The earth is round, greenhouse gases are heating our atmosphere and there is no better place for a port wine tasting experience than – well – Porto! Here are three fundamental truths and irrefutable facts no one can ever argue! However, if you’re no astronomer or scientist, rest assured you can still come to Porto and see for yourself how no other place in the world masters port wine quite like us.
HERE ARE THE TOP 3 PORT WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES IN PORTO
GOTA A GOTA WINE HOUSE
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
As an establishment whose core business is wine retail, Gota a Gota Wine House enjoys an expertise level that can hardly be matched. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice that the main area where the counter is located is completely surrounded by wooden shelves and wine racks, in what can be described as any wine lover’s wettest dream!
This wine house has two small separate seating areas. One by the front window where you can do some people-watching while catching some good old Vitamin D-filled sunlight, and another in the back of the store, in a darker and more secluded atmosphere, slightly reminiscent of a speakeasy. As for the port wine, you are free to choose whichever option you want from the dozens of references displayed, with Portal Fine Tawny and Portal Fine Ruby tastings available for as little as 3€/glass. If you find yourself indecisive amidst such a wide range of possibilities, don’t be shy and ask the manager – he’ll be happy to advise you on the best port wine to go along with those nice cheeses and smoked meats you just ordered! Gota a Gota Wine House is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 11am and 8pm.
Also: Book A Half-Day Port Wine Cellars & Cheese Tasting Tour (49€/person)
CAPELA INCOMUM
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Built inside a family’s private old chapel, Capela Incomum may grant you your wish of drinking inside a place of worship without having to go through celibacy. It looks like not only priests get to drink inside chapels after all! The superbly competent staff will make you feel comfortable and help you overcome some initial disbelief, as the church altar and original pulpit make for the most unusual drinking setting.
Although the menu includes salty snacks, cheese, toasts and bruschettas to go along with whatever you’re drinking, here wine is king! In fact, with every single glass of wine that you order, you are given an accompanying guide letting you know the beverage’s main features and how to enjoy it like a real pro (talk about customer service!). As for the port wine options, Capela Incomum holds a healthy partnership with premium producer Niepoort, and you can try the brand’s different port wine styles (ruby, tawny, dry white…) by the glass. By the end of the night, you’ll be thanking the heavens for this blessed experience – in Port Wine we trust. Capela Incomum is open from Monday to Saturday between 4pm and 2am.
THE WINE BOX
Photo courtesy of: The Wine Box
This small and somewhat hidden place just had to make our list! Not only is its location absolutely perfect – right next to the amazing Ribeira Quay – but also the decoration and service are spot on. The space feels rustic and intimate with dim cosy lights that perfectly complement a glass of wine (port wine can cost between 3€ and 10€ depending on your preferences).
The theme is also pretty obvious from the moment you set foot in this bar/restaurant: wine everywhere! From the wallpapers to the wine-related quotes of famous people written on the walls, everywhere you look will be a reminder of why you came here in the first place! And if all those reasons are not enough here’s a plus: The Wine Box ships their wine worldwide so you will never have to miss it ever again! The Wine Box is open every day from 09am to midnight, except on Tuesdays.
And this is it! Those are our top pics for your port wine tasting experiences in Porto. Let us know what you think on the comments bellow!
