Of course I have to (try to) write about Port Wine. Port is an important part of Porto (pun intended). Curiously, the wine cellars or lodges are all located in Gaia, on the other margin of river Douro. The main historical reason is because some centuries ago, the Bishop of Porto charged high taxes to the Port producers, so they moved to the other side of the river, where the Bishop didn’t have jurisdiction.

History aside, of course I have to recommend that you go a Port wine cellar. There are lots of them. The most well known brands are probably Taylor’s, Sandeman, Ferreira, Calém, among many many others. I’m not writing about the types, brands, or crops of Port, or how to drink it, because I’m certainly not an expert and this is all very well explained during the visits.

I’ve visited several cellars (and some farms in Douro), and I like all the good quality Port I’ve tasted. So why Taylor’s? Besides being there for 4 centuries, it’s just the lodge with the best view of Porto, settled upon the hill facing Porto (contrary to the others located at river level). Sure not the cellar itself which is dark and windowless (as the picture “clearly” shows), but the house, restaurant (good Portuguese dishes!), and gardens are not to be missed.

You’ll try the Ports during the visits, ask also for the Tonic white Port. Magnificent!

Check the Yeatman Hotel (bar, view, Michelin-starred restaurant!), up the street, belonging to Taylor’s.