Porto Wine Tours & Tastings : Best Wineries to visit

Taking a cellar tour in Porto means diving into the heart of a region recognized worldwide for its exceptional port wines. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, just after Lisbon. It is located in the north of Portugal, in the Douro wine region.

Port wine is distinguished by its unique method of winemaking, where fermentation is interrupted by the addition of brandy, a practice initiated in the 17th century to stabilize wines during long boat journeys. Discover this fascinating history during your wine tours in Porto. You will discover historic estates and meet passionate winegrowers, ready to share their know-how and the secrets of their prestigious wines.

By visiting the Port cellars, you will have the opportunity to taste unique wines straight from the source, while exploring the authenticity and cultural richness of the city. It is an immersive experience that combines pleasure of the senses and heritage discovery, making each visit unforgettable.

The Port Wine Estates, located in the Douro region of Portugal, are famous for their Port wines, but also produce a variety of other quality wines.

Here is an overview of the main types of wine produced in this region:

Port wines:

• Ruby Port: A young and fruity wine, aged in barrels for 2 to 3 years. It is distinguished by a ruby red color and intense aromas of red fruits.
• Tawny Port: Aged in oak barrels, often between 3 and 40 years. Its amber color hides aromas of dried fruits, caramel and nuts.
• Vintage Port: An exceptional wine from a single year of particularly good harvest. First aged in barrels for 2 to 3 years, then in bottle for several decades, it develops complex aromas of black fruits, chocolate and spices.
• Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port: Similar to Vintage Port, but this one ages in barrels for 4-6 years before being bottled. It is ready to drink as soon as it is released, and offers aromas of ripe black fruits and spices.
• White Port: Produced from white grape varieties, this wine has aromas of stone fruit, honey and sometimes hazelnut. It can be dry, semi-dry or sweet.

Douro wines:

The Douro wine region, where Port is produced, is characterized by shale and granite soils, influencing the unique profile of its wines. Immerse yourself in the geological and wine history of this exceptional region during your visit.

• Douro Red (Tinto): Dry red wines made from grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. These wines are often full-bodied, with aromas of black fruits, plum, tobacco and chocolate.
• Douro Blanc (Branco): Dry white wines produced from grape varieties such as Rabigato, Viosinho and Gouveio. They have aromas of tropical fruits, citrus and white flowers, with a nice acidity.
• Douro Rosé: This rosé wine is fresh and fruity, with aromas of strawberry, raspberry and citrus. It is becoming more and more popular over time.
• Moscatel do Douro: A fortified sweet wine produced from Muscat grapes. It is aromatic, with notes of fresh grapes, orange blossom and honey.

The Porto region is rich in oenological experiences, don't miss out on discovering this unique wine heritage with Winalist!

Spend a weekend in Porto and discover the heart of the Douro wine region. The Portugal wine map lets you locate the best wine tours around Porto easily! Enjoy guided tours with passionate winegrowers, who will be keen to share their know-how and their love of the terroir with you. Soak up the authentic ambiance of Bolhão's local markets and savor Portuguese cuisine in traditional restaurants such as A Grade or Taberna dos Mercadores.

For those wanting to combine pleasure and culture, end your day by strolling the city's charming historic streets, such as the unmissable Calle das Flores. It's impossible not to mention the Dom Luís I bridge and the Ribeira, one of the city's key tourist attractions.

Porto is located in the northwest of Portugal along the Atlantic coast, Porto is the second-largest city in the country. The city is renowned as a major cultural and economic hub. There are many historical places to discover, and, of course, its world-famous port wine.

The proximity of Porto with the Atlantic Ocean and the river Duoro have shaped a rich maritime culture. During the XVth and XVIth centuries, the city was a strategic place with the global exploration of the world, which has made the city really popular for trades, shipbuilding and exploration. If you want to visit beautiful cultural spots, we highly recommend you to visit the 12th-century Porto Cathedral and the grand São Bento Railway Station.

Just across the river from Porto lies Vila Nova de Gaia, the heart of the port wine industry. Here, you can visit numerous wine cellars that have been aging and producing port wine for centuries. A Porto wine tour of these cellars, followed by a tasting session, is a must-do experience to discover the deep connection between the city and its celebrated wine.

The city is well-connected by train, road, and air, making it easily accessible from other parts of Portugal and Europe. Porto offers a rich and diverse experience that captures the essence of Portuguese culture.

• Churchill’s Porto with an average rating of 4.7 among 51 reviews.
• WOW - The Best Cultural District with an average rating of 4.7 among 30 reviews.
• Fonseca Port Wine Cellar with an average rating of 4.7 among 30 reviews.

• The duration of the experience: The longer the visit and tasting, the higher the cost.
• The type of visit: Visit to a cellar, wine estate, or distillery.
• The presence of a guide: A tour guided by an expert, especially over a half or full day, can increase the price.
• Services included: Premium tastings, number of wines tasted, and additional activities such as wine workshops or meals.