A visit to the Port Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia is a must for Port Lovers
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 the Mecca for Port wine fans, and most of the famous Port Houses have lodged here, including Taylor’s, Graham’s, Ramos Pinto, Ferreira, Rozès, Warres, Ferreira, Croft, Offley, and Sandeman. On this VIP port wine excursion, you will visit two of the best Port lodges, enjoying exclusive access and enjoy a special lunch at one of Porto’s most excellent restaurants. Your private chauffeur who will collect you from your hotel in the morning and take care of you for the day, dropping you back into your hotel in the early evening. 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 wines are not made at the historic wine lodges; rather, they are produced in the beautiful Douro Valley, about a two-hour drive or sail from Porto up the Douro River. The grapes are harvested, vinified, and fortified in the Douro wine estates (called “Quintas”) and then sent down to the lodges to be aged and stored before shipping on to their various markets around the world. Most of the port lodges date back to the 1700s and 1800s, and they are supremely charming with old cellars, vintage casks, and great views over the river. You will discover the many pleasures of port today, tasting the main port wine styles, including White Port, Ruby, LBV, Tawny and Vintage Port. You will enjoy private tours, getting extra special treatment at each lodge, and tasting wines not offered on regular visits such as top vintages. Contact us for more information on this luxury port wine excursion.
Porto Wine Tours Highlights:
- Wine Tasting at Port Wine Lodges in Porto
- Private Visits and VIP Tours
- Gourmet Lunch and Wine Pairings
- Mercedes Chauffeured Tour
Below is a suggested Itinerary for your private Porto Wine Tours
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Porto
Port Wine Excursion
- None
- Lunch with wine
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
At 9 a.m., you will be picked up from your Porto hotel or cruise by your elegant and charming driver in a luxurious Mercedes. Drive into Vila Nova de Gaia, crossing the impressive Ponte do Dom Luis I bridge and drive to your first port wine lodge of the day- the renowned Taylor’s property. Dating back to 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest port lodges. Their production is dedicated exclusively to Port wine. You will have a private tour of the mythical aging cellars, finishing with a tasting on the terrace (weather permitting) or in a cozy private room. Taste the crisp, refreshing Chip Dry, Vintage Quinta de Vargellas, and several different, superbly elegant Vintage ports. Carry on 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 a “Vintage Tasting.” Try unique wines like the Dow vintage, Quinta do Vesuvio vintage, and a 40-year-old Tawny!
By now, you will be ready for lunch, and you can look forward to the superb Vinum restaurant at Graham’s. Here you will tuck into some of the best traditional, regional dishes, including the smoked Alheira sausages or “Vaca Velha” beef from Trás-os-Montes. All perfectly paired with Symington wines, of course! Your chauffeur will then take you back across the bridge to St. Bento Train station in downtown Porto, where you will meet your friendly guide. Discover the secret and hidden places that only a local knows. The “Oporto heart,” the historic area was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. You will take in the main city icons; Aliados Avenue, S. Bento train station, street Art, Majestic café, Bolhão market, traditional stores, Clérigos church, Lello bookshop, Flowers street, and Ribeira. Return to your hotel in Porto in the early evening after this unforgettable gourmet wine tour.
We look forward to seeing you again!
