Port Wine And Food In Oldest Wine Cave

Port Wine And Food In Oldest Wine Cave Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

You are in Porto - a perfect chance to learn how to drink Port wine!

How can you miss an opportunity to learn and taste Port wine in the city that created it? That, along with some special foods, will immerse you into the Portuguese culture as will your guide for the day.

Porto is the hub of the port wine industry and this area, Vila Nova de Gaia is not only lovely but bursting with cellars that offer tours and tastings. Many do not realize that it is a resort vacation for many in Portugal and Spain because of the sandy beaches and the scenic coastal drives. But today we are addressing the multitude of choices available for tasting its local products and how to distinguish what is worth trying in a short amount of time.

It was in the 17th century that port wine production began when the British merchants changed the formula for this wine into an after dinner nightcap or digestif. They added a dash of brandy into the local wine and the change created a new taste. This historic event created a product that ultimately became world famous and in demand. Most visitors to this city only explore the wine caves but this tour will take you beyond, to the unusual and undiscovered food shops and to a special place to learn and taste Port wine.

Sitting with an expresso and a local sweet pastry called Pastel de Chaves made in a nearby town, you will have a chance to talk about the next few hours that you will share with your guide. To start, you will walk to the oldest still functioning port wine cellar in the world for an exclusive guided tour and wine tasting. You will find yourself in the midst of shelves full of vintage wines dating back to the 18th century. And it is here that you will have a chance to understand port wine by tasting a selection of ports.

Before you get too tipsy it is time to begin the search for some amazing local food. There are 3 neighborhood restaurants that we will visit, all in areas rarely frequented by tourists. You will meet the owners and sample their classic Portuguese dishes. It is clear, when you talk to them, that they love what they do and you will be able to taste that love. At one location learn how to make and enjoy a Francesinha sandwich along with other favorite dishes. You can wash this down with local wine or beer. Another taste you may be privy to is homemade 'bacalhau' or salted codfish at a side-street restaurant. And another dish unique to this area contains 'alheira' or pheasant sausage. It was invented by Portuguese Jews as an alternative to pork! Try it with a fried egg - one of the most popular ways to eat it!

Continuing your culinary adventure, a stop at the market, the Mercado Beira Rio, is in order. This is a more modern market where locals come to buy and sell goods, eat and also enjoy gatherings centered around music and art. It is a place to enjoy local culture. You will have a chance to meander and also taste your last wine of the day.

This feel-good experience will stay with you for a long time after you return home.

- Please dress comfortably. Good footwear is important.
- The walk is easy but there are some uneven surfaces you will encounter.
- Food and beverages served as described.
- A water bottle is recommended.

- Currently this shared tour is only available on Saturdays.
- If you prefer a different day of the week, a private experience can be arranged by selecting the Private Port Wine and Food Experience.
- Minimum is 2 people and the Maximum is 10.
- Itinerary and tastings may change due to seasonal availability, individual closings or local holidays.
- Please request your preferred day in advance through ShoreTrips.
- All ages are welcome. You must be 18 years old to drink alcohol.

Days offered: Saturday

Departures:

• 10:30 AM, duration: 4 hours