Across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, the great port houses age their wine in dark, cobwebbed lodges. A tour, a tasting and the walk up for the view back at Porto make an afternoon.
Port is made from grapes grown on the terraces of the upper Douro valley. For centuries the young wine came down the river by rabelo boat to age in the cool lodges of Gaia.
The riverbank is lined with famous names: Taylor's, Graham's, Ramos Pinto, Cálem, Ferreira and a dozen more. Their signs stand on the roofs facing Porto.
Each runs cellar tours through vaulted rooms of barrels and vats, ending with a tasting of ruby, tawny and sometimes vintage. Prices vary with the wines poured; booking a slot is wise in summer.
Afterwards, climb to the Jardim do Morro or the terrace of the Serra do Pilar monastery for the postcard view back at Porto.
An afternoon on the Gaia bank.
Walk over the lower deck of the Dom Luís I bridge to the lodges' quay.
Start with one of the large lodges, such as Cálem or Ferreira, near the water.
Climb the lanes to Taylor's or Graham's, with gardens and terraces.
Walk up to the garden above the bridge for the old town across the river.
The monastery terrace at the top gives the widest view of Porto.
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Walk the lower deck of the bridge from the Ribeira, or take Metro line D to Jardim do Morro and walk down.
Book tours on each house's site; English tours run several times a day.
The Teleférico de Gaia links the riverside to the top of the hill near the bridge.
Porto practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
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