To help you decide which are the best Port wine cellars in Porto, I made the selfless sacrifice of setting out to visit all of the Port wine cellars across the river from Porto while taking ample notes of my experience (between sips of Port, of course).
Not everyone is aware of the connection between the city of Porto and Port wine before their first visit, but once arriving to this homey metropolis nestled on a hill between the Douro River and the Atlantic sea, there’s no avoiding the importance of this sweet, fortified wine for centuries past up until today.
A trip to Porto would be incomplete without taking a stroll across the Luís I Bridge for a tour and wine tasting at one (or more!) of the many Port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most delicious and rewarding things to do in Porto.
But how do you choose which one to visit? There are over a dozen options to choose from, and each one has wonderful wine to taste and impressive cellars stacked with hundreds of barrels to see.
No need to fear. Your friendly wine expert is here. No matter if you’re a complete beginner to the world of wine or can distinguish a Pinot from a Primitivo, there’s plenty for you to enjoy during a Port wine tour in Porto.
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
1 – Cálem
Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 (1613 reviews)
“The Fado show was absolutely fantastic.” Akvile, Getyourguide
The Cálem Cellars and Fado Show is certainly a crowd favorite among visitors to Porto. Not only do you get to take a tour of the Cálem Cellars where they store and age millions of liters of Port wine, but you also get to sample two glasses of their Port while enjoying a live show of Fado music.
Before your tour starts, you can enjoy a modern Port wine museum in the waiting area. During the tour, you’ll also be treated to innovative installations that help demonstrate the capacity and functionality of the large vats and barrels.
Our review
Although Cálem Cellar tours are not the most exclusive experience with group sizes of up to 45 people, the guide will give you a comprehensive overview of how the different styles of Port wine are made.
This is a perfect introduction for those just discovering Port wine, and the fado show during the tasting makes for a complete Portuguese experience at an excellent price.
2 – Cockburn’s Port Lodge
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (1180 reviews)
“Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and found the story of Cockburn port absolutely fascinating.” Anne, Civitatis
Cockburn’s Lodge is one of the most unique Port wine cellars that you can visit in Porto for two reasons. First, it’s the largest in the area, with over 10 million liters of wine aged in hundreds of wooden vats and barrels. Second, it’s the only one with an on-site cooperage, where you can witness the coopers in action repairing barrels and fixing vats.
Each tour is the same, but the difference in ticket price determines how premium your wine and tasting room will be and whether it will be paired with cheese or chocolate.
Our review
The Cockburn’s Lodge is one of the most impressive and authentic Port wine cellars you can visit. The facility is not only the largest in the city but also features a grand cobblestoned hallway that makes an impact when you suddenly turn a corner and face the seemingly endless rows of wooden vats and barrels.
3 – Graham’s Port Lodge
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (251 reviews)
“The views of Porto from the winery are incredible.” María José, Civitatis
Graham’s Port Lodge is one of the most internationally recognizable Port wine brands and an official Port supplier to the British royal family. Graham’s distinguished cellar and tasting rooms reflect the refined style of the stereotypically elegant English gentleman.
Whether you choose to indulge in their entry-level Ports in the main tasting room or treat yourself to a premium selection in the VIP Vintage Room, you’ll gain an appreciation of how Graham’s Port wine has consistently stood out from the pack since the early 19th century.
Our review
Graham’s and Cockburn’s are both owned and operated by the same family, Symington Family Estates, so there may be some overlap of information in the tours. However, the two brands and lodges couldn’t be more different.
Whereas Cockburn’s provides a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of the cooperage, Graham’s tasting room offers impeccable views over Porto and the riverside that are simply breathtaking.
4 – Burmester Winery
Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 (731 reviews)
“Very nice place, cozy, the guide was very professional.” María, Civitatis
Burmester Cellars was first established in 1750, making it one of the oldest Port wine houses you can visit in Vila Nova de Gaia. You can choose from three types of tours, where you’ll sample two to three types of Port wine and maybe even pair them with chocolate!
Children are welcome but aren’t allowed to sample the wine, of course. Visitors 17 and under only pay half-price admission, and kids five and under can join the tour for free. Get ready to step back in time to see winemaking methods that have hardly changed since the 18th century.
Our review
Burmester is the only Port wine cellar along the riverside set east of the Dom Luís I bridge. A highlight of the tour is an outdoor space where you can take advantage of Burmester’s location for a unique photo op with the other side of the bridge as a background. (Unfortunately, it was raining heavily during our visit, so we couldn’t do this ourselves.)
This tour is slightly shorter than others, both in terms of time and distance, so it’s a good option if you have impatient little ones or less mobile older ones in your group. Burmester is also one of the only houses with a German co-founder, which is another reason to visit if you have German roots.
5 – Quevedo
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (156 reviews)
“Excellent value for money, great guide and the port was also excellent.” Stefan, Getyourguide
Quevedo is one of the new kids on the block compared to the other Port wine houses, as the Quevedo brand is younger than most of the visitors who come to their tasting room, having been established in 1993.
However, the winemaking traditions of the Quevedo family go back over five generations, and this expertise is evident in the quality of their Port wine. Although there are no Quevedo cellars to visit in Porto, there’s a beautiful two-story tasting room to try not only Port wine but also dry red and white wines — and even a housemade gin.
Our review
Quevedo’s wine specialist, Michael, was a gracious host for the Port wine tasting — paired with cheese and chocolate, which I highly recommend. The low-key vibes of the space make it easy to feel comfortable and relaxed without the overly formal and rigid structure you might come across in other tastings. The aged white Ports are an uncommon style you must try while there.
6 – Taylor’s Lodge
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
“This was a great outing. The personal touch of the tour guide and the meal we had was excellent.” Barry, Viator
Taylor’s is one of the preeminent names in Port wine and one of two official suppliers to the British royal family. Taylor’s Lodge cellar tours are unique for two main factors — they’re self-guided and no pre-booking is necessary.
However, for a truly special afternoon, you can have an experienced guide chauffeur you to the seaside in Matosinhos for a seafood lunch followed by a visit to Taylor’s for a Port wine tasting.
Our review
At first, I was suspicious about the self-guided nature of the cellar tour, but my suspicions were soon alleviated. It was liberating to have the freedom to skip information I already knew and focus on the parts that were most interesting to me. Being able to control the pace of the tour is also a major benefit, especially for those on a tight schedule.
7 – Real Companhia Velha
Rating: ⭐️ 3.9/5 (570 reviews)
“Good value for money. Nice quick city tour.” Bernard, Getyourguide
Kick your feet up and settle in for a magic train ride around the enchanted city of Porto. Hop in at Sé Cathedral and be whisked across the Don Luís I bridge to the headquarters of one of the oldest Port wine brands — Real Companhia Velha.
After tasting two glasses of Port wine, jump back on the train and cross back over the river for a sightseeing tour of all the must-see spots in the historic center of Porto, including Clerigos Tower and the well-known Lello Bookshop.
Our review
This is a great budget option, especially if you’re traveling with little ones who may not be up for walking up and down the hills of Porto all day. The main downside is that at Real Companhia Velha, you taste Port wines in their welcome area but don’t visit where the wine is aged in vats and barrels.
8 – Caves Poças
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (104 reviews)
“Small group, quite informal. Thoroughly enjoyed it.” Benjamin, Tiqets
Poças is one of the rare stories of a Port wine house that was founded and remains in the hands of one Portuguese family. On a tour of its cellars, you can learn more about this unique family history and the brand’s success over the centuries.
Poças Cellars offers seasonal wine-tasting menus where you can focus on dry red and white wines, Port wines or a mixture of them all.
Our review
Poças Cellars is a great place to visit for a Port wine tour and wine tasting not only for the beauty of its tasting room but also for the fact that you can enjoy tastings that offer a selection of their dry wines and Ports, especially appealing for those who don’t have much of a sweet tooth.
9 – Fonseca Cellars
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (57 reviews)
“Plenty of food and wine and an excellent fado singer. Beautiful dinner setting with candle lights.” Michael, Getyourguide
Fonseca wines are one of the most well-known Port brands in the world, particularly in the United States and Canada. On a visit to their cellars, you can sample some of their best vintage ports and see first-hand where they age their acclaimed Fonseca Bin nº27.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Taylor’s and the WOW museum, it’s easy to find. Consider stopping by Fonseca Port Cellars on a Saturday evening to take advantage of their newest program — a guided tour followed by dinner and a fado show.
Our review
The main draw of this Fonseca tour is the delectable 3-course meal included with the visit and wine tasting. The fado shows in the other cellars only allow you to sip on a glass of Port, but at this time of the early evening, it makes perfect sense to combine a dinner with the show.
10 – Kopke Cellars
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (99 reviews)
“The tour was intimate and a lovely way to experience the city [at] some unique spots off the beaten path.” Caroline, Viator
Billing itself as the oldest Port wine brand, Kopke was founded way back in 1638, making it the pioneer in shipping Port wine internationally. Your guide will reveal how the city was back then and much earlier to its founding, pre-dating Roman times.
Your guide from C&D Porto Local Tours will ensure that your mind is full of engaging stories, your eyes are overwhelmed by beautiful views, and your palate is drenched in the sweet nectar of Port wine.
Our review
This tour is a good choice if you’re interested in sightseeing and learning about the history of Porto more than wine tasting, as the Port wine portion of the tour will only be about one-fourth of the experience.
11 – Sandeman Port Wine Cellars
Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 (589 reviews)
“The tour, history, and tasting were excellent. A very knowledgeable guide.” Steve, Tripadvisor
Sandeman is responsible for what must be the most iconic visual symbol of Port wine — the caped Zorro-like figure known as the Don. Sandeman introduced this image in the early 20th century, which has since been featured on countless ads and billboards worldwide.
On a guided tour of the Sandeman Port Wine Cellars, you can follow the Don (yes, the guide wears a wide-brimmed hat and cape) to learn more about the history of the brand and see where Sandeman ages and stores its many, many liters of Port wine.
Our review
Although not as exclusive as some of the cellar tours described above, Sandeman offers an array of high-quality tours and tastings making it one of the best options among the cellars situated along the riverside.
12 – Ramos Pinto Lodge & Visitor Center
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (969 reviews)
“Informative tour (fun facts and not at all boring!). Fantastic port to taste. Well worth a visit!” Lainey, TripAdvisor
Ramos Pinto is one of the few Port wine houses with a Portuguese name, as most of the branding and international export has been handled by non-Portuguese shipping companies, most commonly run and founded by British and Dutch families.
Another factor that makes Ramos Pinto unique is their strong market presence in Brazil, so don’t be surprised if you’re unfamiliar with the brand. Consider pairing your tour and tasting with a visit to Casa São Roque — the former residence of António Ramos Pinto.
Our review
The brand’s founder, Adriano Ramos Pinto, studied art in Porto before entering the wine industry and was a pioneer in the marketing of Port wine. His influence is clear to this day, as you can appreciate when viewing the elegant labeling and adverts for Ramos Pinto Port in their museum.
13 – Vasconcellos
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (271 reviews)
“Learnt a lot and tasted some great wines.” Peter. TripAdvisor
Vasconcellos is not one of the most recognizable Port wine brands outside Portugal. However, domestically, it has maintained a reputation for quality since the late nineteenth century.
Located halfway between the cellars of Cálem and Ferreira, this smaller producer offers tastings with a view of Porto across the river. Although you can try all different styles of Port, the showcase wine is certainly the 80-year-old tawny.
Our review
Although I haven’t yet had the possibility to visit Vasconcellos in person, according to the reviews, most people love it, but there’s a vocal minority who didn’t have the best experience. There’s a sense that things function off-script here, which some find authentic and endearing while others find it confusing and dishonest.
Best Port Wine Cellar Tours in Porto
Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “One Port wine cellar isn’t enough. Give me more! More!” If so, I don’t blame you. I’ve been there myself. No need to fear. The right tour is here.
There are plenty of Port wine cellar tours that’ll take you to several spots and even throw into the mix a rooftop bar or typical restaurant. Check out my personally curated list below for the ones I think are the best of the best.
If you’re looking for tours that go beyond the Port wine cellars, like a day trip into the Douro Valley or a tasting of dry wines, you can refer to a separate list of the best wine tours and tastings in Porto.
1 – Living Tours Porto City Tour & Port Wine Tasting
Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 (573 reviews)
“Very good guide, very friendly and very knowledgeable.” Catherine, Civitatis.
Living Tours organizes the perfect budget option if you’re interested in combining a guided walking tour around Porto’s historic center with bus transportation across the river to a Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.
After meeting at São Bento train station, you’ll explore Sé Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, and the Lello Bookshop before hopping on the bus and capping off your tour with a Port wine tasting at one of the historic Port wine lodges with views over the Douro River.
Our review
This tour is great for all ages as the bus transport eliminates the need to trek up the steep hills in downtown Porto, which may prove too much of a challenge for younger or older guests. Tick off a good number of must-see attractions and must-do activities in just a few fun-filled hours.
2 – Port & Douro Wine Tastings at Cálem, Churchill’s & Quinta de Noval
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (564 reviews)
“Amazing guide, great wines, strongly recommend.” Marta, Getyourguide
If you want to try some non-sweet Douro wines along with some Port, this is the tour for you. Enjoy a total of 10 tastings at three different wine cellars while learning about the history of producing fortified and non-fortified wines in the Douro Valley.
You’ll meet your guide along the riverside of the Cais de Gaia and then stroll around the cobblestone alleyways from one wine cellar to the next to sample the best Port and Douro wines that each one has to offer.
Our review
Without a doubt, you get plenty of bang for your buck with this tour as far as wine tasting goes. The chance to try ten different wines in just a few hours is a challenge that most wine lovers would happily accept. This is also a good option if someone in your party stubbornly opposes sweet wines, as traditional robust red wines are also on the menu.
3 – Seven Tastings at Three Port Wine Cellars
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1046 reviews)
“Absolutely love this tour, so much so this is my second time doing it.” Ricardo, Viator
Porto Walkers operates this whirlwind half-day walking tour to three different Port wine houses, where you’ll try seven glasses of this delectable fortified wine. Your guide will typically take you to Cálem Cellars, the Porto Cruz rooftop bar and the Vasques de Carvalho wine bar and shop, all overlooking the Douro River.
At each Port wine cellar, you’ll have the chance to sample two to three Port wines and shop for bottles and other souvenirs to take back home with you, all while enjoying the scenic views on the cobblestone streets and rooftops of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Our review
This tour lets you experience some of the best views of Porto from the Cais de Gaia while tasting and exploring three of the most well-known Port houses in the area. If you’re not afraid of a little walking, you can make the most of this comprehensive, half-day tour.
4 – Sunset Walking Tour & Rooftop Port Wine Tasting
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)
“Insight into the real Porto of locals […] I came away with some amazing tips for restaurants!” Sarah, Getyourguide
This is the perfect tour for rooftop bar lovers and for those who want to combine a Porto walking tour with visits to some of the most scenic views over the city from both sides of the river.
Although this tour doesn’t include a visit to any of the Port wine cellars, it’s a great option if you’ve already done a cellar tour or if you want to take full advantage of a sunny Portuguese afternoon.
Our review
Although this tour doesn’t stop at any of the Port wine cellars, it’s a wonderful option for those who can’t get enough of rooftop bars and would enjoy sampling Port wines in the sunshine and fresh air overlooking this picturesque city at the golden hour.
5 – Candlelight Concerts at Ferreira Cellars
Rating: ⭐️ 4.1/5 (495 reviews)
“The cellars are absolutely extraordinary and are rich with history dating back 100+ years.” Michelle, TripAdvisor
Ferreira is the second-to-last Port wine cellar along the riverside if you’re walking west from the Dom Luís I Bridge. They offer eight different tickets for tastings and tours, including one which is quite different — a combo ticket with the contemporary art museum, Serralves.
Ferreira Cellars has a grand entryway to host events and activities. One of the most romantic and enchanting of these are the Candlelight Concerts. If you happen to be visiting Porto at the same time that Ferreira hosts one of these concerts, make sure not to miss it.
Our review
Ferreira and Sandeman are both under the same parent company, Sogrape, so the design of their tours and tastings are similar with each one adapting to the unique history and styles of the cellar. If I had to choose only one to visit, it would be a tasting at Sandeman followed by a Candlelight Concert at Ferreira.
How to book Port wine cellar tours in Porto online?
It’s easy to book Port wine cellar tours in Porto online. In fact, most of the Port wine cellars require a reservation and cannot accommodate walk-ins. All you need to do is click on the appropriate link in one of the tour descriptions above or follow the link below to compare all the Port wine cellar tours in one place.
As we conclude our journey through Porto’s iconic wine cellars, let’s raise a glass to the wider world of Portuguese wines, inviting both connoisseurs and curious travelers to explore further the depth and diversity that Portugal’s wine regions have to offer.