Goa Fontainhas: Wine Tasting in 150-Year-Old Heritage House

Summary

Fontainhas old-world charm meets Goan wine and warm stories

You’ll step through creaky doors into a 150-year-old Indo-Portuguese home in Goa’s Fontainhas quarter for an intimate wine tasting experience with Mr. Aires Andrade. Taste unique Goan wines paired with homemade snacks, hear family stories, and feel the slow rhythm of heritage all around you. It’s less about sipping wine and more about stepping into living history for an afternoon you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

You know that sound old wood makes when you step on it? That’s the first thing I noticed as we walked into Mr. Aires Andrade’s house in Fontainhas — the floor creaked just a little, and the air smelled faintly of rain on stone and something sweet I couldn’t place at first (turns out it was guava from the garden). The walls were this faded blue, with sunlight sneaking through stained glass. Aires greeted us with a grin and a quick “Come in, come in!” — like he’d been waiting for friends, not strangers.

I’ve done a few wine tastings before, but nothing like this. We sat around an old wooden table that looked like it had seen generations of stories. Aires poured the first glass — a Goan rosé, chilled just enough to cut through the sticky afternoon. He told us about his family’s history in this house (it’s over 150 years old), and how Goan winemaking is its own thing — not quite Portuguese, not quite Indian. I tried saying “vinho” properly; he laughed and said my accent was “very international.” The main keyword here is wine tasting experience Goa, but honestly it felt more like being let into someone’s memories.

The wines themselves surprised me — especially one made from local cashew fruit. It was sharp at first sip, then mellowed out with the little snacks they served (spiced nuts and something flaky I forgot the name of). There was this moment where everyone went quiet, just swirling their glasses and listening to Aires talk about Fontainhas’ old days — you could hear distant church bells if you listened hard enough. The whole day trip machu picchu cusco kind of vibe wasn’t here; it was slower, softer. I still think about that view from his balcony — tiled roofs, laundry flapping like flags, kids yelling somewhere down the lane.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting in historic Fontainhas

• Visit 150-year-old Indo-Portuguese house
• Explore Fontainhas heritage architecture
• Join wine tasting with Mr. Aires Andrade
• Savor authentic Goan wines and local flavors
• Listen to storytelling and hospitality
• Option to purchase wines

Top questions

Where does the wine tasting take place?

The wine tasting is hosted inside a 150-year-old Indo-Portuguese house located in Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter.

Who leads the experience?

The tasting is led by Mr. Aires Andrade, a local homeowner and wine collector.

Are snacks included during the wine tasting?

Yes, homemade snacks are served alongside Goan wines during the experience.

Is pickup or transportation included?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are available nearby.

Can I buy wines at the end of the tour?

Yes, there is an opportunity to purchase wines directly or pre-book bottles online after your tasting.

Is this suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

How long has the house been standing?

The Indo-Portuguese house where the tasting takes place is over 150 years old.

What’s special about Goan wines on this tour?

The wines are locally crafted and include unique varieties such as those made from cashew fruit.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to a historic Indo-Portuguese home in Fontainhas for guided storytelling and wine tasting led by Mr. Aires Andrade himself; all fees and taxes are covered along with local snacks and some Soul Travelling goodies before you wander back out into Goa’s colorful streets.