During my first trip to the North of Portugal, I discovered that most of the Port-related activities are not based in Porto, but in Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro river opposite Porto. For the Port producers, Vila Nova offers two advantages: the angle where the sun hits the roofs of the Port storage facilities is more favourable and the community taxes are lower.

Although the town of Porto offers some very interesting cultural attractions and some great shops, I find it hard to spend time so close to most of the Port producers without visiting them. If you are planning to visit a producer, plan ahead. There are some nice Port places to visit on the waterfront, but in my opinion the more interesting “caves” are further up the hill away from the river bank. My advice: Don’t try to see more than three companies in one day!

One of my favourites is the lovely lodge of Taylors and the outstandingly comfortable house at Grahams. The latter nowadays offers Vintage Port by the glass. A short email announcing your visit is not mandatory but sometimes is very helpful.

If you can afford more time to travel around you shouldn't miss the area where the wines are planted - approximately 150km east of Porto, around Pinhão. I would be very happy to help you prepare your travel arrangements via the contact-link.