Taylor’s Port, Vila Nova de Gaia

Vinho do Porto: Let Your Senses Delight

Porto, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning views, is synonymous with Port wine—it is called "vinho do Porto," after all. As wine lovers, we couldn't leave Porto without literally tasting the city and learning more about its namesake wine rich history. Among the myriad options in Vila Nova de Gaia, we selected Taylor's. While both Taylor's Port and Sandeman are legendary names highly rated on review sites, Taylor's won us over with its commanding view of the Douro River and the Ribeira district.

Taylor Fladgate

Getting There: A Scenic Uphill Walk

The most practical way to visit Taylor's is to include it as part of your exploration of Vila Nova de Gaia. From the Douro Promenade, it's about a 10-minute uphill walk. Begin your journey with a leisurely stroll along the promenade, soaking in the picturesque views. Make a stop at the instagrammable Half Rabbit street art installation at Largo Sampai. From there, continue uphill on Rua do Choupelo. Be careful of traffic on the way, as pedestrians and cars share the road.

History: From Douro Valley to Vila Nova de Gaia

Port wine, originating from the Douro Valley, has a rich history dating back centuries. The unique climate and soil of the Douro Valley create the perfect conditions for growing grapes that produce this fortified wine. Traditionally, the wine is transported down the Douro River to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where it ages to perfection. The term "Porto" refers to wines that meet the specific standards and regulations of this appellation, characterized by their rich, sweet, and complex flavors.

A Self-Guided immersion in the world of Port

The self-guided tour at Taylor's begins with an audio guide you receive at the entrance. As you walk through the huge historic cellars, you'll encounter barrels of various sizes, each contributing differently to the aging process. The large barrels allow for slower aging, preserving the fruitiness of the wine, while the smaller barrels enhance the complexity and depth of flavors. We walked, breathing in the heavenly "Angel's Share," a term referring to the wine that evaporates from the barrels during aging. It's like getting a little high while learning—enology pedagogy at its best.

During the tour, I learned that Port starts with the process of stomping grapes with bare feet. What might seem like a primitive and simple process at first glance is actually a delicate dance that follows ancient rules to ensure the grapes are broken properly. It made me wonder how many pleasures in life are, at first glance, unsanitary.

Taylor’s cellar

Taste in the Garden: Elegance and Indulgence

The tasting experience at Taylor's is a true delight. Set in an elegant garden with unparalleled views, it offers a serene and sophisticated ambiance. Knowledgeable and talkative waiters enhance the experience by explaining each wine personally, ensuring you get the most out of the tasting. The standard tour includes a tasting of two Ports: Dry – Extra Dry White, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), and a complimentary can of Chip Dry & Tonic (refreshing ready to drink cocktail that we kept to enjoy later in our trip). The menu also offer light snacks like cheese, ham and nuts.

Extra Dry White Port: As the title suggests, this Port is produced with white grapes. The fortification process involves adding brandy later in the fermentation process, resulting in a crisp and dry Port. Refreshing and different to the typical port experience I am used to. I enjoyed it.

Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): A more traditional, deep ruby-colored Port. LBV, as the name suggests, is bottled later, after four or more years of barrel aging in wood. While closer to the traditional Port wine that most Americans are familiar with, I found it a little lacking in complexity.

Old Tawny on the menu. For those seeking a more complex and heavenly experience, ask for the cart and order a traditional Old Tawny Port. Talk with the waiter about your preferences and budget (some Ports can exceed 200 euros!). I opted for the 30-year-old Tawny (18 euros). Only every two or three years is a reserve of Port with sufficient structure and fruit set aside to age in oak casks. Those that reach their peak after thirty years are then blended together. The server brought the slightly chilled bottle to the table, provided a detailed explanation, and answered all my questions. Served with style, the experience was exquisite.

The garden setting, including peacocks open their tales, combined with the exquisite wines and personalized service, elevates the experience to something truly special. Just sip, and life is good.

Taylor’s tasting. Extra Dry White. LBV and 30 year old tawny.

Conclusion. An Unmissable Experience in Porto

Our visit to Taylor's was nothing short of extraordinary. It stands out as one of the best tastings and tours we've experienced in our travels. For anyone visiting Porto, a trip to Taylor's is an unmissable experience that perfectly blends history, education, and indulgence. The adult ticket, including the tour and tasting, is 20 euros. It's a steal when you consider that it's about what you'd spend just for drinks at an upscale bar. Essentially, you're getting the experience, the tour, and the views for free. Great wines, learning what's behind them, and getting to taste them in an unforgettable setting. The Taylor Fladgate tour gets the coveted Trailblazer Exquisite Experience seal of approval.