sandeman tour charleston

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Charleston Virtual Tours: Visit Charleston From Home (updated April 2021)

If your plans to visit Charleston this spring were put on hold because of the coronavirus, fear not! You can still virtually visit Charleston from the comfort of your own couch. Just put on some jazz and check out these Charleston virtual tours. 

As the country gets vaccinated and things start looking more normal, we’ll still be here for you when you’re ready to reschedule your trip.

If you’re currently in the Charleston area, you can stay updated on the city’s COVID-19 information and best health practices . 

Best of Charleston Virtual Tour

Just because your travel plans were disrupted doesn’t mean you can’t still tour our institutions! We recently partnered with Chris Sandeman of Sandeman’s Live to produce a live stream of a stroll around our historic district lead by our own Jim Gresham.   So, put on a pot of frogmore stew , sit back and soak in the scents and sights of the lowcountry. 

Virtual Battlefield Tour

If you were headed to South Carolina to immerse yourself in Civil War history, you’re not alone! Tens of thousands of visitors head to Old Ninety Six each year. Though the grounds are closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, you can take a virtual tour of the welcome center and grounds .

Charleston Alleys & Hidden Passages Virtual Tour

Charleston is known for its historic homes, beautiful gardens and its alleyways and hidden passages . While our virtual tour of Charleston’s Hidden Alleys  featured on Travel & Leisures Video Series by no means replaces an actual tour, it will help tide you over until you can reschedule your trip.

Charleston Museum Virtual Tour

One of the Holy City’s most revered institutions is the Charleston Museum. This museum houses thousands of lowcountry artifacts. From the early settlers to slave history and Revolutionary War history, you can learn about Charleston and South Carolina history here.

Visit the Charleston Museum’s Facebook page for Facebook Live tours of the museum, led by curators and the museum’s director. 

Eat Charleston

Here in Charleston, we’re just as known for our iconic foods as we are our historic sites. The good news is that you don’t need to wait until mass travel resumes to enjoy some of our famous flavors! You can support local Charleston businesses right from the comfort of your own home. Even if you can’t order your favorite lowcountry foods, we’ve got you covered with recipes to make a taste of the South right in your own home.

Order Iconic Charleston Foods

While you might not be ready to jump in your car and take a road trip to enjoy your favorite South Carolina foods, you can bring those iconic eats to your doorstep!

Goldbelly is a food delivery service that ships iconic foods all over the U.S. From pimento cheese to tangy BBQ sauce and biscuits, you can still enjoy all of your favorites —- without leaving your couch! 

You can even order Duke’s Mayo online, which is another South Carolina favorite .

Make Your Own Lowcountry Cuisine

We know not everyone right now has the means to order iconic foods online. Luckily, you don’t need to travel all the way to Charleston to enjoy these recipes. 

Carrie Bailey Morey of  the popular Charleston biscuit spot, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits has a Recipe Blog called “Hot Little Suppers”  where you can join follow as she makes southern favorites like shrimp & grits and fried green tomatoes.  And you can even order her famous biscuits to be delivered to your front door!

Celebrity chef Sean Brock, the owner of Husk, published “ Heritage ,” a cookbook full of Husk’s famous dishes. 

If you’re craving Rodney Scott’s famous collard greens , you can snag the recipe online for free!

Want even more lowcountry favorites? Order a copy of the Southern Foodways Alliance Community Cookbook for a wide variety of South Carolina recipes from some of the South’s most celebrated chefs.

Support Charleston

There are plenty of ways you can support Charleston’s tourism industry, restaurants and food and beverage workers right now. If you live locally, you can order food from one of our many local restaurants and bars.

Don’t live locally? You can still support local business in Charleston — and food and beverage workers all over the U.S. right now. 

Buy Tour Giftcards

Can’t make one of our regularly-scheduled tours? Need to reschedule your trip? We sell gift cards, valid for all of our public and private tours! Simply click the ‘Buy Giftcards’ link on our header menu to help support our local business!

Order Merch

Many local restaurants, boutiques and businesses ship their merch to all 50 states. Even if you can’t make a reservation at the Obstinate Daughter , you can still order t-shirts and hats online.

Many of the Charleston City Market’s local vendors also ship their products. The Tattooed Moose also sells hats, polos and tank tops online. 

Of course, you can also buy gift cards for future meals on these sites too!

Donate to Charleston Charities

One of the easiest (and most important ways) to support Charleston businesses during this time is to donate to a charity that supports workers in the food and beverage industry. Many of these employees make less than minimum wage and rely solely on tips and gratuities to get by. 

Without work, they virtually have no income. 

While many workers are scraping by on assisting restaurants with takeout and delivery services (as they haven’t been suspended as of yet), most of the foodservice industry’s employees in Charleston are without work.

The following non-profit organizations are collecting money to help food and beverage workers aid and support in these uncertain times. Not only do these non-profits send money to workers, but they also provide other types of aid. 

Southern Smoke

The Giving Kitchen

USBG National Charity Foundation

Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation

We hope these tips will tide you over until you’re ready to head back to Charleston! Stay tuned for more ways to virtually enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the Holy City.

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Interested in booking a private tour with one of our talented guides? We are happy to accommodate private groups and can assist you in organizing a memorable event.

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Touring Sandeman Port Cellars in Porto

Port wine is probably the most famous product from Portugal, and likely one of the first things to come to mind when thinking about the country. And while having Port in Portugal is an obvious must, touring the port cellars in Porto is a close second. After seeing the Port vineyards and wineries in Douro Valley , we toured Sandeman Port Cellars in Porto to complete our Port in Portugal experience.

Sandeman dates back to 1790, when two Scottish brothers started the company with just £300. Yes, Scots founded a Portuguese Port brand! Thanks to the popularity of Port in England, many original Port producers were British . That’s why so many have English names (like Croft, Taylor’s, and Graham’s).

As an iconic and historical brand, touring Sandeman Port cellars is an excellent example of how port ages in Vila Nova De Gaia, Porto.

Let’s talk About Port

Port is a fortified wine, meaning a neutral grain spirit is added to the wine . It stops the fermentation, increases alcohol percentage (to about 20%), and — its original purpose — makes it easier to transport. Made from five different grapes, Port must be made in Portugal to have that prestigious name.

(If not made in Portugal, it’s called Port-style wine or described as tawny. Except in the United States, where “Port” is not legally protected and does not mean the wine is from Portugal. So check the bottle for an authenticity stamp or location of origin stating Portugal.)

The grapes grow on the mountainous vineyards in the Douro Valley, about a two hour drive from Porto. I highly recommend taking a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the vineyards — it was one of the highlights of our trip! After being made in Douro, the wine makes its way to Porto’s Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood for aging. Historically transported by boat on the Douro River, today the wine makes gets to the city in a truck. (Boring, but much more reliable!)

Aging Port in Vila Nova de Gaia

The neighborhood of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south side of Porto, is perfect for aging Port . For one, being next to the Douro River meant the wine could originally be transported from the vineyards by boat. Two, it’s somewhat sheltered from strong winds and direct sunlight, keeping the temperature more mild (and better for aging). And third, it’s outside of Porto, so producers avoided paying taxes in the 13th Century. (Everything comes down to politics at some point, right?)

Today Port cellars line the streets of Vila Nova de Gaia. Literally, dozens are nearby each other: Ferreira, Sandeman, and Graham’s on the river; Taylor’s, Cockburn, and others behind them. But touring the Port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia is not like visiting most wineries or distilleries . Tours require advance reservations. Unlike many other wine-tasting regions , not even tastings are possible without reservations. So plan ahead!

Touring Sandeman Port Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

The lobby of Sandeman Cellars opens to a Port museum, with artifacts about the wine’s history and bottles dating to the 1600s. After perusing the museum, our tour guide walked us through an alley of barrels in every size imaginable. Many are small, stacked on top of each other; others are 20,000 liters. There are even a few 100,000 liter barrels that can last 100 years! The larger vats slow oxidation while smaller barrels give more wood flavor to the wine.

We walked along barrels and barrels, then passed bottles of Vintage Port, a few dating back to 1908! Vintage Port, from a single vintage and declared to be one of the best by The Port & Douro Wine Institute, spends 2-3 years aging in a barrel before spending decades in the bottle.

Sandeman Port

Besides Vintage Port, there are several different types of Port each with their own tasting profiles. Ruby Port , vibrant in color and taste, aged in steel or concrete. White Port , bright and fruity, made with white grapes and unaged. And Tawny Port , sweet and nutty, aged for decades in wood. The age of Tawny ports is an average of the wine in the bottle.

Our tour included a tasting of four Tawny Ports in the private tasting room. The Tawny 10 Year (23€) was darker (an indication of youth), with flavors of ripe fruits and raisins. The Tawny 20 Year (49€) was more balanced, with flavors of honey, nuts, and vanilla. My favorite, the Tawny 30 Year (120€), with dried apricots, hazelnuts and vanilla flavors. And the Tawny 40 Year (156€) had flavors of oak and honey with dried fruits and a lingering finish.

The tour ended in the gift shop, of course, where we shopped for wine, vintage advertisements, and glasses. I couldn’t leave without a bottle of Tawny 20 Year. Even though it’s available in the States, having it from Sandeman Cellars was a perfect souvenir.

Taking a tour of Sandeman Port Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia is a must do in Porto. But remember: tours require advance reservations. You can make them online here . Tours range from 14-42€. Or tour several cellars together with a tour like this one .

Related :: Day Trip to Douro Valley Wine Region in Portugal , What to Eat in Portugal , and Why Portugal is Perfect in Winter

Disclaimer :: I was graciously treated to this tour at no cost. As always, all opinions are my own. • Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive a commission from them. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Whiskied Wanderlust.

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Sandeman Cellars

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SANDEMAN CELLARS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Sandeman cellars tours.

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Visit Sandeman Cellars

Taste exquisite Porto wine at Portugal’s Sandeman Cellars on the beautiful Douro River. Enjoy an enlightening tour of historic pinewood cellars and gaze over the UNESCO site of Porto from this expansive winery.

Porto is a Portuguese distilled wine made exclusively in the scenic Douro Valley of northern Portugal. Learn about the aging process of Porto’s wines in these historic surroundings, by choosing from three enjoyable tours of the Sandeman Cellars, established in 1790.

On the Classic Tour, follow winding corridors through the cellars and pick up local knowledge about Porto’s history and its wines. Savor the pleasant aromas drifting from the wooden vats that line the cellars’ walls. As the visit ends in a spacious tasting room, sample rich ruby and tawny Portos in a traditional atmosphere amid dark oak barrels.

For a longer visit, acquire more detailed Porto wine knowledge on the 1790s tour. Indulge in an intensive wine-tasting session and experience the sweet, full-bodied flavors of five unique ports. Alternatively, book the luxurious Old Tawnies Tour to try 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-year-old Portos as a spectrum of precious wines are laid out before you.

Tours are available in several languages with friendly, animated and knowledgeable guides. Enjoy their captivating “Don” costumes of black capes and wide-brimmed hats reminiscent of Spanish caballeros. During wine tastings, the seasoned team of winemakers can answer any questions.

After your tour, visit the on-site museum for an interesting history of the brand, as you amble through an exhibit of photography, paintings, ceramics, antique bottles and other memorabilia collected through the centuries. Afterward, relax outside the cellars with tapas and wine pairings and admire views over the colorful city of Porto.

From Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, take a 20-minute taxi ride directly to Sandeman Cellars. If you are staying in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia, walk a scenic 30-minute route from the city center.

Whether or not you are a wine connoisseur, enjoy the visit to Sandeman Cellars and explore this heritage landmark with its impressive views over Porto and many gallons of tasty Porto wine.

Plan a trip to see Sandeman Cellars

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Reviews of sandeman cellars, 5/5 - excellent.

Visited their tasting room on a Douro Valley wine tour.

I found this too expensive for what we got.

Buy 1 or 2 day hop-on-off bus. WIne tasting is included

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Sandeman Port Wine Cellar - Ticket and Guided Visit

Introduction

Experience a voyage in time, precisely 225 years of history and taste one of the best Port  wines of the world !

Enjoy a memorable experience in Sandeman's cellars , uncovering the secrets of this precious nectar.

An unforgettable visit for lovers of Port wine and of interest to discover in the city of Porto.

Taste the most awarded Porto Wine Brand of 2017 .

Discover the history of Sandeman through its enigmatic and inspirational icon – the Sandeman Don .

Explore the Sandeman Cellars , with more than 225 years of History.

Buy your tickets now and wait no more: a memorable Wine Tasting Experience is waiting for you!

English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Dutch

MEETING POINT

Largo Miguel Bombarda, Vila Nova de Gaia

Daily |  11h00 – 12h30 / 14h00 – 17:00h 

December 24th and 31st | 10h00-12h30

50 minutes - Porto Sandeman Visit

1h30 - Tour 1970

Full description

Discover the taste of the city of Porto - the world-famous Port Wine!

Have a guided visit to Sandeman Cellars , founded in 1790 and known not only for the quality of its wines but also for the Don , the mysterious character of its logo. A perfect experience for the wine lovers of the entire world, right?

You have the following options:

Porto Sandeman Tour Tasting

A team of tour guides, all dressed like the Don* , leads visitors through the cellars, unveiling the secrets of Port Wine and its traditional aging process. In a building where Sandeman Porto Wine has been aging since 1811. A fascinating story, that ends with a video experience in a panoramic screen. The tasting includes three styles: White, Ruby and Tawny Ports that can be enjoyed in a unique environment.

*dressed in the traditional Portuguese university students' cape and the Spanish sombrero.

1790 Tour Tasting

Visitors taking this tour, which is named after the year Sandeman was founded, will have the opportunity to delve deeper than ever into the  particularities of Porto Wine . In a special area, exclusive to the 1790 Tour, five select Porto wines are explored in a prolonged tasting experience, affording a detailed knowledge of this unique wine.

• Visit to Sandeman wine cellars
• Guided Visit
• Port Wine Tasting
• Juice for youth
• Pick up and drop off
• Personal expenses

Cancelation rules

No cancellation fee if you cancel until 24 hours prior to the activity date.

Cancellations less than 24 hours or no show, a fee of 100% will be charge.

Additional info

• Please present a paper voucher for this activity.
• The voucher must be printed and delivered at the entrance of the cellar.
• The exact visit time will be informed at time of the reservation confirmation.
• The minimum drinking age is 18 years.
• The visit to the wine cellar may be operated by a multi-lingual guide.
• Languages are subject to availability and confirmation.
• Please reconfirm your pick up time and location 48 hours before the tour   to our email:  [email protected]  or by phone: +351 227 662 833.

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• * Your name

You must select a date. The voucher is valid for 1 year after the selected date

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( the voucher is valid for 1 year after the purchase date).

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Great Port Experience - Sandeman Cellars

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Great Port Experience

Great tour of the Sandeman Cellars. Lots of interesting facts told by the 'Don' alongside lots of interesting sights. Good sized tastings were offered at the end which were delicious! Shop is sizable too.

Standard big house tour at one of the major port producers. Highlights: - Got to go into the caves - Tour guide was informative and entertaining - Tasting at the end for 3 different versions - Short video where you saw the vineyards Lowlights: - A bit cheesy with the guides wearing the cape and hat - Booked ahead of time--many people got turned away trying to book that day or ones right after Was fine to do while in Porto.

We are so glad we booked this guided tour of the wine cellars! You get the full experience, with the tour guide dressing as the Sandeman logo himself! We aren’t wine/port connoisseurs so the tour information was just right and very interesting! Our guide was Monica and she was fantastic…very knowledgeable, could answer all our questions and added a little humour along the way. The port tasting was a great way to end the experience. They also have a lovely seating area overlooking the River Douro where you can grab further refreshments! Would definitely recommend. And only 19€ per person (16£)!! You need to book in advance though as slots fill up very quickly and you wouldn’t want to miss out!

I went in to ask about purchasing tickets for a wine cellar tour while my friend went to go use the bathroom. She was rudely stopped by a security guard who barked “no bathroom”. I used the bathroom yesterday with no issues.

My wife and I knew little about port wine and were looking for an introduction - a short tour with some tasting. I think the basic tour at Sandeman is perfect for that. We learned enough to remain interesting (basic facts versus an in depth analysis) and the guide was super about answering our questions. The guide described the differences in the wines we were tasting in a simple approachable way. For my wife and I, it was the right experience and a very worthwhile investment of time.

There are numerous Port Cellars to visit in Porto, we chose Sandeman. The tour provided a very interesting introduction into history of the Sandeman company and the port industry, as well as an explanation the manufacturing process and the varieties of Port and the different vintages and classifications. Following the tour there was then the best bit, the Port tasting, this included a white, ruby and tawny Port. Our tour guide was Monica, who did a great job. At Sandeman they provide tour in different languages and it is best to book in advance so you can be sure to get one in your preferred language.

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• Over 160,000 five-star reviews
• Over 100 tours daily, rain, hail or shine
• Top quality tours with local guides, whatever your budget

Things to do in Amsterdam

Ready to start exploring Amsterdam? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

Sustainable tourism

Have an enjoyable trip and help us promote responsible and sustainable travel to Amsterdam!

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be difficult - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Amsterdam

The best places to eat in Amsterdam

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Amsterdam recommended by locals

The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from craft beer to delicious cocktails

The best shopping in Amsterdam

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Amsterdam

The local expert guides we work with are proud to show you the best Amsterdam has to offer!

Scroll through to learn more about these unforgettable guides, including where they’re from, why they love Amsterdam and which tours they can offer you.

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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