Port wine is a symbol of the region, but it’s on the other side of the Douro that you’ll find the famous Caves, in Vila Nova de Gaia. In the past, rabelo boats sailed down the river from the Douro Wine Region (classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
With a centuries-old history, the Port Wine Cellars attract thousands of tourists every year. But visiting one of these places and getting to know this drink better is something we should all do at least once in our lives. Don’t know where to start? Then read our article goblet in hand!
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Churchill’s Cellars
Famous for producing Port wines with less sugar and a vibrant acidity – especially the acclaimed Dry White Port – Churchill’s is an obligatory stop on any tour of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Founded in 1981 by John Graham, this house stands out for its intimate approach, favoring small groups for a more authentic contact with the production process.
To round off the experience, the 1982 Wine Bar offers a ‘hidden garden’ with a privileged view over the River Douro, making it the perfect place to relax with a glass in hand.
However, it should be noted that this bar operates seasonally, so it should be closed at this time of year.
📍Rua da Fonte Nova 5, Gaia
Ferreira Cellars
Caves Ferreira and its history are intertwined with that of the impressive Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, better known as “Ferreirinha”.
The brand was born in 1751, at a time when the business world was dominated by men. For this reason, “Ferreirinha’s” dexterity deserves to be highlighted. Centuries old, the Caves Ferreira are now owned by Sogrape.
Inside, the history of the brand (…) is told through the life and work of Dona Antónia Ferreira, in a journey that takes in the Douro region and its wines, highlighting the famous collection of Vintages, the oldest of which dates back to 1815,” reads its official website.
📍Av. de Ramos Pinto 70, Gaia
Calém Cellars
Founded in 1859, the Caves Calém are now one of the best known. What’s more, its space in Vila Nova de Gaia offers visitors a truly interactive experience.
You can visit the museum, opt for a guided tour and, of course, enjoy a good wine tasting. But there’s more. If you want to watch a good fado show, you can do so with a glass in your hand.
📍 Av. de Diogo Leite 344, Gaia
Poças Cellars
With over a century of history, Caves Poças was created by a Portuguese family and is still owned by them today.
Since then, the brand has cemented its place in the world of Port, with its tawnies standing out in particular.
At the moment, it is possible to take part in guided tours of the Poças cellars, immersing yourself in a real journey that includes sharing knowledge and wine tastings.
It should also be noted that Poças also produces Douro DOC wines.
📍Rua Visconde das Devesas 168, Vila Nova de Gaia
Ramos Pinto
This is one of the best-known cellars among Port lovers. Created by Adriano Ramos Pinto in 1880, it still stands out today as one of the most famous brands.
At the Ramos Pintos Visitors’ Center in Gaia, you can buy a ticket that will allow you to visit the Adriano Ramos Pinto Museum – which features advertising posters from the Belle Époque, tile panels and much more – the cellars and enjoy a tasting at the end.
Guided tours take place daily, but advance reservations are not accepted, so they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
📍 Av. de Ramos Pinto, 400
Taylor’s
Established in 1692, Taylor’s practically needs no introduction, as it is one of the oldest Port houses. With a unique history, you can visit the Taylor’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
According to the brand’s ownwebsite, the museum has been renovated and tells the story of Taylor’s and wine through an audio guide, available in 13 languages.
According to the same source, the cellar tour also includes:
- Films;
- Documentary material;
- Exhibitions;
- Paintings.
At the end, you get a wine tasting.
📍R. do Choupelo 250, Gaia
Real Companhia Velha
Founded in 1756, Real Companhia Velha has maintained its activity uninterrupted. Today, its name appears among the best Ports in the world. However, you can learn more about its centuries-old history on a visit to its Port Wine Cellars.
Alternatively, you could discover the “Museum of the 1st Demarcation” in Rua de Serpa Pinto. There, in the area, you can always take the opportunity to try Enoteca 17.5, a large space where you can eat and enjoy a good glass of wine with a panoramic view.
📍R. Azevedo Magalhães 314, Gaia
Sandeman Cellar Museum
It all began in 1790, when George Sandeman , a young Scotsman, convinced his father to invest in setting up a Port and Jerez (Spain) wine business.
It was worth the effort, because along with its longevity, it is also one of the most internationally recognized brands. Besides, who hasn’t noticed the figure of the man in the cape and black sombrero?
“The Sandeman Dog”, the brand image, was painted in the 1920s by George Massiot Brown, in an allusion to the black cape of the Coimbra students and the typical sombrero (hat) of Jerez.
That’s why, as you walk around the Sandeman Cellar Museum, you’ll certainly come across this figure, ready to explain the history of his wines. But the best part is at the end, tasting this nectar of the gods!
📍 Largo Miguel Bombarda 3, Gaia
Graham’s Port Wine Cellars
Graham’s Cellars are ideal for those who don’t like crowds, but that doesn’t mean they deserve any less attention.
Built in 1890 on a hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, this place has a breathtaking view over the Douro, the center of Porto and the emblematic D. Luíz I Bridge.
As well as the beautiful scenery, there are also more than 15,000 oak barrels here, some of which are more than a century old.
At the end of the day, you can always end your visit on a high note at Vinum, an excellent restaurant and wine bar waiting to be (re)discovered!
📍Rua do Agro 191, Gaia
Cockburn’s
It’s normal that, when you visit, you’ll always see someone working nearby. All because, as one of the largest Port wine warehouses in Gaia, there’s always something to do, even during visits.
This cellar is huge and very beautiful and, if you’re very lucky, you can also admire the cooper’s room in operation, with the staff repairing the barrels themselves.
At Cockburn’s you can do your tasting in a large room overlooking the cellar or outside on a comfortable terrace set up for this purpose. You can also opt for the Premium tasting in the John Smith room, which is more private and just as spectacular.
📍Rua Serpa Pinto 346 (on foot); Rua Dona Leonor de Freitas 225 (by car)
Editor’s note: the order presented here is random and this list is updated frequently.