Taylor's Port Porto
Explore centuries of Port wine history at Taylor's iconic cellars, savoring exquisite tastings with stunning views of Porto.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Taylor's Port Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of Port wine history at Taylor's iconic cellars, savoring exquisite tastings with stunning views of Porto.
"An unforgettable experience combining rich history, stunning views, and exceptional port wines."
Dessert Wine, Not Regular Wine
Taylor's Port is a dessert wine. Sip small glasses or mix it. :wine_glass:
Self-Guided Audio Tour
Enjoy a self-paced audio tour through the historic cellars. :sound:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cellars
Vila Nova de Gaia
Wander through centuries-old cellars where Port wine ages, learning its rich history.
Port Wine Tasting
Tasting Room/Gardens
Savor a selection of Taylor's iconic Ports, from Tawny to Vintage, in a beautiful setting.
Panoramic Views
Terrace/Gardens
Enjoy breathtaking views of Porto's skyline and the Douro River from the estate's elevated grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Taylor's Port's True Nature
Book Ahead for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dessert Wine, Not Regular Wine
Taylor's Port is a dessert wine. Sip small glasses or mix it. +1 :wine_glass:
Self-Guided Audio Tour
Enjoy a self-paced audio tour through the historic cellars. 
Book in Advance
Recommended to book your tasting or tour ahead of time. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a bit of a hill to walk up from the bridge. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dessert Wine, Not Regular Wine
Taylor's Port is a dessert wine. Sip small glasses or mix it. +1 :wine_glass:
Self-Guided Audio Tour
Enjoy a self-paced audio tour through the historic cellars.
Book in Advance
Recommended to book your tasting or tour ahead of time. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a bit of a hill to walk up from the bridge. :athletic_shoe:
Peacocks in the Garden
Keep an eye out for the peacocks roaming the beautiful gardens!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taylor's Port offers a rich historical experience with beautiful gardens and stunning views of Porto. Visitors praise the quality of the Port wines and the educational self-guided tour through the historic cellars. However, some find the pricing a bit high for the experience and note that food options can be limited or run out early.
"One of the oldest cellar buildings b the area with a pre-book self-guided audio tour and wine tasting(3 kinds). Helpful history although a big part of it was for this particular venue. The wine tasting area is in a beautiful court yard with great decoration and large area inside and outside. They rai out of snack by 4pm with only a few sweets and cheese and olive 🫒 left. Cheese was good but Oliver was not fresh and super salty and is barely edible. Need some improvement there for sure. Not the cheapest cellar and there is a bit of a hill to walk up after the bridge but still enjoyable and only need to book ahead day in advance which is nice ☺️"
Maggie
"What an amazing place to visit. Hundreds of years of port history is fantastically explained through audio guides and displays. The whole fascinating story can be finished off with a port tasting experience in some of the most beautiful courtyard/ patio gardens I have seen. You may want to get an Uber here however, if staying on the other side of the river, it's a heck of a walk!"
David Smith
"Visited this wine house the last day on our trip in Porto. The grounds are very nice and it includes a nice tasting room where you can site outdoor or indoor, as well as a restaurant. We only did the tasting, which most were pretty good."
John Allen (Johnsjournie)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taylor's Port is located in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto. You can walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge, which offers great views, but be prepared for a bit of a hill climb to reach the cellars. Alternatively, you can take an Uber or a local bus.
While it's a scenic walk, reaching Taylor's Port involves walking uphill from the riverfront. Some visitors recommend taking an Uber if you prefer to avoid the climb.
Driving directly to Taylor's Port might be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking in Vila Nova de Gaia. It's generally recommended to use public transport, ride-sharing services, or walk from the city center.
The most popular and scenic way is to walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge. For a quicker or easier option, consider a short Uber or taxi ride directly to the cellars.
Yes, local buses serve Vila Nova de Gaia. You can check local transport schedules for routes that stop near Taylor's Port. However, many visitors find walking or using ride-sharing services more convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tickets for Taylor's Port tours and tastings in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
Taylor's Port typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour availability.
The cost of a tasting at Taylor's Port can vary depending on the package chosen, typically ranging from around €25 for a standard tasting. Some reviews mention it being on the higher side for the experience.
While a tour is part of the experience to learn about the history and production, you can often opt for a tasting-only experience. However, the self-guided audio tour is integral to understanding the cellars.
A typical visit includes a self-guided audio tour through the historic cellars, followed by a tasting of two or three different Taylor's Port wines in their beautiful gardens or tasting room.
🎫 🍷 Wine & Tasting
Taylor's Port is a fortified dessert wine, known for its rich, sweet, and often high-alcohol content. It's not meant to be drunk like regular table wine. +1
Taylor's Port is best enjoyed in small quantities, either neat in a small tasting glass or mixed with tonic water or other mixers. Drinking large glasses straight is strongly advised against. +1
Popular choices include Taylor's Vintage Port (especially acclaimed vintages like 1994 or 2009), Tawny Ports for their nutty, caramel notes, and Ruby Ports for their fruity character.
Yes, you can purchase bottles of Taylor's Port directly from their shop after your tasting. It's a great opportunity to take home a special bottle.
Some tasting packages may include small snacks like cheese or sweets, but these can run out, and some reviewers found them to be an extra cost.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The gardens with panoramic views of Porto, the historic cellars with barrels, and the tasting room offer excellent photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture the peacocks!
While it's a popular attraction, many visitors find Taylor's Port to be a worthwhile experience due to its history, beautiful setting, and quality wines. Some reviews suggest it's more commercial than smaller lodges. +1
The atmosphere is generally elegant yet inviting, with a focus on history and the appreciation of Port wine. The gardens provide a relaxed setting for tastings.
Taylor's boasts one of the oldest cellars and a beautiful garden setting. The self-guided audio tour allows for a personal exploration of the winemaking process.
The audio tour guides you through the history of Taylor's, the aging process in the cellars, and the art of Port wine production. It's informative and allows you to explore at your own pace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The self-guided tour allows families to move at their own pace, and the historical aspect might be engaging for older children interested in learning about wine production. However, remember that the tasting portions are for adults, and the high alcohol content of Port wine means it's not suitable for children to consume. Consider bringing snacks or planning a meal nearby if your visit extends over a mealtime, as food options at the tasting venue can be limited. 💰 Budget Travelers
🥂 Wine Enthusiasts
The self-guided tour provides in-depth information on the production and aging processes, appealing to those who want to understand the intricacies of Port wine. Many reviewers highlight the quality of the wines and the knowledgeable staff who can offer insights into the nuances of each selection. Consider opting for a tasting flight that includes a variety of styles to fully appreciate Taylor's range. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Port Wine Production at Taylor's
The newly fortified wine is then transported to the Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, where Taylor's cellars are located. Here, the wine undergoes its aging process. Tawny Ports are aged in wooden casks for extended periods, developing their characteristic nutty, caramel, and dried fruit flavors, as well as their lighter, brick-red color. Ruby Ports, on the other hand, are aged for a shorter time in large vats or concrete tanks, preserving their vibrant fruitiness and deep red hue. Vintage Ports are the pinnacle, aged for a minimum of two years in cask before being bottled, and are renowned for their exceptional aging potential and complex flavors that evolve over decades.
During your visit to Taylor's, the self-guided audio tour brings this process to life. You'll walk through the historic cellars, seeing the vast array of barrels and vats where the magic happens. The tour explains the different styles of Port, the importance of blending, and the legacy of Taylor's over its centuries of operation. It’s an educational experience that deepens your appreciation for every sip.
Taylor's Port: A Dessert Wine Experience
The recommended way to enjoy Taylor's Port is in small tasting portions or as part of a carefully crafted cocktail. Mixing it with tonic water, for instance, creates a refreshing 'Port Tonic,' a popular choice that balances the wine's sweetness with effervescence.
Alternatively, it can be a delightful accompaniment to desserts, cheese boards, or enjoyed as a digestif after a meal. The sweetness and complexity of Taylor's Ports, especially the Vintage selections, make them a luxurious treat. When you visit Taylor's, the tasting experience is designed to highlight these characteristics. You'll typically sample a few different styles, allowing you to appreciate the nuances between a fruity Ruby, a nutty Tawny, or a complex Vintage Port. Understanding its nature as a dessert wine will help you savor its unique flavors and enjoy it responsibly.
Navigating Vila Nova de Gaia's Port Houses
When planning your visit, consider that each Port house has its own unique history, tour style, and tasting offerings. Some, like Taylor's, provide a more structured, self-guided experience with audio guides, while others might offer more intimate, guided tours. Reddit users often discuss comparing different lodges, with recommendations varying based on personal preference for atmosphere, tour content, and tasting selections.
Beyond Taylor's, popular choices include Graham's, Sandeman, and Warre's, each offering a distinct perspective on Port wine. It's often suggested to visit one or two lodges to get a good feel for the diversity of Port production. Remember that many of these lodges are located on a hillside, so comfortable footwear is a must, and be prepared for some uphill walking.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit