Here's a sneak peek at some of the most famous wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Enjoy guided tours and wine tastings on the south bank of the River Douro, opposite the city of Porto, in the Upper Douro region.
Andresen - founded in 1845 by Dane Jan Heinrich Andresen; sold in 1942 to Albino Pereira dos Santos; independent and 100% family-owned; specialist in top-of-the-range wines, in particular oak-aged Tawnies and very rare white Ports; the chais are not open to the public.
Burmester - founded in 1750 by Henry Burmester and John Nash. Guided tour of the winery for €16, with tasting of 2 ports; located at the foot of the magnificent Dom Luis I bridge.
Cálem - founded in 1859; produces 8 million litres a year; €17 for the interactive tour with 5D film followed by a tasting of 2 different wines. Various options are available online, including an evening visit with a fado concert.
Churchill's - winery created recently, in 1981, by John Graham (a member of the family that owns another Porto wine brand of the same name); production of 500,000 bottles a year; tours of the cellars by prior booking only.
Cockburn's - 20€ for a tour of the cellars and the barrel repair workshop + tasting of 3 cuvées (Cockburn's Special Reserve, LBD, Tawny 10 year old).
Ferreira - house founded in 1751, museum dedicated to the famous Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (1811-1896), a businesswoman pioneered for her leadership in viticulture and for the oenological innovations she brought to Portugal. Several tour options available online.
Porto Cruz - founded by a Frenchman, Jean Cayard; creator of Porto Rosé; the best-selling Porto brand in the world; the cellars are not open to the public, but you can discover the history of the brand at the 5-floor Espace Porto Cruz (virtual tours, tastings, restaurant, 360º lounge terrace bar for Porto cocktails).
Quinta do Bom Dia - established in 1846, 5th family generation, 25-hectare domaine, traditional production techniques. Online booking available.
Sandeman - founded in 1790 by the Scotsman George Sandeman, the brand is easily recognisable by its world-famous logo, which shows The Don in a black cape (a reference to students) and a large black hat, holding a glass of Porto in his hand. Cost €19 for a visit and a tasting of 3 different wines.
Taylor's - visit to the chai + museum with audio guide + tasting of 2 vintages of Taylor's Chip Dry White Port and Taylor's vintage 2018 (all included €20).
🎒💡Want to discover the city of Porto? Read : 👉🏽 48 hours in Porto: the must-sees