Get to know the best Port Wine Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and their history! Did you know that there is an International Port Wine Day which is celebrated every year on January 27th? This is due to the fact that the vines are around 3000 years old and by the end of the 17th century this wine was already internationally sought after and exported all over the world. Currently, Port Wine has its greatest production in the Douro Wine Region, which was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2001. Get to know the Port Wine Production Region and the Port Wine Lodges located in Vila Nova de Gaia!

A - Calém - Avenida de Diogo Leite, 344

This cellar represents the history of the Portuguese António Alves Calém, who decided to invest in the world of Port Wine in 1859 and expand it to Brazil. This producer remained in the same family for four generations. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

B - Ramos Pinto - Avenida Ramos Pinto, 380

Founded in 1880, this wine cellar is associated with a visit to the Museum with the same name as the founder Adriano Ramos Pinto and is open every day from 10am to 6pm. This basement is located in the Historic Centre of Vila Nova de Gaia and there you can see the old part of our headquarters and admire, among other things, the Ramos Pinto's unique collection of international advertising posters.

C - Burmester - Largo da Ponte Luís I - lower deck

This basement, with a history dating back to 1730, has a privileged view of the Douro River and was recently renovated. It is the only cellar with natural light and a stream of water inside. Summer hours are from 10am to 7pm every day, closed for lunch from 1pm to 2pm.

D - Churchill's - Rua da Fonte Nova, 5

Newly opened basement owned by the Graham family, it is open to the public during the summer from 10am to 6pm every day, but booking is required to [email protected]. This cellar is located in a narrow street between old Port warehouses and has a garden space different from the other cellar spaces.

E - Cockburn's - Rua Serpa Pinto, 346

One of the most beautiful cellars in Gaia, with an exclusive John Smithes room, Cockburn's has always questioned the so-called "rules" of making Port. In 1815, Robert and John Cockburn, two brothers from Scotland, bypassed the plush merchant's market in Porto and bought the best grapes directly from farmers on the Douro River, thus another of the Port Wines was born. Open every day except Tuesdays, in the summer from 10.30am to 7pm.

F - Ferreira - Avenue Ramos Pinto, 70

Belonged to Dona Antónia Ferreira, the only Portuguese woman of the 19th century who dominated the production of Port wine. This cellar was built over an old convent and is one of the most beautiful cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. The opening hours are from 10am to 6pm every day, but closed for lunch from 12.30pm to 2pm.

G - WOW World of Wine - Rua do Choupelo, 39

In a more backward line, this space is a cultural complex that offers a unique experience! It has seven museums, some interactive, twelve restaurants, cafes, bars and shops dedicated to the world of wine! Open every day during the summer from 10am to 7pm and on Fridays, Saturdays and eve of public holidays it only closes at 10pm. A place not to be missed near Porto!

H - Real Companhia Velha - Rua de Azevedo Magalhães, 314

The oldest producer and exporter of Port Wine, since 1756, these cellars with more than 100.000 m2 house a selection of Port Wines that allow them to keep their prestige unchanged for more than 250 years. This cellar is open every day during the summer from 10am to 7pm.

I - Rozès - Rua Cândido dos Reis, 526

Originating in Bordeaux, of the house Rozès, this Port wine cellar bears the name of its founder, Edmond Rozès, son of Ostend Rozès, and was founded in 1855 in Porto, priding itself on the quality of its Port wines. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, closing for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

J - Sandeman - Largo Miguel Bombarda, 3

Known worldwide, this cellar pays tribute to George Sandeman, a young Scot who decided to market Port wines. Summer hours are from 10am to 6pm every day, but closed for lunch from 12.30pm to 2pm. 

K - Graham's - Rua do Agro, 141

Built in 1890, away from the crowds, this cellar holds around 3500 barrels of Port and is 100% owned by the Symington family, whose ancestors were behind the first exports of Port in 1652. Summer cellar hours are from 9.30am to 6pm every day. This brand owns two of the best properties in the Douro Valley: Quinta dos Malvedos and Quinta do Tua, which produce wines of exceptional quality.

L - Taylor's - Rua do Choupelo, 250

This 4 century old wine cellar has a unique "audio guide" service and is open every day from 10am to 6pm. This brand is also one of the largest producers and exporters of Port Wine and has guided tours where you can taste 3 Port Wines in the different rooms.

There are still two more cellars that are not marked on the map:

- the Poças cellars, more intimate, but still in the same family for several generations, it is located at Rua Visconde das Devesas, 168, with summer hours from 10am to 6.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and

- Croft cellars are one of the oldest and most illustrious producers of Port Wine, founded more than 300 years ago, it exists since 1588 and is located at Rua Barão Forrester, 412, with opening hours from 10am to 6pm.

Now that you know all the Port wine cellars in Gaia, find out which are the best; and why these cellars are located in Gaia, close to the Douro River.

All visits and reservations to the Port wine cellars should be made as early as possible! Closing time coincides with the time of the last visit which usually takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. You will surely want to come back to this pier to taste Port Wine again! Take the opportunity to visit our Living Magazine-Blog and Living Tours website and take a look at all that the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia have to offer you and see the selected cellars chosen especially for you!