A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without exploring the famous Port wine cellars, located in Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank of the Douro River. These cellars are historic sites where Port wine is aged and stored; many cellars offer guided tours and tastings that provide a fascinating insight into the production of this wine. Here are nine Port wine cellars that you can’t miss when visiting the city!
Index
The best Port Wine Cellars
Sandeman Cellars
Founded in 1790, Sandeman is one of the oldest Port wine brands. The winery is famous for its iconic figure, the Don, who wears a Coimbra student’s cape and a Spanish sombrero. Guided tours are enriching and include a tasting of their Port and Sherry wines.
Graham's Cellars
Graham’s Cellars offers a luxury experience with views over Porto and the Douro River. Founded in 1820, Graham’s is known for its high-quality wines. The guided tour includes an interesting exhibition on the history of the brand and a tasting of various styles of Port wine.
Taylor's Cellars
Established in 1692, Taylor’s is another of the oldest Port houses. Its historic cellars are a must-see for wine lovers. The visit includes a tour of the warehouses and a Port wine tasting, accompanied by stunning views over Porto from the terrace.
Ferreira Cellars
Ferreira is one of the few wineries still owned by a Portuguese family. Founded in 1751, the brand is synonymous with tradition and quality. Guided tours highlight the company’s historical importance and include a tasting of its Port wines.
Offley Cellars
Known for its British founder, Joseph James Forrester, Offley is a winery with a rich history and a wide range of Port wines. Tours include a walk through the historic cellars and a tasting session where you can appreciate the diversity of its wines.
Calém Cellars
Founded in 1859, Calém is one of the most popular wine cellars among tourists. The guided tour begins with a short exhibition on the history and production of Port wine, followed by a visit to the cellars and a tasting. Calém is also known for its cultural events, such as live fado music.
Croft Cellars
Croft, founded in 1588, is the oldest Port wine company still in operation. Its cellars offer an intimate experience, with guided tours that include the history of Croft, a detailed look at the production process and a tasting of its wines.
Churchill's Cellars
Churchill's is one of the youngest Port houses, founded in 1981, but has quickly gained a reputation for the quality of its wines. A visit to the cellars includes a detailed explanation of the Port wine production process and a tasting of their elegant and modern wines.
Ramos Pinto Cellars
Founded in 1880, Ramos Pinto is known for both the quality of its wines and its innovative marketing. The cellars offer guided tours that include the brand’s fascinating history, a view of the production processes and a tasting of its distinctive wines.
Port wine cellars are more than just storage facilities; they are true historical monuments that tell the story of one of Portugal’s most iconic drinks. Visiting these cellars offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Port wine production process, taste different varieties and appreciate the region’s rich cultural heritage. So, when planning your visit to Porto, include a visit to one of these 9 Port wine cellars on your itinerary!
Good luck with your tests!