The port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from the atmospheric Portuguese city of Porto, are a once-in-a-lifetime “must-do” for wine lovers visiting Northern Portugal. Vila Nova is one of Europe’s classic destinations for Port wine lovers. Most famous Port Houses have lodges here, including Taylor’s, Graham’s, Ramos Pinto, Rozès, Warre’s, Ferreira, Croft, Offley, and Sandeman.
On this VIP port wine excursion, you will visit two carefully selected historic Port lodges, enjoying exclusive access and a special lunch at one of Porto’s most excellent restaurants, Vinum, which stands as a culinary hallmark in Porto, offering an exceptional dining experience that centers on premium ingredients and the finest traditional flavors of Northern Portugal.
Today, you will learn all about the fascinating history of port wine production and its impact on everything from politics to wine trends to wine marketing.
Port is produced in the Douro Demarcated Region, where grapes are grown, harvested, vinified, and fortified at Douro estates known as quintas. Traditionally, many Ports were then matured and stored in the bonded lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia, although aging may also take place in the Douro before bottling and shipment. The grapes are harvested, vinified, and fortified at Douro wine estates (called “Quintas”), then sent to the lodges to age and be stored before being shipped to markets worldwide.
Many of Gaia’s historic Port houses have roots in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and they are supremely charming, with old cellars and great views over the river. Explore the charm of the lodges, where you’ll encounter old oak vats, pipes, and casks, their weathered wood telling a story of tradition and time, each a testament to the age-old craft of winemaking.
You will enjoy private tours, receive special treatment at each lodge, and taste wines not available on regular visits, including top vintages. Immerse yourself in the cool, oak-scented atmosphere of the lodges’ cellars, where the subtle scents of oak and wine blend with the cool, earthy air, all punctuated by the soft echoes of clinking glasses as fellow connoisseurs toast to an unforgettable experience.
You will savor the crisp, fruity notes of White Port, the rich, full-bodied flavor of Ruby, the complexity of LBV, the nutty, caramel essence of Tawny, and the rare, elegant taste of Vintage Port.
If you are a couple or a small group of friends looking to explore this wondrous heritage and discover the gastronomic delights of this wondrous city and region, then contact us today and start planning your bespoke Port Lodge wine adventure.
Signature journey
Highlights include Luxury Transportation, VIP tour and tastings, and Gourmet Experience.
Day 1Porto - Vila Nova de Gaia -Porto
Views from Grahams Vinum restaurant
Morning: Your private driver in a luxurious Mercedes will pick you up from your Porto hotel or cruise. Then, drive into Vila Nova de Gaia, crossing the Ponte de Dom Luís I / Luiz I Bridge to your first port wine lodge of the day- the renowned Taylor’s Port Lodge. Founded in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. Their production is dedicated exclusively to Port wine.
You will have a private tour of the mythical aging cellars, finishing with a VIP tasting on the terrace (weather permitting) or in a cozy private room. Typical tastings may include Taylor’s Chip Dry, LBV, and aged Tawny, with the option to upgrade to rare Vintage Port selections.
Next to the pretty Graham’s lodge, part of the Symington family’s wine empire. The cellar here is one of the largest in Vila Nova and houses over 3,500 wine “pipes,” along with countless oak vats. Tour the lodge with a private guide and conclude your morning of port wine tasting with an “Exclusive Vintage Tasting.” Try unique wines like the Dow vintage, Quinta do Vesuvio vintage, and a 40-year-old Tawny!
Lunch: By now, you will be ready for lunch, and you can look forward to the superb Vinum restaurant at Graham’s. Here, you will embark on a gastronomic journey that traverses the northern regions of Douro, Trás-os-Montes, the Minho, and the Atlantic—right from the comfort of your table.
Your personalized tasting menu will spotlight culinary masterpieces, including aromatic smoked Alheira sausages from Mirandela, freshly caught fish sourced from the esteemed Matosinhos Market, and the exquisite and rare Vaca Velha beef from Trás-os-Montes. The restaurant sommelier will ensure your dishes are paired perfectly with the finest Portuguese wines.
Afternoon: After a leisurely lunch, it is time to work off some calories with a privately guided tour of central Porto. Your chauffeur will take you across the bridge to São Bento Train Station in downtown Porto, where you will meet your friendly, expert local guide. Discover the secret and hidden places that only a local knows. The “Oporto Heart,” the historic area, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. You will take in the main city icons: Venida dos Aliados, São Bento Railway Station, street art, Café Majestic, Mercado do Bolhão, traditional shops, Clérigos Church and Tower, Livraria Lello, Rua das Flores, and Ribeira.
Evening: Return to your hotel in Porto in the early evening after this unforgettable gourmet wine tour.
We look forward to seeing you again!
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
Louise, London
The organisation of the tour was very good.
The three lodges visited were all different, each with unique features. The best tour of the cellars was at Sandeman, and it was good to start the day there; this formed a basis of our understanding of how Port is made and the different classifications. The best tasting was at Graham’s, which had an excellent range of styles and vintages to taste from. There was a LOT of food at lunch, and it was very good. The Mercedes was clean and comfortable, the driver was punctual, friendly, and knew a lot about the City. The tour of Oporto was very good; it provided more history about why the town grew the way it did. Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. The personalized tasting notes were a lovely touch. I would recommend Cellar Tours after this experience. I feel that you got us access to more interesting tastings than we would have done if we were there on our own.
