Porto: Taylor's Port Cellars Tour & Port Wine Tasting

Summary

Porto’s port wine legacy in 300-year-old cellars with tasting

You’ll walk through Taylor’s centuries-old cellars in Porto, learning how Port is made as you go—at your own pace with an audio guide. Taste three distinct Ports (or grape juice if you’re under 18), chat with friendly staff, and get lost in stories from the Douro Valley. It’s more personal than you might expect—and those flavors really stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the cool damp air—like stepping into a stone vault after the sticky warmth outside in Porto. The walls of Taylor’s cellars seemed to hum with old stories; you could almost smell the oak barrels before you saw them. I fumbled with the audio guide (it’s in so many languages, even Dutch, which surprised me), then drifted behind a small group of French tourists. One of them whispered something about “vinho do Porto” and grinned at me, so I smiled back, feeling like we were all in on some quiet secret.

I took my time winding through the tunnels—honestly, I lost track of how long I spent just staring at the rows of barrels. At one point, a staff member named Marta caught me peering too closely at a dusty label and told me (in perfect English) that some of these casks have been here longer than most people’s grandmothers. She laughed when I tried to pronounce “Fladgate” with a Portuguese twist. The history bits on the audio guide were actually interesting—there was something about how Taylor’s invented Dry White Port and Late Bottled Vintage. I didn’t expect to care about production methods but somehow it stuck.

The tasting room had this soft golden light—felt safe after the dimness of the cellars. They poured three Ports: Chip Dry (so crisp it made my mouth pucker), then the Late Bottled Vintage, which tasted like plums and winter spices, and finally a 10-year-old Tawny that lingered sweetly even after I left. There was grape juice for kids too; a little boy near me looked suspiciously at his glass before giggling when he realized it wasn’t wine. Anyway, I still think about that Tawny sometimes when it rains back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Taylor's Port Cellars and Tasting

• Explore 300-year-old cellars
• Use multilingual audio guide
• Learn Port wine history and production
• Discover Taylor Fladgate’s legacy
• Learn about Dry White Port and LBV
• Taste Chip Dry and Late Bottled Vintage

Top questions

Is this Taylor's Port Cellars tour self-guided?

Yes, you explore at your own pace using an audio guide available in multiple languages.

What wines are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste Chip Dry Extra Dry White Port, Late Bottled Vintage Port, and 10-year-old Tawny Port.

Is there an option for children or non-drinkers?

Yes, grape juice from the Douro Valley is provided for guests under 18 years old.

Are there guides or staff available during the visit?

The tour is self-guided but staff are present throughout the cellars to answer questions.

How long does it take to tour Taylor's cellars?

You can move at your own pace; most visitors spend around 1–2 hours inside.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Taylor's cellars in Porto.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Service animals are allowed during your visit to Taylor's Port Cellars.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Taylor’s historic port wine cellars in Porto, use of an audio guide in your preferred language, tastings of Chip Dry Extra Dry White Port, Late Bottled Vintage Port, and 10-year-old Tawny (or Douro grape juice for guests under 18), plus friendly staff on hand if you have questions along the way.