The Best Places to try Port in Porto

The historic Ferreira Cellars is, without a doubt, one of the best places to try port wine in Porto. Produced for more than two centuries, it has become a famous brand, sold across the country as well as internationally. There’s nothing quite like tasting the semi-sweet ruby, white, or tawny blends inside the 260-year-old cellar where it all began – tours include tastings of two to five wines in addition to an educational briefing about the Douro region and an insight into the Ferreira family’s matriarch, Dona Antónia Ferreira.

Another historic port cellar is Taylor’s, founded in the late 1600s, and another fantastic spot to visit on your port wine tour through Porto. Tour the cellars, taste the wine, and set aside time to head to the grounds where you can continue your experience in the gardens (an iconic view of the city awaits). The tour includes the option for a digital audio guide to help interested visitors learn more about wine production and the Taylor brand.

Graham’s Port Lodge accepts guests by appointment, so be sure to call in advance because this is another traditional cellar that’s considered a “superstar” in the port wine industry. The cellar’s heritage goes back three centuries but the building itself became the home of Graham’s Port in 1890. One unique aspect of this location is that guests can see the wine-making process as it happens while walking through the rustic traditional 19th-century estate.

Sometimes, a little wine therapy is exactly what life prescribes and Terapia Wine Bar is considered one of the best spots in Porto. Just a short walk north from the Fontaínhas district and close to the Ribeira District, it is easy to reach yet away from the touristic center. In addition to wines from the Douro Valley, the Terapia Wine Bar also sells wine varieties produced in the Alentejo region.

Known as The House of Port Wine, Portologia offers port wines from both big names and small-scale producers, meaning you can sip your way through a well-rounded variety (just try not to drink so much that you get a headache). Located in the heartbeat of Porto known as the Ribeira District, it’s around the corner from the gardens of the Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique and near the iconic Ribeira Square.

Sample a variety of wines during a tasting at Gota a Gota Wine House, a shop-and-bar hybrid. As you sit at one of the many tables, surrounded by shelf upon shelf of national wines, relaxing music plays in the background adding to a soothing ambiance. Gota a Gota Wine House can be found just south of the Lapa metro stop, or a short walk north from Aliados.

Sit outside in this lovely open-air bar and enjoy the view of the Clérigos Tower, one of the city’s historic landmarks that looks like it came straight out of Harry Potter (remember the infamous Astronomy Tower?). Located in the middle of a garden (and in the middle of the city), this is an excellent spot to enjoy a glass of port wine, beer, or another drink during the day, perhaps while taking a break from sightseeing through the historic neighborhood, or just head over to catch a beautiful sunset.

Finally, Wine Quay Bar is a wine aficionados haven and located near the colorful and busy riverside – the view is spectacular. This is one of the more popular bars in the city and for good reason; not only is Wine Quay Bar a bright and lovely spot to sit and enjoy wine with Portuguese petiscos (similar to tapas) but the variety of flavors available has something for everyone. If you’re not sure which wine to try, let the staff know because they are skilled in matching tastes with the wine on offer.