Port Wine Cellars

Visiting the Port wine cellars is one of the most essential things to do in Porto. While the city gives the wine its name, most of the historic cellars are actually located across the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia.

This location is not accidental. Port wine was traditionally transported down the Douro River from the vineyards in the Douro Valley (which you can visit) by boat, and Gaia became a strategic point for storage, just before reaching the river’s mouth. From here, in a city historically linked to trade and literally named Porto (meaning “port”), the wine could be easily exported after aging and commercialization.

Today, these historic cellars remain one of the best places to understand the story behind Port wine, combining tradition, history, and tasting experiences in one unique area.

Visiting the Port wine cellars in Porto: Tours and Tastings

Let's be honest: a tour that combines history and local traditions with the wonderful aroma of wine—and a tasting at the end—is exactly the kind of “historical tour” we all dream of..

Most Port wine cellars offer guided tours where you’ll learn about the full winemaking process, from grape to barrel, while walking through historic aging rooms. Visits usually end with a tasting of two or three different Ports. Tours are generally affordable and available in multiple languages, and it’s best to book in advance to secure your preferred time or even a place.

Most cellars have shops where you can buy bottles and wine-related souvenirs.

Best Port Wine Cellars to Visit in Vila Nova de Gaia

The truth is that all of these vila nova de gaia wine cellars are beautiful, interesting and with a wonderful product. So you really don't need to give it too much thought when choosing the best port wine cellars porto has to offer. And if you can, visit more than one.

Book a visit with tasting

Poças

A family business with more than 100 years of history, but with a young spirit. They have a newly renovated visitor center. We recommend visiting them to get to know a more modern approach of port wine. Their visitor center is a bit away from the river (approximately a 20 min walk). Nevertheless, it’s worth the effort because it tends to be not as crowded as the ones by the river front. Thus, you will be in a relaxed atmosphere to appreciate one of the best port wines.

Book a visit here

Calém

is one of the classic wineries and one of the first you find when crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge. It has a small interactive museum that you can walk around while waiting for your guided tour. Its a popular option combining wine and culture, as some visits include live fado performances. It’s a more touristic experience, but still enjoyable if you want something complete.

Book a visit here (here for the wine and Fado visit)

Sandeman Tours

A classic and well located winery in a 1797 building. One of the most iconic Port wine brands, easily recognizable by its famous caped figure logo. The guided tours are well-organized and informative, making it a great introduction to Port wine for first-time visitors.

Taylor’s Port

Taylor’s is one of the oldest and most prestigious Port wine houses, known for its high-quality tawny and vintage ports. The visit is often self-guided with an audio tour, and the gardens overlooking Porto are a highlight.

Book a visit here

Burmester Wine Cellars

Burmester is one of the oldest Port wine houses, founded in the 18th century, and stands out for its elegant and less crowded atmosphere. Located right next to the Dom Luís I Bridge on the Gaia side, it offers a more relaxed experience compared to some of the bigger names, with a strong focus on tradition and well-balanced wines.

Book a visit here

Graham's Port Lodge

Graham’s is located slightly uphill, away from the busiest riverside area, which gives it a more exclusive and relax atmosphere. It’s known for its premium Ports and one of the best views over Porto, especially from its terrace and restaurant.

Book a visit here

Cockburn's Cellars

Cockburn’s offers one of the most authentic and immersive experiences in Gaia, as it houses the largest wine cellar in the historic area. During the visit, you can often see coopers (barrel makers) working on-site, which is rare today and adds a unique hands-on element to the tour. It's a little further from downtown, but it's worth the trip.

Book a visit here

Ferreira

One of the few Port houses founded by a Portuguese family, strongly connected to the story of Dona Antónia Ferreira. The visit focuses more on history and heritage. You have to walk a bit along the river in Vila Nova de Gaia to get there.

Ramos Pinto

In the riverfront area, with a small museum of antique viticultural objects. You can buy their old posters to take home.

You can also visit Real Companhia Velha, the first Portuguese port wine house and Offley, one of the old British companies.

Wine cellar + tourist bus + cruise offer

If you buy a ticket for this Porto tourist bus, you have access to its two routes covering the whole city for 48 hours, including the wineries area. It includes a visit with wine tasting at the Cálem Cellar and a river cruise.

How to Visit Port Wine Cellars: Getting There

Buses 900, 901 904 and 906 will take you to the gaia wine cellars, but we recommend passing the Don Luis Bridge walking, starting at la Ribeira and continuing on foot to the cellars. This is how to visit port wine cellars in the most scenic way possible.

We recommend you not to hesitate, and visit at least one winery. You will realize that it is one of the essential visits to do in Porto.

Visit to the Douro region

If you have the time and can afford a visit to the Douro Valley from Porto we highly encourage you to do it. Here you will be dazzled by the staggering landscape and the vineyards that stretch all the way to the river. You can visit the quintas (the Portuguese name for the estates) where wine is produced and do wine tasting as well.

If you're looking for local vibes, check our “best wine bars” selection in Porto.

Final Notes on Port Wine Cellars

• Port Wine Cellars are the place where port wine is stored. But it is produced in the Douro Valley region.
• In Portuguese, the cellars are known as caves. So when you see that word walking around Porto, you know what it means.
• Technically the wineries are not in the city of Porto, they are actually in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. To get there, you just have to cross the river across the  Dom Luis I Bridge from the Ribeira. It's just a few minutes and in addition it's a very pleasant walk with one of the best views of Porto’s riverfront.
• Book your visit in advance; in winter, you can usually find a spot at the last minute, but in summer it’s difficult.
• Yes! You can bring your children on the tour.

Click here if you'd like to learn more about Port wine and its history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port Wine Cellars

What to expect port wine tour?

During a typical port wine tour, expect a guided walk through historic aging cellars, learning about the winemaking process, barrel storage techniques, and the history of each house. Tours usually last 45-60 minutes and end with a port wine tasting of 2-3 different styles.

What are port wine cellar prices?

Port wine cellar prices typically range from €12-25 for basic tours with tasting. Premium experiences with additional tastings or food pairings can cost €30-50. Most port wine cellar tickets can be booked online in advance for better rates.

What are port wine cellar opening hours?

Most port wine cellar opening hours are daily from 10:00-18:00, with some closing earlier in winter. Sandeman tours, Taylors port tours, and other major cellars offer multiple daily tours, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.