hillside of vineyards with black figure on top of winery on a wine tours in porto

15 Best Wine Tours in Porto to Experience in 2023

Hey, there wine enthusiasts!

Have you been wondering which are the best wine tours in Porto to take?

I’ve got you covered!

If you’re a fan of the rich and flavourful wines from Porto, Portugal, then you’re in for a treat. I’ve got the inside scoop on all the best wine tasting tours in Porto.

Visiting wineries whether I’m at home in Ontario or abroad is one of my favourite things to do. So, when I was planning a trip to Portugal, I was very eager to try as many Port wineries in Porto as I could. And, that I did! Along with taking a day trip to the world-famous Douro Valley on a Port wine tour.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, Porto has something for everyone. Join me as we uncork the secrets of this charming city and discover its renowned vineyards, wine cellars, and Port wine tasting experiences.

Get ready to sip, swirl, and savour your way through Porto Portugal wine with these carefully selected wine tours from Porto. So grab a glass and let’s embark on this delightful adventure together!

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My Top 3 Picks: Wine Tours in Porto

#1 Top Pick
castle in yellow, red on sintra tours from lisbon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cockburn’s Cellar Tour with Pairing

✅ Renowned winery with over 200 years of history

✅ 1.5 hours

#2 Pick
red and yellow castle on lisbon tours from sintra

Port Wine Walking Tour with Tastings

✅ 10 tastings at 3 locations

✅ 3 hours

#3 Pick
castle in yellow, red on sintra tours from lisbon

Best Douro Valley Wine Tours from Porto

✅ Private Tour with photo stops en route

✅ 9 hours

How does Douro Valley Wine Differ from Port Wine

water with hillside and vineyards on porto wine tours

Alright, let’s clear up the confusion about Port wine tours and Douro Valley wine tours!

Here’s the deal: the city of Porto is like the gateway to the Douro Valley, which is where those grapes for Port wine come from. Picture this: the Douro River flows right through the center of Porto and out into the wine country.

Back in the day, when the grapes were ripe and ready, they would be whisked into the city on boats. Once there, they’d be fortified and aged in all those cool caves and cellars lining the river’s edge, mostly in a place called Vila Nova de Gaia.

So, when you hear about Port wine tastings happening in the city, it’s all about those caves and cellars. And guess what? Those tastings usually focus solely on Port wine, the star of the show.

On the other hand, if you’re talking about Douro wine tours, you’re venturing out into the actual wine country, where the grapes grow and the magic happens. So, when you’re booking your wine tasting adventure, keep these differences in mind to know what to expect.

What is Port Wine? It’s a deliciously sweet, red wine that’s been fortified with a little extra kick of distilled spirit. It’s the kind of wine you’d usually enjoy after a meal, you know, as a dessert wine. Watch out for the higher alcohol content too – of around 20%.

10 Best Port Wine Tours in Porto

1. Cockburn’s Cellar Tour with Pairing

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you’re a seasoned wine drinker, this will be the Port tasting in Porto tour you’re going to want to do as it has the most extensive wine cellars in the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Cockburn Lodge is a renowned winery with over 200 years of history. Of all the wineries in Porto Portugal to visit, this is the one! A guided tour and a museum tells their story. And don’t miss the chance to witness the skill of a Cooper in action, expertly wielding mallets to shape the oak barrels that hold the essence of Cockburn’s craftsmanship. It’s an interesting experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into every bottle.

Best part was we were lucky to see the coopers on site working on barrels. That’s something you won’t see on other tours!

A traveller from USA

About this tour:

  • Includes: guided tour, choose the type of Port wine from Classic, Vintage or Premium
  • If you want to see the Coopers in action, be sure to schedule this tour during the weekday

2. Graham’s Port Lodge Tour & Premium Tastings

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  45-75 minutes | ✅ Book it!

If you’re a history buff and have a taste for exquisite wine, a visit to the 1890 Graham’s Lodge is an absolute must.

Here, you can learn about this iconic lodge from 1890 and the production process of Port wine. The Port wine tasting is expertly paired with delectable cheese, sumptuous chocolate, and the iconic Portuguese treat, Pastel de Nata. And as if that’s not enough, be prepared to admire one of the best views of Porto.

This has to be one of the top picks for a Port cellar tour in Gaia! Worth every Euro!

A traveller from UK

About this tour:

  • Includes: guided tour, wine tasting, food pairing
  • Other reviewers commented that there is a lot of information shared

3. Port Wine Walking Tour with Tastings

glasses of port wine on port wine tasting in porto

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅ Book it!

Of all the wine tours Porto has to offer this will be the one Port wine lovers will want to take!

You’ll have the chance to visit three charming and intimate port houses and wine bars. Each stop will be an opportunity to learn about the rich history and production techniques behind this beloved beverage. From the stories of the past to the intricate process of crafting Port wine, your experience will be a fantastic introduction to the world of Port.

Brilliant tour and fantastic value for money. Quite tipsy at end of tour with 10 good measures of Porto Wine 

A traveller from UK

About this tour:

  • Includes: experience wine tastings with as total of 10
  • Other reviewers commented on limited snacks available and that appears to be 1 guide that is uninspiring and doesn’t share a lot of information

4. Private Guided Wine Tastings Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  60 minutes | ✅ Book it!

Wine lovers and experience seekers, get ready for an exclusive adventure tailored just for you!

On this private tour, your expert guide will share the history of the city and the world of Portuguese wines as you explore hidden gems and charming corners of Porto on foot, you’ll uncover the city’s best-kept secrets. And of course, no tour is complete without indulging in delightful wine tastings along the way.

Had a lot of nice information that we would not have had otherwise. Nice start to our time in Porto.

A traveller from Belgium

About this tour:

  • Includes: 6 wine tastings
  • Other reviewers commented there are no visits to wine cellars

5. Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting Porto

⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  60 minutes | ✅ Book it!

If you’re looking to learn more about the Port aging process, this is your tour!

Take a guided tour of a port wine ageing cellar where wines have matured for over a century. Learn fascinating insights about the intricate process of wine aging, and let your taste buds dance with delight as you savour 3 distinct Port wines.

Had so much fun trying the delicious port wines, would definitely go back again!

A traveller from UK

About this tour:

  • Includes: guided wine cellar tour, 3 tastings of Port wine
  • Other reviewers commented that the tour is only 30 minutes, followed by the tasting

6. Walking and Wine Tasting Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you want to combine a walking tour with some interesting facts about the city and wine tasting, this one is for you!

Start by visiting a charming Port Wine cellar, where you’ll learn the secrets of the wine-making process. Get ready to sip like a true expert as you learn the art of wine tasting. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to the city center of Porto, where you can indulge in tastings and snacks at a delightful wine house.

It was a walking guide as well as tasting so got to know more about Porto as well as wine and port tasting.

A traveller from UK

About this tour:

  • Includes: tour guide, entrance fees at Cellar, 6 wine tastings, snacks
  • Other reviewers commented that there is a lot of walking

7. Calem Cellar Tour, Fado Show and Wine Tasting

wine barrel on wine tasting in porto

⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  75 minutes | ✅ Book it!

If you are looking to get a taste of Fado music and an intro to Port wine, this is the tour for you!

Take a short tour of the Port wine cellars at Cálem where you will hear about the history of Port winemaking. The tour’s highlight is listening to the soulful sounds of Fado music as you sip on some Port wine.

Very nice tour. Short but sweet and to the point. Felt like I underpaid, highly recommend this activity!

A traveller from USA

About this tour:

  • Includes: a short tour of the cellar, Fado performance, 2 wine tastings
  • Other reviewers commented this tour doesn’t go into too much depth

8. Burmester Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting

⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✅ Book it!

If you are looking to try a variety of delicious Port wines, each with its own unique flavour profile, add Burmester to the list!

Visit here and earn about how this company got its start. It was in London in 1730, when two men joined forces and started exporting Port wine. As you sip and savour, take a moment to admire the stunning views of the majestic Dom Luis I bridge. And don’t forget to expand your understanding of Port wines and the company behind them through an informative and engaging session.

The canteen was cozy and inviting, with rustic decor and a laid-back vibe that made us feel right at home. The tour itself was fantastic, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the wines we were tasting. 

A traveller from Italy

About this tour:

  • Includes: information session, 2 or 3 Port wine tastings
  • Other reviewers commented consider the value of the premium option is adding a cheese or chocolate tasting

9. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, River Cruise & Port Cellar Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  within 1 day | ✅ Book it!

If you are a first-timer to the city and want the full Porto experience, this tour is for you!

Hop on a bus and tour the city or take advantage of the hop-on hop-off convenience to visit Porto’s top landmarks. Next, take a scenic boat ride and cruise the Douro River and admire the views as you glide through the city. And no visit to Porto is complete without tasting the world-famous Port wine! Head to the Calém Cellars for a guided tour and wine tasting.

Good value, and great way to see the main sights.

A traveller from UK

About this tour:

  • Includes: hop-on hop-off bus ticket, river cruise, guided tour of Calem Wine cellars, wine tasting, discounts at restaurants
  • Other reviewers commented to watch the bus schedule carefully as it only runs every hour
  • Must book port cellar tour in advance

10. Vila Nova de Gaia Port Wine Tasting with Cheese Pairing

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  30-60 minutes | ✅ Book it!

If you are looking for a simple, quick and enjoyable port wine tasting in Porto, this is it!

Try 4 port wines – red, tawny, white and rose and add a cheese pairing at Quevedo, a 5-generation, family-owned, wine cellar.

We came away with a much better understanding and appreciation of Port production as well as a plan to order some bottles to ship home.

A traveller from Canada

About this tour:

  • Includes: 4 wine tasting, cheese pairing, a local guide who provides you info about the business as you enjoy your wine

5 Best Wine Tours from Porto in Douro Valley

steep hill with vineyards on wine tours in porto

Let’s whisk you off to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It’s your chance to taste the difference between Port wine and Douro Valley wine. These unfortified wines mean they’re not those sweet dessert wines like Port.

1. Douro Valley Tour from Porto

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅ Book it!

From Porto to the Douro Valley, where you’ll visit three wineries and indulge in an authentic Portuguese lunch. Experience the passion and craftsmanship behind Portuguese wines while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the valley.

The wineries that were chosen for our visit were varied & interesting. Commentaries provided were informative and presented with enthusiasm at all locations.

A traveller from Australia

About this tour:

  • Includes: transportation from Porto to Douro Valley, 3 separate wine tastings, lunch
  • This Douro Valley tour has some mixed comments from some that appear to have been in large groups (bus) while others were on a small tour (minivan) and mixed reviews about lunch
  • The temperatures in the summer in the Douro Valley can be very hot and humid

2. From Porto to Douro Valley Small Wineries

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour brings you to the picturesque village of Pinhao where you will sip and swirl at two charming, family-owned wineries for some delightful wine tastings. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Hop on a relaxing boat cruise, gliding along the stunning Douro River to cap off your day.

The 5/5 stars amazing! Highly highly recommend. Very comfortable sprinter van, small group. Very easy day trip from Porto an absolute must do.

A traveller from USA

About this tour:

  • Includes: transportation from Porto to Douro Valley, 2 separate wine tastings, lunch, boat cruise
  • The temperatures in the summer in the Douro Valley can be very hot and humid

3. From Porto to Douro Valley on a Small Group Tour

cobble street with winery on a port tasting in porto

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you want to have a small group experience, this is the tour to take. Wine tastings at not one, but two amazing locations, where you’ll get to sample the finest wines this region has to offer. Enjoy lunch at a top-notch restaurant, along with a relaxing boat cruise, sailing along the picturesque Douro River. Oh, and we can’t forget about those epic photo stops along the way because the Douro Valley is a photographer’s dream!

Our guide provided our small group of 4 couples with endless history and information about the Douro region, Portugal history and wine! She also took extra time to make sure we stopped and enjoyed the views of the gorgeous Douro valley along our drive to and from Porto.

A traveller from Canada

About this tour:

  • Includes: transportation from Porto to Douro Valley, guide, two wine tasting visits, lunch at a restaurant, Douro River cruise, photo stops
  • Maximum 8 people only
  • The temperatures in the summer in the Douro Valley can be very hot and humid

4. From Porto to Douro Valley with Boat Tour, Wine Tasting

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This popular tour makes two incredible stops where you can sample Port wine like a pro at each spot. In between all that wine goodness, there’s a traditional Portuguese lunch waiting for you.

End your afternoon with a relaxing 1-hour cruise along the beautiful Douro River. Make sure you have your camera with you, as it doesn’t get any more photogenic than this!

100% recommend! Our guide and bus driver went above and beyond.

A traveller from Canada

About this tour:

  • Includes: transportation from Porto to Douro Valley, guide, two wine tasting visits, lunch, 1-hour Douro River cruise
  • This tour may go from a small minivan to a large bus based on the demand
  • The temperatures in the summer in the Douro Valley can be very hot and humid

5. Douro Valley Wine Tour from Porto with Lunch and Tastings

river with hillside on vineyards on port wine tasting porto

⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✅ Book it!

The first quick stop is the photogenic village of Amarante, then it’s off for some wine tasting in Sobrosa, where you can sample the finest local wines. You will be treated to a traditional Portuguese lunch at a family-run winery, because good food and wine go hand in hand, right?

There will be a quick photo op at the stunning vista of Pinhao, before you cruise down the Douro River. The last stop is to sample more Port wine.

We learned a lot, enjoyed beautiful vistas and good wines, finished with a lovely boat ride. It was perfect 10/10.

A traveller from Canada

About this tour:

  • Includes: transportation from Porto to Douro Valley, guide, two wine tasting visits, lunch, Douro Valley wine tour boat
  • This tour may go from a small minivan to a large bus based on the demand
  • The temperatures in the summer in the Douro Valley can be very hot and humid

More about Port Wine

vineyard with winery on port wine tour in porto

Port wine comes in different types, each with its own distinct characteristics.

First up, we have Ruby Red Port, which has this deep, rich red colour. Then there’s Tawny Port, which is a bit lighter, almost like a caramel colour. And hold up, we can’t forget about White Port! It’s made from different grapes, which give it that lovely white colour.

Oh, and guess what? Some winemakers have even started making a rose Port too! Hopefully, you get a chance to try this one, it was one of my favourites.

  • Ruby Port: simple, and most affordable (aged for 2-3 years)
  • Tawny Port: they are aged 6-7 years (or longer)
  • White Port: they are aged 18 months or so

So, whether you’re into the classic Ruby Red, the mellow Tawny, or the surprising White and Rose, there’s a Port wine out there with flavours of berries, caramel, cinnamon, and even chocolate that’s waiting to be sipped and savoured.

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FAQs About Wine Tasting in Porto

view of vineyards on hill on wine tours in porto

What are wine tours in Porto?

Wine tours in Porto are guided experiences where you will learn about the history, production and tasting of Port wine.

What types of Port tours in Porto?

Port tours in Porto can focus exclusively on Port wine, taking you to renowned Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for guided tastings. While others will take you to the stunning vineyards of the Douro Valley, where the grapes are grown.

How long do wine tours in Porto typically last?

The duration of wine tours ranges from a few hours to a full day depending on the type of tour.

Are wine tastings included in Porto wine tours?

Yes, wine tastings are typically included in Porto wine tours giving you the opportunity to sample a variety of Port wines, ranging from different vintages.

Can I visit Porto wine cellars on my own without a tour?

Yes, it is possible to visit Porto wine cellars on your own without a tour. Many Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia offer guided tours and tastings that can be accessed independently.

What are considered the best wineries in Porto?

The best wineries in Porto include the Port cellars at Calem Cellar, Graham’s Port Lodge, Taylor’s Port, Burmester, Cockburn’s Port Wine Lodge, Espaço Porto Cruz and Sandeman Cellars.

Can I book a private wine tour in Porto?

Yes, private wine tours in Porto can be arranged offering a more personalized experience. You can enjoy a more intimate and exclusive setting with a dedicated guide.

Are the Porto wine tasting tours available year-round?

Yes, the Porto wine tasting tours are available year-round. The wineries and cellars in the region operate throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy wine tours regardless of the season.

When is harvest time for wineries?

The harvest season months typically fall between September and October, but the season may begin earlier or later depending on how hot and dry the summer months were.

As a Holidaymaker

Exploring the world of port wine tasting in Porto is a delightful adventure for both novices and connoisseurs alike. It’s what sets this city apart from the capital city of Lisbon.

The city’s rich history and unique terroir offer an unparalleled experience that will captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. Whether you choose to visit one of the renowned port wine cellars or embark on a guided tour through the scenic Douro Valley, there are countless opportunities to discover and appreciate this exquisite beverage.

So, get ready to raise your glass to the best Porto wine tasting experience you’ll ever have! Cheers!

Read More: Porto

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