Porto: Fado Concert & Handmade Guitar Tasting with Port Wine

Summary

Live Fado in Porto’s guitar workshop with Port wine and stories

You’ll step inside a working instrument shop in Porto for an hour-long live Fado concert surrounded by handmade Portuguese guitars. With stories from local musicians, video insights into Fado’s roots, and a glass of Douro Valley port wine served during intermission, you’ll feel both welcome and moved by this small group experience.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed walking into Casa da Guitarra was the smell — wood shavings, a little hint of varnish, and something sweet (maybe from the port barrels stacked at the back). There’s this hush before the music starts, like everyone’s holding their breath together. Our guide, Tiago, nodded at us from behind a row of polished Portuguese guitars. He looked proud — or maybe just happy to see people curious about his world.

I didn’t expect to get a mini history lesson before the concert, but honestly, it made everything feel richer. They showed us a short video about Fado and these beautiful stringed instruments — Portuguese guitar, viola de fado, mandolin — all lined up like old friends on the wall. Tiago explained how each is built by hand right here in Porto. I tried to say “viola de fado” properly; Li laughed at my accent and so did Tiago, but in that warm way locals do when you’re obviously trying.

Then came the music. The singer’s voice was raw and kind of haunting — not pretty in a polished way, but real. The guitarist’s fingers moved so fast I lost track. At one point during a quiet song I caught myself staring at the dust motes spinning in the late afternoon light (I know that sounds poetic — but it was just this tiny moment where everything felt still except for her voice). During the break they handed out glasses of reserve port wine from some family vineyard in Douro Valley. It tasted deep and slightly smoky; I’m not really a wine person but I finished mine anyway.

I still think about that last song — everyone went quiet except for one older man who hummed along softly near me. Walking out past all those handmade guitars, I felt like I’d seen something private that most visitors miss. If you care about music or just want to feel what makes Porto tick underneath all its tourist gloss, this is probably your spot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Experience Fado concert and culture

• Meet for cultural introduction
• Listen to female Fado singer
• Enjoy portuguese guitar and viola de fado
• Pause for reserve port wine tasting
• Continue emotional Fado concert

Top questions

How long does the Fado concert at Casa da Guitarra last?

The concert lasts about one hour.

Is there wine included during the Fado show?

Yes, you’ll be served reserve port wine from a Douro Valley family-owned company during the pause.

Are children allowed at this Fado concert?

Yes, infants and small children can attend and may use prams or strollers.

Where is Casa da Guitarra located in Porto?

Casa da Guitarra is located in central Porto; public transportation options are nearby.

What instruments are featured during the show?

You’ll hear Portuguese guitar and viola de fado (guitar), with explanations about each instrument.

Is there an explanation about Fado music during the event?

Yes, there’s a video introduction explaining Fado and its cultural background before the performance starts.

Is this experience suitable for people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to Casa da Guitarra in Porto for an hour-long live Fado concert led by local musicians with expert explanations about traditional stringed instruments and Fado itself via video introduction. During intermission you’ll enjoy a glass of reserve port wine from a Douro Valley family producer before heading back out into Porto’s night air.