Porto vacation destination for wine lovers from all over the world

Wine lovers from all over the world visit the Portuguese city of Porto, known for its wine culture. The city is the second largest metropolis in Portugal and combines an exciting history with culinary and cultural experiences. Port wine, which is certainly not only known to wine experts, owes its name to the region and is just one example from the wine region. The port city has developed into a true cultural city since the Roman occupation. In 2001 it was even the European Capital of Culture and the historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city on the Atlantic coast promises a breathtaking range of sights as a holiday destination and is a true paradise for wine lovers.

The port wine

The famous wine is grown in the Alto Douro region in the Portuguese Douro Valley and owes its name to the port city. This is where the wine is stored for maturation and exported all over the world. The sweet wine, which is mostly red, less often white, presents itself in terms of taste and complexity depending on the type of cultivation and maturation process. The Vintage Port is considered the highest quality variant, which is one of the most versatile and long-lasting types of wine in the world.

Experience wine

Wine tastings are a must when visiting Porto. Taylors’s Port is one of the oldest port producers in the region. Various variations of the dessert wine have been produced here since 1692. Guided tours through the imposing wine cellar are offered on site and you can learn a lot about the production process. The whole thing is of course rounded off by tasting the wines and getting to know specially created port cocktails. In addition to this well-known address, you can also visit numerous wine cellars along the Rio Douro that nestle against the slope. The Vila Nova de Gaia is a true center of wine houses. Several large port wine houses are lined up here.

The wine region

The wine region in which the grapes for port wine are grown is located on the lower course of the Douro. The terraced slopes on slate soil offer the grape varieties the best breeding ground, which also benefits from the Douro River and its tributaries. The region is divided into three areas: Baixo Corgo, Cima-Corgo and Douro Superior. In these different grape varieties are grown for the port wines, which differ accordingly in taste and complexity. There are a total of 80 different grape varieties, 30 of which are approved for the production of port wine. A trip to this wine region of Portugal and a guided tour over the fields is an absolute must for wine lovers.

Bars and restaurants

The existing wine culture is of course also reflected in the large number of bars and restaurants in the popular holiday destination. Here the wines can be enjoyed together with Portuguese delicacies. The Wine Quay Bar promises various wines and sweet and savory snacks as well as a wonderful view of the river. And the Wine Box offers excellent tapas. If you are drawn more towards the Atlantic, you can visit the Casa de Foz restaurant, which combines traditional Portuguese cuisine with more modern interpretation and international cuisine. Of course, a visit to a port city should not be without a restaurant that offers seafood and fish. The O Gaveto promises just that.

Porto is a dream destination for wine enthusiasts who want to learn more about the production and types of port wine. The beautiful port city with its wide range of culture and history invites you to a city trip that will be unforgettable.