4 Premium Port Wine Tastings

The history of Port Wine is one of many centuries. The oldest trace elements of Port Wine production go back to the 3rd century after archeologists found casks and old stone tanks. Officially, Port Wine as a branded name was born in the 17th century, along with the first recognized Wine Demarcated Region in the world, the Douro Valley.

During that same century, the exports rose abruptly. In the trade wars between the English, French, and other Center European countries, french wines were often ignored. Iberian wines, especially Port Wine, whose production was highly supported by Englishman, became largely popular. 

English and Portuguese producers started going further up along the Douro River, where rocky hills and low amplitude temperatures assured a robust wine. Port Wine became more and more full-bodied and unique with time. 

A cult wine, as you know.

Burmester Cellars

A cereal trader first, Henry Burmester came to Porto in 1750 with the idea of exporting wine to Great Britain. The idea was proven to be great and Henry eventually started producing wine as well. 

3 decades later, the Burmester Cellars provide one of the best - if not the best - Port Wine tasting experiences. With a museum, an oak barrel with 100+ years and water mines flowing into the river, the place itself it’s magical, let alone the wine.

Cálem Cellars

Another iconic brand of Port Wine and another stunning migrant story. António Calém, a Brazilian visionary, set base on Porto and started producing and exporting Port Wine. His trademark was the exotic wood utilized, both in the casks and the boats, the famous Porto caravels. To this day, the brand’s logo is an original caravel.

Croft Cellars

Croft is the oldest Port Wine producer still active. Founded in 1588, Croft has all the knowledge on how to make Port Wine, which explains its vast catalog of wines, ranging from tawny to reserves and the first rosé Port, the Croft Pink.

About the wine tasting experience, the cellar describes it this way: “The "Croft experience” includes a visit to the aging cellars and a tasting of three special Port wines: Croft Pink, Reserve and Tawny 10 years”.

Sandeman Cellars

Sandeman is probably the biggest and most-recognized Port brand all over the world. With its legendary logo figure (“The Don”), outstanding museum and Antique bottle collections, you wouldn’t even need to taste anything to feel great after visiting its cellars. 

Nonetheless, the wine tasting experiences are as good as the brand’s history and range from the 40 years-old Port tasting to the latest crops’ products. An obligatory go-to experience while visiting Porto.