Port Wine Cellars
Portuguese history, culture and tradition.
The vineyards that cover the terraced slopes created by the hand of man that form an immense staircase are said by many to be the greatest human work made in Portugal. The production of Port wine dates to the Roman period, and for centuries there has been an interest of various populations in settling on the banks of the river to cultivate it.
Origin of the Cellars
The first half of the twentieth century was marked by the great growth of the Port wine business, as well as by the general discontent of producers, accusing stockists of fraud and demanding tighter supervision.
In this sense, a strict regulation was created in 1926 that concentrated here, on the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia, all the Port wine producers. The aim was to ensure efficient supervision, purity and genuineness to protect the prestige of the Porto designation of origin, avoiding fraud and forgery.
The Port Wine Cellars are a Portuguese ex-libris that register an unusual history of temperance and boldness. Open for visits all year round, getting to know them is deepening your knowledge about Port Wine, the Douro region and the cities of Porto and V.N. de Gaia.
Experiences
Guided tours of the Port wine cellars are an experience you can’t miss. Here you will learn the essence of Port wine and enjoy a wine tasting. The Burmester and Cálem cellars are brands with a lot of history and tradition in the production of Port wine. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia side, just across the Luís I bridge, ideal for those visiting the city on foot.
Other very popular experiences are tours to the Douro valley, an excellent way to get to know the region where Port wine is produced. These tours take you to the heart of this amazing landscape classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fabulous views over the Douro valley. You will be able to visit wine production farms and taste their specialties. Some tours include a typical Portuguese lunch and a boat trip. Get to know my suggestions.
