There’s no way around it: in Porto, port wine is king. But be that as it may, there’s no reason why one should stick only to port wine when the city has so many amazing places where you can enjoy exquisite wine tasting experiences. Think of the Francesinha. Yes, it might be our signature dish, but no one in their right state of mind would eat one for every meal, right? Diversity is the key word here, which is why you should look out for these places if you’re on the search for a wine tasting experience in Porto.
WHERE TO GO WINE TASTING IN PORTO
WINE QUAY BAR
Photo by: Leonel Castro
Located right next to the colourful Ribeira Quay, there’s no chance you’ll ever drink wine while enjoying a more glorious view. It opened back in 2012 as the very first dedicated wine bar in the city, and it has been collecting awards, nominations and accolades ever since. Once here, choosing is probably the trickiest part, as there are over 50 options for you to enjoy by the glass, but you can always rely on the staff’s suggestions – they definitely know what they’re doing! If you enjoyed a wine so badly that you can’t wait to get your hands on a bottle and take it home, rest assured you can buy it next door on the Quay Market, a small shop managed by the same owners. Wine Quay Bar is open from Monday to Saturday between 4pm and 11pm.
READ ALSO: Top 3 Port wine tasting experiences of Porto
ALSO: Book A Wine Tasting Tour (29,90€/Person)
BASE PORTO BAR
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Base is a living symbol of how much the city centre has developed in recent years. Not so long ago, the thriving area where it’s located was nothing but an abandoned pile of concrete, the result of a failed shopping centre investment. But now? Things haven’t looked brighter! Built on the upper platform of the Passeio dos Clérigos, in a green area with amazing views of the Clérigos Tower, it’s a drinking hot spot for long sunny days or warm Summer nights. With a menu composed of several different red, white, verde and rosé wines by the glass (along with sangria, beer, gin and cocktails), it’s an awesome place to relax and enjoy a drink in the outdoors. Base Porto Bar is open every day between 10am and 2am.
READ ALSO: 10 Porto bars with terrace you need to go to with friends for your birthday
ALSO: Book A Private Wine and Tapas Tour (35€/person)
CAVES POÇAS
Photo by: João Ferrand
There is certainly no shortage of wine cellars to tour when visiting Porto, but while most of them are exclusively dedicated to port wine, Caves Poças also offers an insight into the production of top-quality table wines from the Alto Douro Wine Region. Also, what sets this wine cellar apart from the rest, is the fact that it’s still in operation and is not used solely as a museum of sorts. That means you might actually see the cellar’s workers doing their job on your tour! As usual, you’ll cap off your visit with a tasting sample, and although you might be tempted by their ports, we recommend that you give it a go at their Douro DOC Wines. Tours cost 6,50€, and are available every day between 10am and 8pm between May and September and 10am to 5:30pm between October and April.
PÁTEO DAS FLORES
Photo courtesy of: Páteo das Flores
With so much drinking going on, one must not forget to ingest some solid calories! That being said, if you’re looking for a place where to wine and dine, Páteo das Flores has to be your number one contender for the night. Located along one of the city’s prettiest and most popular streets, this restaurant features an extensive (100 plus) wine list that will have you doubting your otherwise unwavering choice-making capabilities. In order to soak up all of that precious booze in your stomach, make sure to order some of their tapas or – should you feel particularly hungrier – one of the mains. Páteo das Flores is open every day between 12:00pm and 11h30pm.
What do you think of our suggestions? Which places would you add up to our list? Let us know on the comments section!
