Cockburn's

Excellent 16.0/20

Rua Serpa Pinto, 346,4400-307 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Open From Nov 1st - Mar 31st:
Every day 9:30 to 17:30 (Last tour at 17:00), From Apr 1st - Oct 31st:
Every day from 9:30 to 18:00 (Last tour at 17:30)
Cards MC,V,AE

Private Tasting Area

The Verdict

To "Cellarbrate": Fabulous tour guide, fun and very informative tour, beautiful tasting spaces, amazing history and unique opportunity to see coopers in action. Dom Hidden Gem awarded.

To "Wine about": Nothing

How many bottles did we buy: 2

Suitable for: Couples, small groups, Wine lovers

Visited October 2017 (weekday)

Getting There

Country

State/Province

Region

Accessibility

Portugal

Porto

Douro Valley

In Vila Nova de Gaia, up the hill from the river, approximately a 10 minute walk from the riverfront or you can drive

Upon Arrival

Parking

Setting

Commercial/Boutique

Ambiance

Airconditioning/Fireplace

There is a large carpark on Rua Leonor de Freitas.

The port lodge sits up on a hill; there are no gardens or view to speak of. The main entrance is off the small street Rua Serpa Pinto which is an easy walk up the hill from the river

Commercial

The general tasting room has been recently renovated and is modern with a tiled floor and many tables around the room with a tasting bar to the side. The room looks into the old vat room. There is also a private tasting area up the stairs above the main tasting room with a number of smaller, round tables

No/No

Tasting Experience

Number of wines on tasting

Particular wines or varietals known for

Wait time

Knowledge of wines

Staff attitude

Winery Tour Offered

Tasting seating available at counter

Tasting sheet/order form provided for notes

You can complete a tour and tasting or just visit the wine bar for tastings by the glass; there are 9 wines on the tasting list. The tours offer 5 options for tasting ranging from 3 - 6 wines

Port

There was no wait time

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable on the history of the port lodge and the wines and of the rules surrounding port

Friendly, fun and very helpful staff. English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish tours are offered

Yes. Groups of up to 15 are taken, by appointment only

The tasting is conducted seated at tables in the main tasting room or in the private room, depending on the tour booked

Yes a placemat with tasting notes is provided with your tasting

Food Offering

Yes/No

Restaurant/Café/Tasting platter

Yes

You can purchase a food pairing with your tasting; almonds, cheese or chocolate.

Hip Pocket

Price range of wines

Tasting Fee

Refundable on purchase?

Tour Fee

Delivery cost per dozen

Club Membership with Discounts etc

€8 - €249

By the glass tasting prices are €2.50 - €15

Tour prices start at €10 (without tasting) or €15-€45 (with tasting) depending on the tasting option chosen

€25

Other features, facilities and offerings

Gift Shop

Toys/play area for kids

Dog friendly

By the way...

Yes, wine accessories and clothing

Yes, colouring sheets are available for children

This is the only port house to still have a working cooperage where you can see the coopers at work, making and repairing the port barrels

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