Wine Tasting In Porto

Porto gave its name to one of the world's great fortified wines, and tasting Port in the city where the trade grew up is one of the most enjoyable things a visitor can do. The wine is not made in Porto itself. The grapes grow in the Douro valley, many kilometres inland, but for centuries the wine was shipped down the river and aged in warehouses on the south bank, in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the trade built the city's wealth. Many of the famous names, including Sandeman, Graham's, Taylor's, Cálem, Ferreira, Offley and Ramos Pinto, still keep lodges there.

The lodges are huge storehouses lined with barrels, and the cool, damp air of the Atlantic coast, which slows the ageing process, made Gaia an ideal place to mature the wine. Until the 1980s, the law required that Port be aged in Gaia, and although that rule has been relaxed, most of the big houses still age large stocks here. A visit generally follows a similar pattern: a guided tour through the cellars, with an explanation of how Port is made and aged, followed by a tasting in a lounge or tasting room. Most tours are available in several languages, last from forty-five minutes to an hour and a half, and cost a few euros for a basic tasting, with premium tastings available for older wines. Booking ahead is wise in summer, and some lodges close on Sundays.

The tasting offers a chance to compare styles. Ruby Port is young, fruity and deep red, aged briefly. Tawny is aged longer in barrel, taking on an amber colour and flavours of nuts, caramel and dried fruit. White Port, made from white grapes, is often drunk as an aperitif, and in summer, it is mixed with tonic water and mint into a long drink, which is popular in Porto. Late-bottled vintage and vintage Port are richer and more powerful, designed for longer ageing. Some houses also offer pairings with cheese or chocolate, blending workshops, or visits that include a view of the Porto skyline from a terrace.

Besides the lodges, there are other ways to taste. In the city itself, wine bars and shops offer Port and Douro table wines, with staff who can guide you through a flight. A garden bar near the Crystal Palace Gardens, the Solar do Vinho do Porto, holds an extensive list of Ports, which can be sampled by the glass in a pleasant setting. For those with more time, day tours go to the Douro valley itself, where estates offer tastings among the vineyards.

Remember that Port is strong, usually around twenty per cent alcohol, so pace yourself and drink water. The lodges are on the south bank, an easy walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge. The experience suits wine lovers and curious beginners alike.