardim do Morro stop on the metro’s yellow line.

Estacão de São Bento

We’ve been talking about railway stations for some time now, but did you know that there is a station in Porto that is a tourist attraction on its own? This is the São Bento station, with which you can reach southeast of the Avenida dos Aliados (the main tourist avenue of Porto, with lots of cool shops and cafés). This makes it a no-brainer to get here. The station is on the yellow line, and you can enter and walk around for free.

The station is built on the former site of a monastery, and its claim to fame is the painstakingly painted and installed azulejos , blue and white tiles that together make up a mural-esque pictorial history of Portugal. The installation was so momentous it took a decade to finish it!

There’s also the architecture of the station itself, which makes it a really unique and must-see attraction.

Eating like a local in Porto

Most tourists see the food scene of Porto as a never-ending parade of sardines and chouriço. While salted fish is indeed an indelible part of the cuisine (and history) of Portugal as a whole, there are some really good and interesting eats here you should try.

Francesinha

This might be unfamiliar to first-time tourists, which is a shame. This is a sandwich that’s piling on a steak, three different types of sausages, and served with a fried egg and french fries. Oh, did I mention the entire thing is covered in melted cheese? There’s a super secret sauce, too, which they say is made from meat, seafood, and various types of alcohol. Make sure you check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels before you try this! Or maybe don’t bother and just enjoy.

This is one of Porto’s staple dishes, and you would really enjoy it if you choose the right francesinha place. Check out Francesinha Café over at Rua da Alegria. If you want a setting that’s a bit more intimate, there’s Yuko Tavern at Rua de Costa Cabral.

Alheira: Northern Portugal

If you can’t get enough of meat, these white smoked sausages endemic to the North Portuguese regions will give you your fill! The sausages are made from a variety of meats, from poultry to game (the latter including rabbit and venison). While these sausages are found all over Portugal, there’s no better place to have them in than in Porto.

If you want the traditional homemade quality alheira, head over to the Mercado do Bolhão and buy some raw alheira! The place is at Rua da Alegria. Make sure to stop and have a chat with the sellers to know more about the sausage’s interesting history, too!

Tripas à Moda do Porto

While this sounds like the name of a resto, it’s Porto’s other local tradition (maybe even more so than the francesinha). It’s a stew made of tripe (hence the name), cooked with some meat and a lot of white beans. The flavor is given by a generous heaping of cumin. Tripas is such a local staple that Thursday is a de facto tripe day, in pretty much the same way as Friday marks the appearance of ginisang monggo in the carinderias back home!

Tripas is best tasted at Restaurante Pombeiro, on Rua Capitão Pombeiro.

Broa de Avintes

Let’s side-track a bit and move on from meat to bread. This famous Porto bread originally came from Avintes, a town near Porto. Dense yet soft, dark, and flavorful, this is what banana bread would have looked like if it did not have sugar! Broa de Avintes is served with various dishes, along with starters (ham and cheese!), and is a nod to tradition since the cooking process takes a full 6 hours.

High quality Broa de Avintes is sold at the Mercearia das Flores, located at Rua das Flores. Try using it for a sandwich, and you’ll see why it’s so famous!

Açorda: Specialty of Portugal

Seafood is a specialty everywhere in Portugal, and every region has its take. In Porto, it’s the Açorda, a stew brought to life by coriander and garlic, and filled with fish and other seafood.

In fact, a nice bowl of Açorda may be your best bet in eating real fresh seafood during your stay. Most tourists really go for the sardines, but the thing is it’s not in season for the most part of the year (and hence is very expensive). But it you head to the north of Porto, to the village called Matosinhos, and find your way to Rua Heróis da Pátria, then you can take your pick of any of the seafood restos here and enjoy to your heart’s content!

Porto Activities: Drink Your Heart Out and More!

Tour douro valley: attractive porto.

 One of Porto’s most attractive sections, you can easily spend a whole day here. The valley has a slew of wine-tasting opportunities, from port wine to table wine. The area also produces olive oil. For those into sceneries, you can take a slow cruise along the Douro river on a traditional boat.

Douro Valley is best experienced in a tour setting, where you have a guide to show you the best viewpoints. Among these is the Peso da Régua, which gives an amazing view of the whole city!

Do a Hop-on, Hop-off Tour

Those who’ve been to the US and some Asian countries will be familiar with the Hop-on, Hop-off bus . Porto has its own, and there are two routes that will grant you access to some of Porto’s greatest attractions! Turn the buses into your very own tour bus with a day ticket (or two-day ticket) that takes you from the salt-kissed neighborhoods beside the beach to magnificent sights like the Sé Cathedral.

The buses are open-top, so you can get a panoramic view. It’s also great for people watching as you pass through the Central Baixa area, which is the city’s civic center. As a plus, there are also audio guides that will give you the lowdown on the place you are visiting! It really is like a tour of its own.

Do a Guimarães and Braga Day Tour

These two cities are some of the more interesting places in Portugal, and they are close enough to Porto for a day tour! Guimarães is notable for being the land that birthed Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. Of course, there’s a castle and a cathedral to commemorate this important historic fact.

Braga is, similarly, an interesting city with great views, a landmark monastery, and its own twist on Portuguese cuisine!

You can easily reach Guimarães from Porto by leaving through the São Bento station. The trip takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes. From there, you can get to Braga through the Rodonorte (numbers 12, 31, and 2). This trip takes about half an hour.

The best part? All of these activities can be done via tours, through Get Your Guide . They offer top-shelf service and an in-depth look into Porto’s culture! This is also great since you don’t have to worry about catching all the connecting buses and trains.

Other Sightseeing Porto Tours

• Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise, and Wine Cellar
• Douro Valley Wine Tasting, River Cruise, and Lunch
• Porto Card with Transportation
• Torre Dos Clerigos Entrance Tickets
• Porto: 3 Hour Guided Tour
• Fado Show with Port Wine
• 4.5 Hour Porto Pub Crawl
• Porto: Half-Day Food Tour

As always, don’t be afraid to get lost in this city. Each twist and turn will bring you new adventures, new sights, and new things to ponder. Keep an open mind. Let Porto’s laid-back spirit be your travel guide!

Things To Do in Porto Portugal was written by Karla Ramos for EuropeUpClose .

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