If you’re dreaming of exploring Porto through its most iconic drink, a Port Wine Tour in Porto is a must. And there’s no better way to do it than with the Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour, one of the city’s oldest Port Wine tours, led by a WSET-certified guide, and featured as a top pick for Porto food tours by Lonely Planet, The Guardian, and Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.

Are You Ready to Go Port Wine Tasting in Porto?

Before you dive in, here are a few essentials every first-time visitor should know:

• Port is a dessert wine, not something to pair with your main course. Many travelers make the rookie mistake of ordering it with their first meal. Trust us, Francesinha and Port wine do not mix well.
• Also, there are no wineries in Porto itself. The Port wine cellars are actually located across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia — just a short walk over the Dom Luís I Bridge or a quick taxi ride away.
• The Port wine is actually produced in the countryside, in the Douro Valley region. A visit to the Douro Valley can be magical, and we cover that in more detail in this blog post.

Why a Port Wine Tour in Porto Is a Must-Do

Port wine is history in a glass. Perfected over generations, it carries centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. Unlike regular wine, Port wine — or simply “port” — is a fortified, sweet wine. It is born in the breathtaking Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions, before making its way to Vila Nova de Gaia, where it quietly matures in massive wooden casks by the river.

A Port Wine Tour in Porto lets you explore that history firsthand, while tasting the flavors that made Porto and the Douro Valley famous worldwide.

Port comes in many varieties: ruby, tawny, and even white, which is perfect for the local favorite Porto Tónico — a refreshing Port cocktail. Traditionally enjoyed after dinner as a digestif, port pairs beautifully with dessert, fruit, or chocolate.

Is a Port Wine Tour in Porto Worth It?

Absolutely! On the Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour, you will:

• Find out how Port wine differs from regular wine;
• Combine Port wine tasting with traditional Portuguese food;
• Rediscover dishes and flavors that nearly vanished but are now back in full glory;
• Visit traditional, time-honored spots in Porto’s historic districts — places we’ve been going to since childhood, hand in hand with our parents and grandparents;
• Learn the subtleties of Port wine in a private mini-masterclass led by a WSET-certified tour guide.

As you can see, this isn’t just a tasting. It’s a rich cultural journey, perfect for travelers who want to experience Porto through both its gastronomy and history.

What Makes the Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour Unique

We call this our “old school tour” because it’s all about places and flavors that once slipped out of fashion but are now making a comeback. From the bustling Bolhão Market to the city’s charming hidden corners, this tour is a journey down memory lane in Porto, where we share our collective memories as locals — and, of course, a Port wine session is not to be missed!

Tour Highlights

• Bolhão Wine House with Hugo: We stop at our partner Hugo at Bolhão Wine House during the tour, but we don’t try Port there. Hugo is a passionate wine enthusiast and the perfect person to give you a deeper dive into Porto’s wine culture, helping you appreciate the Port wine session that follows even more.
  
• Garrafeira (Portuguese for wine shop): The mini Port wine masterclass happens here in a small, intimate wine shop. Brazilian sommelier Oli has been our partner since 2020, when he opened his shop, serving small-scale, artisanal wines near the end point of our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour.
  
• Prova Wine Bar: in our opinion, the best wine bar in town. Diogo has been a friend and partner for many years, and his bar is so cool! He works only with small-scale producers and he serves their products in an intimate, cool, jazzy bar. His sidekick João is just the sweetest and he knows SOOOO much! This wine bar is closer to the river and it’s open from Thursday to Monday, from 5.00 PM to 1.00 AM. Walk-ins are totally fine.

While our Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour doesn’t include a visit to a large Port wine cellar, we’re happy to guide you there on a Private Custom Tour of Porto or point you toward nearby cellars to continue your Port adventure.

After the Tour: Explore Port Wine Cellars Across the River

Doing a guided tasting of smaller-scale wines with a specialist is precious, but you still need to go to the cellars and smell that ambiance, see the big vats, and hear how the wine becomes Port there. We think both activities complement each other. There are 24 wine cellars to choose from, but here are our favorites:

• Graham’s: for the view! It’s further out so fewer people make the effort to go, which means it’s quiet. It has the best view of Porto, the river and the bridge, and the balcony outside is perfect for one of their chilled white Ports, or a Port tonic (signature cocktail of the city).
  
• Ferreira: for the story! It was the only brand ever owned by a woman. D. Antónia, aka Ferreirinha, was an amazing woman and she was always pressured to sell, because she was “just a woman”. So she built a freaking empire! Very beloved brand by the Portuguese in general. It’s a classic, you know?
  
• Kopke: for price/quality ratio! IT IS NOT A CELLAR, so you won’t see the big vats, BUT it’s the oldest Port wine brand and this place, which has always been a wine store, offers the best price/quality tastes of all the places on the other side of the river.
  
• Cockburn’s: for the workshop! It’s the only cellar where you can still see the casks being produced. It’s very interesting and good fun!

Combining smaller, guided tastings with a visit to these iconic cellars gives you a comprehensive understanding of Port’s production, history, and flavors.

Why Book Your Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour in Porto Today

Guests consistently praise the blend of nostalgia, discovery, and expert knowledge offered on this tour. By joining, you’ll:

• Dive deep into Porto’s heritage through food and wine;
• Gain insider knowledge from passionate local sommeliers;
• Experience a private Port wine masterclass that transforms your understanding of the drink.

Renowned travelers like Rick Steves and Anthony Bourdain have raved about our tours. Reserve your spot on the Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour Today — a tour as intimate as it is unforgettable.

Thinking About the Douro Wine Region?

The Douro Valley is located about 75–100 km (47–62 miles) east of Porto, roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive. You can also take the train from Porto — the views along the way are breathtaking. In fact, the entire landscape is stunning, and tasting Port right at the source is truly special. If you have more time, consider a day trip or a weekend getaway to experience the valley’s UNESCO World Heritage vineyards.

With love,
Your Foodie Friends in Porto