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Sandeman Cellars in Porto...

The Sandeman Porto Cellars welcome guests from all over the world and is landmark spot for visitors to Porto and the North of Portugal. Located on the riverbank of Vila Nova de Gaia, The House of Sandeman building boasts one of the best views of Porto, a city declared as World Heritage by UNESCO. This handsome building is believed to be the work of the architect Joaquim da Costa Lima Sampaio, who also designed the city’s Royal Palace and may have been built as early as 1797. Sandeman took possession of this majestic building in 1811.

"We hope that a visit to our cellars will give a unique opportunity for guests to delve more deeply into the history of Porto, one of the world’s great wines, and of Sandeman, one of the leading brands in the Porto trade" George Sandeman.

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Sandeman Cellars

Porto (gaia), portugal.

A magnificent building that is full of history, the Port House of Sandeman has been used for more than two centuries to age the world’s most recognized Porto wines inside hundreds of wooden casks and vats.

Situated next to the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, the House of Sandeman boasts one of the best views over Porto, a city classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Sandeman also operates a Co-Branded restaurant called The George in Porto, as well as a Hostel and Hotel Suite facility called The House of Sandeman .

Tasting is available with the tours. The tastings discussed here are located on at the Porto (Gaia) cellar location.

Tasting Price: 13 - 40 Euros.

Classic Tour The visit culminates in a spacious state-of-the-art tasting room, where Sandeman Ruby and Tawny Porto Wines can be enjoyed in a unique environment. Premium Tour A guided tour through the Sandeman Cellars ending with a tasting of three different categories of wines – White, Ruby and Tawny. 1790 Tour 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. 100 Year Old Tawny Tour An opportunity to discover Sandeman’s long tradition in the ageing and blending of Porto Wines. The tour ends with a comprehensive tasting of a century of Tawnies – 10, 20, 30 and 40 Year Old Tawny Portos

Tour Price: Classic Tour: 13 euros Premium Tour: 15 euros 1790 Tour: 22 euros 100 years Old Tawnies Tour: 40 euros

This winery offers Cave Tours on or nearby their winery facility. Cave Tours typically involve barrel room exploration in either natural caves or man made underground storage rooms.

Great Views

This winery is known for its Great Views on the property.

This winery includes lodging on or nearby the property.

There is a restaurant on-site.

Wine Tastings

This winery offers wine tastings on the property either by walk-in or appointment.

This winery offers wine tours on their property. Either of the winery facility, vineyards and/or cellar space.

Grape Varieties

• Touriga Franca
• Touriga Nacional
• Tinta Roriz

Wine Styles

• Dessert Wines

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Cellars and vineyards

Sandeman cellars.

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.

The House of Sandeman is one of the most popular attractions in Porto. It has a magical component, which is probably linked to the Sandeman Don, the company’s enigmatic and inspirational icon created in 1928: this curious figure has a long black Portuguese cape and a Spanish hat that covers his face. The icon is stamped on all the company’s products.

During the tour, you’ll be guided through the winery by a person dressed up as the Sandeman Don, who will explain the secrets behind the production of this distinctly Portuguese wine. The tour will end with a Porto wine tasting, where visitors will enjoy two glasses of wine aided by an expert Sandeman sommelier.

One of the best Cellars

Sandeman is one of the most renowned Cellars in Porto. Its wine is world famous and its installations are definitely worth visiting.

While you wait for the guided tour to begin, we recommend you check out the Cellar’s museum, where you’ll find interesting facts about how the company was founded in 1790 by George Sandeman, the son of a Scottish cabinet-maker.  

Largo Miguel Bombarda, 3

Daily: 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm

Visit + 3 glasses of wine : € 21 ( US$ 23.30)

Bus : lines 900, 901 904 and 906

Nearby places

Vila Nova de Gaia (55 m) Cálem Cellars (203 m) Ramos Pinto Cellars in Porto (285 m) Ribeira (316 m) Casa do Infante in Porto (351 m)

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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.

Ramos Pinto Port Winery

Established by Adriano Ramos Pinto in 1880, the Ramos Pinto Cellar is one of the most renowned in the city.

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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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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

• Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00
• Thursday 10:00 - 18:00
• Friday 10:00 - 18:00
• Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
• Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
• Monday 10:00 - 18:00
• Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00

[email protected]

• Languages Alemão, Francês, Italiano, Espanhol, Inglês, Português
• Smoking Area Yes
• District Centro Histórico
• Theme Compras, Centro Histórico, Gastronomia, Vinho do Porto
• Segment Famílias, Exclusivo, Jovens, Seniores, Casais
• average Visit Duration 0h 30m

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11 Port Houses to Visit in Porto

Thinking about planning a trip to the famous port houses of Portugal? If you enjoy drinking port or just want to learn more about the fascinating history of the Port and how it’s been made, stored, and transported through the years in Portugal , you absolutely must get started planning your trip.

We’ve got a fantastic list below of the 11 best port houses to visit in the Porto region. There are actually two sides to the city often referred to as Porto. On the southern side of the Douro river is the city of Vila Nova de Gaia and on the northern side is the Ribeira district and the city of Porto. They are connected by the famed Ponte Luis I Bridge.

The Vila Nova de Gaia side is where you’ll find all of the port houses. Along the river is the main road on which many of the port houses have tasting rooms, like Calem and Kopke. Some of the other places are built up on the hillside and require a little climb to get there (like Taylor and Graham).

Planning your trip to Porto?

• Book a transfer from the airport to the city of Porto with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Porto airport through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in Porto:

• InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas : Not only is this a gorgeous hotel, it’s in the most prime location possible in Porto for tourists. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor .
• Pestana Vintage Hotel & World Heritage Site : Stay here if you want to be close to the water with easy access to Vila Nova de Gaia.    ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

Best Tours and Experiences in Porto:

• 3-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour
• Douro Valley Small-Group Tour With Wine Tasting, Lunch, and Optional Cruise
• The Best of Porto: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour

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How To Get There

There are several ways to get to Porto, Portugal , depending on your budget, travel preferences, and where you are coming from.

• By plane: Porto is served by a major international airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is well-connected to many European cities and several destinations worldwide. You can fly directly to Porto from several major airports, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and New York, among others.
• By train: Porto is well-connected to other cities in Portugal and neighboring countries by train. The city has two main train stations, São Bento and Campanhã, which offer frequent connections to Lisbon, Braga, Coimbra, and other destinations in Portugal, as well as to Vigo, Madrid, and other cities in Spain .
• By bus: Porto has several long-distance bus stations, with connections to major cities in Portugal such as Lisbon and in Spain, as well as to other European destinations like Paris and Amsterdam. Flixbus, Eurolines, and Rede Expressos are some of the major bus operators that serve Porto.

» Preparing to visit Porto? You might also want to read our top things to do in Porto and where to eat and drink in Porto . Maybe head up to the Douro Valley for some wine tasting. Read our guide about renting a car in Porto .

Port Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

There are two ways you can do port tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia. The preferred way is to make an advanced arrangement for a tour and tasting. Not all Port houses have continuous tours that you can just pop into, and English tours are only given occasionally.

Making a reservation will ensure you can see and do what you want, without disappointment. In order to make reservations, contact the port houses individually via email, or see if they have an appointment form on their website (many do!).

The other way to do port tastings is to just pop into the tasting room and ask. While some don’t offer this, some do.  We also found that we could walk in and schedule an appointment for later the same day.

If you don’t want to go through a tour at each port house, it would be wise to find out which places offer just a simple tasting. You can do that by emailing in advance.

⇒ We recommend this Port Wine Tour in Vila Nova de Gaia – visit 3 Port houses and try 6+ wines.

Top Port Houses to Visit

If you’re looking into a trip to Porto for Port wine tasting, and you want to find the best port in Porto, you’ll quickly find that there are dozens of Port Houses to visit, so the decisions aren’t going to be so easy.

This guide will help you narrow down the choices. These are 11 favorites among the Port houses that dominate the landscape in Vila Nova de Gaia.

If you’re a power taster, you can probably get around 4+ port houses in a day, if planned properly. But we would not recommend this. Don’t forget that port has a much higher alcohol level than wine and can catch up with you quickly. We recommend only visiting 2-3 port houses in a day.

Don’t forget that Porto is only an hour’s drive from the beautiful Douro Valley wine region , where the views will absolutely stun you.

1. Burmester

The Burmester story starts in 1750 in London , when Henry Burmester joined John Nash to establish the company Burmester, Nash & Co. They exported port to Europe . Then in the 1800s, Johann Burmester took the company to new heights in Porto, and it’s been operated as a family business ever since, though now it’s part of the Sogevinus brand.

In the 1990s, they started producing table wines as well.

You can tour the Burmester cellars. They offer a classic (13€), premium (17€), and exclusive (20€) visit, where you will taste 2-3 of their ports. They also have a large shop where you can purchase any bottles you enjoy.

Website: https://burmester.pt/en/caves/ Email: [email protected] Hours: Open everyday from 10am-1pm, 2pm-7pm

2. Cálem Port House

Calem is located front and center along the Cais de Gaia (the main road that runs through the lower waterfront area of Vila Nova de Gaia).

Calem is one of the largest port cellars. They offer many options for visitors to enjoy. A typical tour & tasting includes an interactive museum, a guided tour of the cellar and either a standard tasting for €14 or premium tasting for €17.

There are then options to add a Fado show or to add a food tasting to go along with your wine (chocolate, cheese & chocolate, or food pairings). The tours operate regularly throughout the day in various languages and last about 45 minutes. The Fado show is only offered at 6:30pm.

There is an English tour that culminates in a tasting room where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute performance of traditional Fado music. The current cost is €23. You can book your tour and pay for your tickets directly through their online form.

Website:  https://tour.calem.pt/#en Email: [email protected] Purchase tickets in advance on their website

3. Kopke Port House

Kopke is the next tasting room you’ll come upon along the Cais de Gaia. It is the oldest port wine house, originally opened in the 1600s. They don’t offer a tour, but they have a menu full of choices for tasting, including some really nice wine flights that are paired with chocolates. The flights range from €25 to €75 or you can buy by the glass.

The flights include DOC table wines made by Kopke, in addition to Port. You’ll choose your tastings downstairs and then find a seat upstairs in the lounge. Kopke is very famous for their vintage and aged Tawny ports, but don’t overlook their table wines.

Website: https://sogevinus.com/en/tourism/kopke-house/ Email: [email protected] Hours: Open every day. May – October 10am – 7pm / November – April 10am – 6pm

4. Sandeman Port House

It’s hard to miss the large building that houses Sandeman . The cloaked man on top of the building is a great brand emblem. At Sandeman, you can take a tour and do a tasting. You can also just grab a seat outside and enjoy one of the cocktails they’re making on the patio. I highly recommend a port & tonic.

They offer a classic tour that includes a tour and tasting of Ruby and Tawny Ports for €14. The premium visit is €17 and includes a tasting of 3 ports. Their 1790 visit includes a more in-depth look at the facilities and a tasting of 5 unique Ports for €23. And there are a few other options if you want something more unique.

They also have port wine workshops you can take, and a great shop inside where you can buy just about any port or DOC table wine you like.

• Website: https://www.sandeman.com/port-wine/visit/cellars-porto/
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: Open every day. March-October 10-12:30 and14:00-18:00 / November-February 9:30-12:30 and 14:00-17:30

5. Quinta do Noval Port House

Along the waterfront, you’ll find a couple of small tasting rooms for Port Houses that have their main production and aging facilities in the Duoro Valley. Quinta do Noval is one of them. It’s just a wine shop and bar with a couple of tables to sit at, plus outdoor seating during the summer. But it’s not to be overlooked!

This is a great choice when you’ve heard the same tour over and over and want to try the port without the tour. You can choose tastings flights, or have a full glass, and even half or full bottles of Port.

• Website: https://www.quintadonoval.com/en/our-wines
• Email:  [email protected]
• Hours: Open every day. June – September 10am – 8pm / August 11am to 10pm / October – May 10:30am – 6:30pm

6. Vasconcellos Port House

You may not have heard of the Vasconcellos port house before. It’s part of the Christie’s brand and they don’t market their port tours, like some of the port houses do. They actually don’t do organized tours, and only invite you in if you’re interested in buying.

However, you’ll be treated to a smaller, more intimate, tour than at the larger houses and you’ll learn quite a bit about the process they use for blending the more than century-old ports they have aging in their cellar to create the 10, 20 and 40-year ports they make.

We were guided around by Jorge Silva, who took great pride in the port that he was telling us about. We had a very informative tour of the cellar and then made our way up to the tasting room to give it a try. The tasting included a 10 and 20-year Tawny and a white port.

If you are looking for a 40-year port, they have that too.  We fell in love with their 20-year (the bottle and all) and had to take some back with us.

You can just approach the cellar door and inquire about tastings in person.

Website:   https://www.christiewines.com/visit Email:   [email protected]

7. Vasques D Carvalho

Located just around the corner from Ramos Pinto is the brand house and tasting room of Vasques D Carvalho. Their cellars are located in Regua, in the Douro Valley . After tasting ports at many of the larger houses on the main street, we were very pleasantly surprised by the tasting here.

You can find a seat in the garden and choose your preferred tasting from an extensive menu. We chose a Tawny tasting that included their 10, 20, 30, and 40 year Tawny. Very good decision!

Everything we tried here was fantastic. They age their wines in the Douro, not in Porto, so you’ll find they can achieve aging slightly faster than those that age in Porto, due to the heat differences.

You don’t need a booking to stop in for a tasting, though it might be a good idea to make one during busy months.

Website: https://www.vasquesdecarvalho.com/ Email: [email protected]

8. Ramos Pinto Port House

Housed in a beautiful yellow building, founded by Adriano Ramos Pinto in 1880, Ramos Pinto stands out among the Port houses on the main street. A tour of the cellars also includes a visit through the cellar’s museum that houses a collection of art and items from the house’s long history.

The tour ends with a tasting of two Port wines, a ruby and a tawny, which are presented in a large, yet comfortable lounge area with couches and barrels for tables. You can schedule a visit at the reception area just inside. They give regular tours in English. The last tour takes place an hour before closing.

You can book through their online form.

• Website: https://www.ramospinto.pt/en/visits/
• Email:  [email protected]
• Hours: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm (closed 1 January, Easter Sunday, 24 and 25 December).

9. Taylor’s Port House

Taylor’s wine cellar is now in its fourth century of operation, which in itself is a major accomplishment. The story of Taylor’s is very interesting and well worth learning about. The porthouse is located up a fairly steep hill, so be prepared for a bit of a hike.

From Ramos Pinto, head up the alley and continue up the hill until you reach Taylor’s on the right. Tours at Taylor’s are mostly self-guided now, though you can book a private tour in advance if you want.

There is no need to schedule an audio tour in advance. You can walk through and listen to the history and details of the Taylor family and winery at your own pace, in many languages, while looking at the displays and barrels throughout the cellar and museum, which have been recently renovated.

It costs €15. At the end of the tour, you’ll have a tasting of two of Taylor’s ports: Extra Dry White and Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). You’ll want to schedule for at least an hour or two to wander through the cellar and finish the tasting. The last tour takes place an hour before closing.

Website:  https://taylor.pt/en/visit-taylors/port-cellars/ Hours: Every day 11:00 – 20:00

10. Cockburn Port House

Cockburn is located slightly farther and also up the very steep hill. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Taylor’s, though at around the same elevation. If you’re taking the Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour around town, there is a convenient stop right outside Cockburn’s door.

The tour takes you through the cellar and the stacks upon stacks of aging barrels. Once a family estate, Cockburn is now owned by the Symington Family that also owns other Port cellars, such as Graham’s and Dow’s. They specialize in median level wines that are approachable. The tasting includes a young ruby and a 10-year tawny.

Email: [email protected]

11. Graham’s Port House

Graham’s Port House , opened in 1890, is located the furthest away from the others. It’s on the hillside, about a 15 minute walk from Taylor’s. You can enjoy lunch or a drink at the bar in Graham’s restaurant, Vinum, which helps make the trip there worthwhile, especially if you’re walking. Just remember that it’s a very steep hill.

Another aspect that makes it worthwhile is the incredible view. A tour can be booked in advance online, which makes it easy to fit into your schedule without walking all the way there to find out their hours. If you’d rather not take a tour, there’s a wine bar in Vinum where you can taste some of Graham’s Port by the glass.

Website:  Book your visit online.

Tips For Port Wine Tasting & Porto Wine Cellar Tours

• Most of the port houses require advanced reservations to taste and there are a limited number of spots for English tours, so be sure to book well in advance, not just the day before.
• Keep in mind that port is quite a bit higher in alcohol than regular table wine. Instead of 14%, it’s more like 21%. This can catch up with you fast. It’s best to do no more than 3 tastings spread throughout the day. And always drink plenty of water in between.
• Many of the port houses are located right along the waterfront in Vila Nova de Gaia, so you can easily walk between them. A few, like Graham and Taylor’s, are located up on the hill behind, which is quite steep, so be sure to wear walking shoes .
• Be sure to save time for a wine-paired lunch at one of the top houses, like Taylor’s or Grahams. Both have fantastic terraces that overlook the city.
• Many wine cellars have shops where you can purchase a variety of Port wines and related products. This is an excellent opportunity to buy a bottle of Port as a souvenir or gift.
• The majority of the wine cellar tours include a guided tour of the facilities, explaining the winemaking process, the history of the brand, and the aging of the wine in large wooden barrels. These visits often conclude with a wine tasting where you can sample different types of Port wine.

Where to Eat in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia

Three of my favorite places to eat in Vila Nova de Gaia are all within easy walking distance of each other. If you’re staying in the city, you’ll be able to enjoy these and so many more without worrying about transportation.

• The Gastronomic Restaurant at The Yeatman is also highly recommended during your stay.  The chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings is a great food experience. It is a bit pricey, but that’s to be expected at a 2-Michelin-star restaurant. We also had a really good Francesinha sandwich at the bar in the hotel.
• Taylor’s Wine House is one of the few cellars that also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a leisurely wine lunch or dinner with a wine tasting. In nice weather, the outdoor terrace has an amazing view of the Douro River.
• Wine Quay Bar is across the water on the Porto side, but it’s still very easy to get to. You won’t regret the choice because view will blow you away. Stop by there for a wine flight and some tapas.

Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal

If you’re looking for a recommendation on where to stay while you’re in Porto, we’ve got you covered. We’ve stayed in numerous parts of the city and have found our favorite Porto hotels that we’ll return back to again and again. Below are our top choices. There’s really no reason to look any further. These are fantastic.

I n Vila Nova de Gaia:

• The Yeatman Hotel : Gorgeous hotel on the top of the hill with an amazing view, decanter-shaped pool, and a Michelin star restaurant. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor .
• YourOpo Ribeira Gaia Apartments : There are a few apartments available here with amazing views, right near everything. It’s a perfect if you want a kitchen! ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

Frequently Asked Questions on Porto, Port Houses & Wine Cellars

Do i need to make reservations for a wine cellar tour.

It’s advisable to make reservations, especially during the high tourist season. Some cellars may have limited availability for tours and tastings, so booking in advance ensures you get a spot.

What is the best way to get from Porto to the Douro Valley wine region?

You can reach the Douro Valley by taking a train, bus, or organized tour from the Porto district. The train journey is particularly scenic, offering picturesque views of the Douro Valley River and vineyards.

Are there any wine festivals or events in Porto?

Porto hosts various wine-related events throughout the year, such as the Essência do Vinho wine festival, Port Wine Day celebrations, and wine-themed tours. Check local event listings for specific dates.

Is it possible to ship Port wine home from Porto?

Many wine cellars offer international shipping, so you can purchase authentic Port wine during your visit and have it shipped to your home address. Some wineries may have restrictions or require a minimum purchase for shipping.

Can I visit the vineyards in the Douro Valley from Porto?

Yes, it’s possible to visit the Douro Valley vineyards as a day trip from Porto. You can join guided wine tours that take you to the vineyards, allowing you to learn about the winemaking process and the grapes used in the winemaking. You can also enjoy the stunning scenery whilst tasting wine.

Before You Go

Since you made it to the end of this article, you’re probably pretty interested in Porto and the surrounding area. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.

• Where To Stay In Porto, Portugal
• Where To Eat And Drink In Porto, Portugal
• 10 Fun Things To Do In Porto
• How To Spend 10 Days in Portugal

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Related Posts:

• 21 Top Foodie Destinations Around the World
• 13 Unconventional Things To Do in Washington DC
• 36 Best Beach Drinks to Order at All-Inclusive Resorts (+ Recipes!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

19 thoughts on “ 11 Port Houses to Visit in Porto ”

Thank you for this helpful information.

It’s made our trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

Kind regards, Liam Hardy

Last week we stayed in Porto. And als I read the above we made the good choices to visit for example Offley… IT was very nice! Kind regards from The Netherlands, Carla

Offley is a great one! I just love how close together they all are and you can really just stop off wherever you like along the way. Glad you had a nice time there.

Visited Offley in driving rain last year. We also took a train ride up the Douro valley, which was excellent . Going to Porto again next month. Very much looking forward to visiting several more port houses, as well as the Yeatman.

That’s funny. We ran from Offley down the hill to Ramos Pinto in the driving rain. We were drenched by the time we got there. Hope you enjoy your next trip there. I can’t wait to go back.

Thank you! This info is invaluable and will help us plan our self-guided Porto port tour. 🙂

Glad to hear it, Rob! Enjoy your trip.

What were the average prices for the tastings/tours? Do they vary greatly depending on which port house you go to?

Hi Rachel. I would say currently the average price is around €10 (give or take). For instance, Calem is €10, Taylor’s is €12. Prices do vary. May of the port houses now offer the ability to book tickets online too, which is very useful.

Laura- we are visiting Porto for one day in May on a cruise ship. I want to experience the port houses, do tastings within reason( meaning I will need to pace consumption so I remember the experience!), and have a fabulous lunch. In your opinion do I need to hire a guide to maximize efficiency? Any suggestions appreciated. Have you also gone on tours in the Douro valley to visit where the port is actually made?

Hi Paula, it’s super easy to do port tastings on your own along the main street in Villa Nova de Gaia. You can get there quickly from the cruise ship and then you can just walk around along the street and stop in where ever you want. I highly recommend Vasconcello. If there are any port houses that you absolutely want to visit, make sure you email them in advance and make an appointment. There’s no need at all to hire a guide.

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Hello I am planning a private party of 40 people for a gala dinner in a fine old port house with lots of atmosphere, for next may/june. What are your suggestions?

I would look at Calem first, then Taylor’s or Graham’s. They all have great facilities for a large dinner party, all are very beautiful.

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13 Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto

• 3 Pinterest

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.

• check offer

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.

• see price & reviews

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.

Sandeman Port Wine Tasting: A Guide to Food Pairing and Harmonisations

Food Pairing

Port wine tasting is an exquisite journey, a symphony of flavours that marries the rich history of Portugal's winemaking with the culinary arts; at the forefront of this experience is Sandeman Port wine, a beacon of quality and tradition in the world of Port wine.

This guide invites you to explore the elegant wine tasting world of Sandeman Port , a sensory exploration that combines the revered traditions of Portuguese winemaking with innovative food pairings.

Discover the nuances of Sandeman Port, learn how to enhance these flavours with complementary culinary delights, and embrace the art of food pairing and harmonisation as we embark on an excursion with Sandeman Port wine.

Exploring Sandeman Port's Flavour Profile

Discover the rich tapestry of flavours in Sandeman Port's wines, where each sip tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship.

These wines, steeped in history, offer a palette of tastes that range from the intense and fruity depths of the Reserve Sandeman Ruby Port to the complex and elegant nuances of the aged Tawny Ports.

Understanding the distinct flavour profiles of Sandeman Port wines, such as the vibrant Sandeman Tawny Port , is essential for perfect food harmonisations and creating a truly immersive tasting experience.

Pairing Sandeman Port with Cheese

The combination of Sandeman Port and cheese is a timeless classic.

The bold and complex flavours of Sandeman Port wines create a perfect balance with a variety of cheeses: imagine a board featuring creamy, tangy blue cheeses or a mature cheddar, each bite enhanced by the luscious, fruit-forward notes of a Sandeman Ruby Port .

This pairing is not just about taste – it's a dialogue between texture and flavour, where the creamy richness of cheese meets the velvety elegance of Sandeman Port.

Seafood and Sandeman Port: A Match Made in Heaven

Contrary to conventional pairings, Sandeman Port wines can be an exquisite match for seafood; namely the Sandeman White Port varieties, offer a refreshing contrast to the delicate flavours of seafood dishes.

Envision a seaside feast, where the crisp acidity and subtle sweetness of a Sandeman White Port elevate the flavours of grilled prawns or a rich seafood stew… this unexpected pairing showcases the versatility of Sandeman Port wines in complementing a wide range of dishes.

Meat and Sandeman Port: A Savoury Symphony

The robust character of Sandeman Port wines makes them ideal companions for meat dishes: the structured tannins and deep fruit flavours of wines like the Sandeman LBV & Vintage Port can stand up to the rich, savoury flavours of roasted or grilled meats.

Whether it's a succulent steak or a hearty lamb stew, the complexity of Sandeman Port adds depth and harmony to these meaty dishes, creating a dining experience that is both refined and indulgent.

Desserts and Sandeman Port: A Sweet Affair

Pairing desserts with Sandeman Port is a journey into a world of indulgence; the natural sweetness and rich flavours of Sandeman Port wines complement a wide range of desserts.

From the decadence of a chocolate fondant to the tangy zest of a lemon tart, the versatility of Sandeman Port ensures that each dessert pairing is a celebration of flavours and textures, making every bite a memorable experience.

Harmonising Sandeman Port with Chocolate

Chocolate and Sandeman Port are a pairing destined for greatness – the bold, rich flavours of dark chocolate, when coupled with the complex and layered notes of Sandeman Port, create an extraordinary taste experience.

This pairing is particularly noteworthy with the older Sandeman Tawny Ports , where the nutty and caramel notes of the wine find a harmonious match in the richness of the chocolate, elevating both to new heights of flavour and enjoyment.

Tips for Hosting a Sandeman Port Tasting Soirée

Organising a Port tasting soirée is a splendid way to explore the enchanting world of Sandeman Port wines.

To host an unforgettable evening, consider offering a range of Sandeman wines , from the vibrant Ruby to the sophisticated Tawny, each accompanied by carefully selected pairings.

Guide your guests through the unique flavour profiles of each wine and create an atmosphere that echoes the elegance and heritage of Sandeman, ensuring an immersive and educational experience for all.

The Sandeman Porto Tour Experience

A Sandeman Porto tour is an essential part of the Port wine tasting journey; these tours offer an immersive experience into the world of Sandeman, providing an opportunity to explore the Sandeman Port Wine Cellars , in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Learn about the winemaking process, and sample a selection of Sandeman's finest Ports.

The tours, guided by knowledgeable hosts, take visitors through a sensory exploration of the brand's legacy, from its inception in 1790 to its status as a global icon in Port wine.

Whether it's the classic Porto Sandeman Visit, the unique Old Tawnies Visit, or even the Quinta do Seixo Tour , on the banks of the Douro River, each tour offers an inimitable glimpse into the heart of Sandeman's winemaking tradition.

Discovering Sandeman's Legacy

Sandeman has a storied history that is deeply entwined with the evolution of Port wine; a visit to their cellars or participation in their tours is not merely a tasting experience but a journey through time.

The rich legacy of Sandeman is evident in every bottle, every sip, and every tour: the brand's commitment to quality and innovation has cemented its place as a worldwide Port Wine brand, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and novices alike.

In Conclusion

Sandeman Port wine tasting is an adventure in culture, history, and gastronomy: the right food pairings can elevate this experience, creating memorable moments of culinary delight.

Sandeman Port wines offer the perfect complement to a wide range of dishes, making every meal an occasion to savour, from the robust flavors of meats to the delicate sweetness of desserts.

Whether you are hosting a tasting soirée or embarking on a Sandeman Port tour , the world of Sandeman Port is rich with flavours, stories, and experiences waiting to be discovered.

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