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From its captivating culture to its breathtaking buildings, Porto is an enthralling destination that offers wine connoisseurs a truly unforgettable experience. This city produces some of the best wines in the world and has earned itself a following amongst oenophiles from all over the globe. Here is the complete guide to the best Porto wine tours to take in the city, and beyond such as the Douro Valley!
There are a variety of wine tours from Porto that allow visitors to explore the region’s wineries and sample some exceptional vintages. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent luxury tour, an express tour, or an economical experience, there is something for everyone.
15 Absolute Best Porto Wine Tours to take this year
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We will share more wine-tasting tours in Porto, and day tours to Douro Valley below
Typically Porto wine tours last 1 to 4+ hours, and are led by an expert in a wine cave or cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. These wine experiences are perfect if you are short on time, and do not wish to leave the city.
![Porto and Douro valley wine tours](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Douro-Valley-tours-wine-tasting-683x1024.jpg)
Douro Valley wine tours from Porto are a full-day adventure, lasting anywhere from 9 to 11 hours, and include multiple tastings, lunch, and a river cruise. They are popular and offer a more in-depth experience of the wine valley as compared to a 1- 4 hour tour in Gaia.
If you can spare a full day in Porto, then we highly suggest doing a day tour of the Douro Valley. They are one of the BEST when it comes to wine and hospitality.
Now, let’s go over each of these handpicked wine tours from Porto and what is included, duration, highlights, etc.
Porto Wine Tastings: Best Porto Wine Tours
1. Porto: Port and Douro Wine Walking Tour with Tastings (3 hours)
![Girl holding Port wine: Porto wine tours](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Best-Porto-wine-tours-from-Porto.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Porto and Douro Wine Walking Tour with Tastings
♡ RATING: 4.7 Out of 5 stars – with more than 350 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ Visit 3 wine houses in Vila Nova de Gaia with a guide
☑ You will get to try out 10 different port and Douro wine varieties
☑ Learn about port and Douro wine production from wine professionals
☑ Entry fees are included in the price
Why choose this tour?
Explore the best of Douro Valley wine without embarking on a full-day tour. On this 3-hour guided tour, you will enjoy both port and Douro wine from 3 wine houses in Vila Nova de Gaia.
The expert guide will share all the insights about the vineyards and wineries of the Douro Valley. Plus you will also learn about the culture and philosophy of Port wine drinking in Portugal.
The tour also includes samplings of 10 different Port and Douro wine tastings with professional commentaries.
This guided experience doesn’t include pick-up and drop-off. There is a meeting point where you have to get, to join the small group tour.
2. Port Wine Lodges Tour Including 7 Wine Tastings (4 hours)
![](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Douro-Valley-Information-centre.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Port Wine Lodges Tour with 7 tastings
♡ RATING: 4.9 Out of 5 stars – with more than 730 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ Guided tour of port wine cellars
☑ Guided tasting of Reserve White and Reserve Tawny Ports
☑ 7 wine tastings are included
☑ Visit the Port wine interpretation center and learn about the Douro Valley
☑ Enjoy scenic views of the city of Porto
☑ Entry fees to all wine lodges are included in the price
☑ Afternoon tour
Why choose this tour?
This 4 hour guided wine cellar tour kicks off in the afternoon from the Luis I Bridge. You will make your way to wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and learn about Port and its history.
Your first stop is visiting Calem cellar, one of the most prestigious Port producers in the world, to get a guided tour of the museum and the cellar here.
A guided tasting of Reserve White and Reserve Tawny Ports is included. This is where you will learn the differences between Port wine families and what makes Port so different from other wines.
As part of the tour, you will also visit an interactive center, and see how barrels are used to store Port wine and how cork is produced. This is where you will also learn about Douro Valley, and participate in an exclusive wine-tasting workshop featuring different wines.
Your guide will also teach you how best to pair Port with food.
3. Guided Port Wine Walking Tour (3 – 4 hours)
![Porto wine-tasting experience](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Porto-wine-tasting-experience.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Guided Port Wine Walking Tour
♡ RATING: 4.5 Out of 5 stars – with more than 330 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ Porto wine tour with a guide
☑ Port wine cellar experience in 3 places
☑ About 7 tastings are included
☑ Tapas, and cheese are included
☑ Entry fees are included in the price
Why choose this tour?
This is a city walking, wine, and food-tasting experience that lasts 3-4 hours. There are 3 cellars where you will be spending time – Fonseca Port Wine Cellars, Sala de Provas do Porto, and Maria Odete.
In two of the places, you will be served 3 tastings of Douro Wine with a platter of smoked meat and cheeses.
It is important to note that there is a fair amount of walking involved on this tour, so please wear comfortable hiking shoes – Porto/Gaia has its share of hills 🙂 The meeting place is near Ponte Luis I (the bridge’s lower level).
4. Guided Visit and Tasting of 3 Ports at Poças Wine Cellar (1 hour)
![Professional tasting of different fortified dessert ruby, tawny port wines in glasses in wine cellars in Porto, Portugal, close up](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tawny-Port-wine-in-Porto.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Guided Visit and Tasting of 3 Ports at Pocas Wine Cellar
♡ RATING: 4.6 Out of 5 stars – with more than 280 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ Express tour (1-hour tasting experience)
☑ Flexibility, as multiple tours are available on the same day to suit your schedule
☑ Small group experience
☑ 3 samples of Port wines included
☑ Enjoy a guided tour of a wine cellar
☑ Learn how to pair different port wines with various delicacies and food
☑ Entry fees are included in the price
Why choose this tour?
This guided tour is perfect for those who are short on time, but still wish to experience Portugal’s rich history of winemaking and fortified Port wines.
You will get to discover a 4th-generation Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia and learn about its wine-making process on this small-group tour.
The tour includes an informative walk through the cellar to see 100-year-old Ports and then visit the tasting room to sample port wines.
The guide also shares tips on pairing different wines and food together!
5. Porto: Burmester Cellar Tour with Tasting & Pairing Options (1 hour)
![Burmester wine tasting](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Burmester-Wine-Tasting.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Burmester Cellar Tours with Tastings and Pairings
♡ RATING: 4.4 Out of 5 stars – with more than 300 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ 1 hour in depth wine cave and tasting experience
☑ Multiple tours are available on the same day to suit your schedule
☑ 2 to 3 samples of Port wines included
☑ Enjoy a guided tour of a wine cellar
☑ Add-on cheese or chocolate tastings
☑ Learn about Port wines and the production process
☑ Views of the beautiful Luiz I bridge from the cellar
☑ Small group experience
☑ Entry fees are included in the price
☑ One of the affordable wine-tasting experiences on this list
Why choose this tour?
Burmester Wine Cave makes for an easy wine-tasting experience in Gaia. This cellar is located just by the Luis I bridge and offers a good view of this Porto landmark from the inside.
You will have to arrive at the wine cave and then join the guided tour. The tour lasts one hour, and you will be provided with 2 to 3 samplings.
When booking the tour you can select the tastings (cheese or chocolate), and the time of day you wish to join.
One of the benefits of joining an independent wine cave is that you can easily add this to your Porto itinerary as they conduct multiple tastings every day – rain or shine.
6. Porto: Graham’s Port Lodge Tour & Vintage Room Wine Tasting (45 minutes)
![](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Grahams-Port-Lodge-VINUM.jpg)
➤ BOOK the Graham’s Port Lodge Tour & Vintage Room Wine Tasting
♡ RATING: 4.7 Out of 5 stars – with more than 170 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ 45 minute guided wine cave and tasting experience
☑ Graham’s Port Lodge is one of the premier places to try wines near Porto
☑ 2 to 3 samples of Port wines included – Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos, Vintage Port, and old Tawnies
☑ Enjoy a guided tour of a wine cellar
☑ Perfect location to take in the city views of Porto (from Gaia), hang out in their garden and restaurant after (on your own time)
Why choose this tour?
Graham’s Port Lodge is one of the premium wine cellars in Gaia.
On this 45 minute guided tour, you will explore the 1890 Graham’s Port Lodge, and learn about the history of the cellar and its wine production process.
As part of the tour, you will visit the Vintage Port building that houses over 2,000 pipes (oak casks) and 40 large oak vats of aging Port wine, as well as extensive cellars.
Graham’s Port is located at the very end of the wine cellar line-up – at a higher level – on a ridge, and it offers fantastic views of Porto and the Luis I bridge.
Keep in mind that you will have to walk quite a bit from the bridge to get to the wine cellar – but trust us it is worth it. If you do not wish to trek, hire a taxi to drop you there.
Not only can you admire the views of Porto, Douro River, and beyond, but you can also hang out at their restaurant (we recommend making a reservation ahead of time), or their garden terrace.
Another thing to note is that this is a popular wine-tasting tour, and they only run 1-2 schedules per day – in the afternoon.
Best Douro Valley Wine Tours from Porto
7. From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch (9.5 hours)
![](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Douro-Valley-tour.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Douro Valley Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
♡ RATING: 4.7 Out of 5 stars – with more than 4600 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ A full day tour to experience the BEST of Douro Valley
☑ 2 wine stops included with samplings in each
☑ Traditional Portuguese lunch included
☑ Enjoy an hour’s river cruise
☑ Round trip transportation included from Porto
☑ Hotel pick up and drop off can be booked
☑ Small group experience
☑ Water bottle provided
Why choose this tour?
This 9.5-hour guided day tour from Porto is one of the most popular excursions to embark on. Over 4600 guests have experienced this wine valley tour.
The tour kicks off in the morning and makes for an amazing wine adventure. Round-trip transportation is included, and additionally, you can book a hotel up and drop off from your Porto accommodation. The trip is done in a clean vehicle, with free WiFi on board.
Wine tasting is conducted in 2 different places, and you can learn about its wine production and sample some.
A traditional Portuguese lunch is included. You will get to enjoy dishes made of local ingredients grown in the region.
This is a small group tour where you can soak in the views of the Douro Valley, visit its finest vineyards with an expert, and taste their wines.
Plus you will get to relax on a calming Pinhão boat cruise. Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience, book it and add it to your Porto itinerary!
Guest Review: “Very well organized day, amazing scenery …lunch and port tasting were very good too. Our guide Ivo was great, he gave us a lot of information but above all made the day super fun. Thanks also to our driver Josue. This tour offers much more than the description, highly recommended!!” – GetYourGuide Traveler
8. Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise (10 hours)
![Vineyards in Douro Valley, Portugal](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Douro-valley-wine-tour-guide.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & Cruise
♡ RATING: 4.6 Out of 5 stars – with more than 1170 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ A full day tour of the Douro Valley
☑ 2 wine estate stops with 3 different types of samplings
☑ Lunch is included, along with three wine, cheese, and olive oil tastings
☑ Enjoy an hour’s river cruise
☑ Extra stop (break) in Amarante
☑ Round trip transportation included from Porto
☑ Hotel pick up and drop off can be booked
☑ Water bottle provided
Why choose this tour?
This 10-hour guided experience of the Douro Valley has a similar itinerary to the previous one with 2 estate stops, a lunch, a river cruise, and round-trip transportation.
It also includes an additional break in Amarante. This may not be enough for sightseeing in the city, but you will get a glimpse of this beautiful Portuguese destination as you drive through and stop for a break.
This tour is also loved by many and provides good value for money. Read this review below,
Guest Review: “Beautiful experience. The tour group was a friendly crowd. We stopped at a place for coffee and then headed to our first wine spot. They taught us about their process and afterward they treated us to lunch. My God was the food Amazing!! The salad, the cod, the pork, the bread and the cheese. Just amazing! One of the best meals I’ve had, which is surprising because it’s not a restaurant, it’s a winery. Afterward, we went on a boat ride, which was nice, but given the weather, it was a bit gloomy. Lastly, we headed to Croft winery and enjoyed 3 extra tastings.. all and all a great tour. Marina, our tour guide was a delight. Very knowledgeable and super friendly! Our bus driver Manuel was amazing. He told us to buckle up cuz we were on the highway and his driving was magnificent. I get very safe. I’d do this tour again!” – GetYourGuide Traveler
9. Douro Valley Private Tour (All Inclusive)
![View of grapevines and landscapes in Douro Valley wineries in Portugal](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Vineyards-in-Douro-Valley-private-tour.jpg)
➤ Click to book this All Inclusive Douro Valley Private Tour
♡ RATING: 4.9 Out of 5 stars – with more than 150 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ Private day tour to the Douro Valley
☑ Multiple wine estate samplings
☑ Lunch is included
☑ Enjoy an hour’s river cruise
☑ Visit a traditional bakery
☑ Explore the village of Favaios to learn about Douro traditions
☑ Round trip transportation included from Porto including hotel pick up and drop off
☑ This day tour can be personalized
Why choose this tour?
Enjoy the luxury of a private tour of the Douro wine valley with a guide. This is a full-day tour of 10+ hours, and you and your party will get to stop at a few vineyards to sample wines, and learn about the wine-making process.
It also includes hotel pick up and drop off. This day tour can be personalized for you. You can book this tour as a solo traveler or bring your travel buddies.
A boat trip down the Douro River and an awesome lunch in a manor are included. Plus a visit to a traditional bakery will delight you.
This private tour has received glowing reviews from its previous patrons.
Guest Review: “This tour exceeded our expectations. We had a great tour guide, Pedro Xavier, with great knowledge of the area. The places we visited on this tour were spectacular, the views were breathtaking and the service was first class. Highly recommend Viator, ask for Pedro as your tour guide.” – Viator Traveler
10. From Porto: Private Douro Valley Tour with Cruise and Wine (12 hours)
![Douro valley vineyards](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Douro-Valley-vineyards.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Douro Valley Private tour with cruise and wine
♡ RATING: 5 Out of 5 stars – with more than 30 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ Private day tour to the Douro Valley
☑ 2 wine estate stops and samplings
☑ Lunch is included at a local restaurant
☑ Enjoy an hour’s river cruise
☑ Travel in a luxury Mercedes
☑ Round trip transportation included from Porto including hotel pick up and drop off
Why choose this tour?
Here is another private tour of the Douro Valley that is worth booking. Transportation is done on a luxury Mercedes and pick up and drop off are included.
You have free Wifi on board, so you can share amazing photos and stories as you enjoy the trip.
The professional guide takes you to 2 wine estates (their itinerary is similar to a small group tour, but you have full freedom and privacy to indulge in the wine-tasting tour with your loved ones). It also includes a river cruise.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant, where you can choose from an a la carte menu.
If you love a little lux in a comfortable vehicle, with an expert guide this is the tour to book!
Guest Review: “The highlight of our trip to Portugal. Delfim exceeded our expectations on our private tour of Douro Valley. He planned everything, from side trips to learning about the country’s history and culture to bring us to the absolute best wineries. The lunch restaurant he chose for us was excellent as was the boat tour which ended with roses and a glass of port for myself and my travel companion. Book with Delfim, you won’t be disappointed!” – GetYourGuide Traveler
Other Porto Port Wine Tasting Experiences
Other than the above Port wine and Douro Valley tours, you can choose a combination of history, culture, and related sightseeing excursions in the city of Porto to make the most of your trip.
These tours are a mix of 6 bridges cruises, fado shows, and hop-on and hop-off bus tickets. We have included the time/duration for each tour so that it is helpful in making a decision.
11. Porto: Small Group City Tour Full Day with Lunch, Wine Tasting & Cruise (9 hours)
![](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6-Bridges-Cruise-with-Gaia-in-the-background.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Small Group City Tour with Lunch, Wine Tasting, and Cruise
♡ RATING: 5 Out of 5 stars – with more than 30 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ Learn about Porto’s history including Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro River, and much more with a guide
☑ Enjoy a traditional local lunch
☑ Relax on a 6 Bridges cruise
☑ Experience wine tasting in Gaia
☑ Round trip transportation (with optional hotel pick up and drop off)
☑ Perfect for the first time visitor to Porto, to see it all
Why choose this tour?
Choose this full-day tour of Porto to experience the city’s history, food, river cruise, and wine tasting. It is a perfect introduction to Porto.
You will visit the city’s iconic landmarks such as Porto Cathedral, Livraria Lello book store, São Bento railway station, Ribeira, various viewpoints, and Gaia and join a wine-tasting session. Lunch and an hour’s 6 bridges cruise are included.
Tours run in small groups – a minivan can take up to 8 participants or a private minibus with up to 29 participants. You can include a hotel pick up and drop off from your Porto accommodation.
This sightseeing excursion follows a set itinerary from start to finish – if you wish to have more flexibility, then consider the next tour option on this list.
Guest Review: “Andre was amazing, knowledgeable, and very helpful. He made the trip great. Love the wine tasting and the city walk.” – Viator Traveler
12. Porto: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, River Cruise, & Port Cellar Tour (2 days)
![](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Starting-on-the-6-Bridges-Cruise.jpg)
➤ BOOK this Combo Ticket – Hop on and off bus, cruise, and port cellar tour
♡ RATING: 4.3 Out of 5 stars – with more than 3000 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ 3 combo tickets – Hop on & hop off bus tour, 6 bridges cruise, wine cellar visit
☑ It is valid for 2 days, giving you flexibility
☑ Wine expert at the cellar + tastings included
☑ Audio guide in the bus tour
☑ Save money on tour tickets by purchasing this combo
☑ Plus get further discounts at participating bars, shops, etc.
Why choose this tour?
Enjoy Porto by crafting your very own itinerary with a little help from the experts.
This 2 day ticket gives you access to sightseeing buses which you can ride to visit Porto’s landmarks from end to end. You can hop on and off the bus as you like – choose the historical sightseeing tour or castles tour with an audio guide on day one.
When tired, get down in Ribeira to enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch (at your own expense) and then embark on the 6 bridges tour.
The next day, sample wines at the Calém Wine Cellars where top-quality Port wines have been produced since 1859. You can also sample some of the goods, including white, dry, and ruby Ports.
Note that the hop-on hop-off bus ticket is for 48 hours and it has two routes – a historical sightseeing tour or castles tour. We recommend choosing one route on day one and then pairing it with the 6 bridges tour. The next day opt for the wine cave experience and the second sightseeing bus route.
In both cases, you have to get down in Ribeira – so you can break for a late lunch here and then start the river cruise (05:30 pm – last trip) or wine tasting experience (afternoons, last entry at 7:00 pm reservation required).
13. Porto: Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting (75 minutes)
![Calem wine tasting Porto](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Calem-wine-tasting.jpg)
➤ BOOK the Calem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting
♡ RATING: 4.4 Out of 5 stars – with more than 1000 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ 75 minute wine tasting with Fado show
☑ Visit port wine cellars at Calem
☑ Wine expert at the cellar + tastings included during the show
☑ Short/ express tour
☑ Evening show/tour
Why choose this tour?
Enjoy a fado performance while sampling Port wine and also embark on a guided tour of the Cálem Cellars in one evening.
At Cálem caves winery, you will tour the facilities to learn about the history and traditions of port wine production with an expert. Sample tastings of 2 Port wines – a white port, and a special reserve are included.
This experience lasts 75 minutes and brings in all the best ingredients of a cultural night in Porto.
Fado is an important part of Portuguese culture. It is folk music that originated in Lisbon – all fado performances are done in an intimate setting, and they are so so powerful and moving….
Listen and dance to Portuguese music as you enjoy a sip of fine wine.
14. Porto: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine (1 hour)
![Fado show and Port wine](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fado-show-and-Port-wine.jpg)
➤ BOOK a Live Fado show with a glass of Port wine
♡ RATING: 4.8 Out of 5 stars – with 800 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ 60 minute Fado show with Port wine
☑ Evening show/tour
Why choose this tour?
Although not a wine-tasting tour, this one-hour fado show includes a sampling of Port wine at an affordable price.
You will get to experience moving fado music in a historical venue with fabulous acoustics. And sip on a glass of Port and immerse yourself in the flavors and sounds of Porto.
Note that this show takes place in the evenings only. You can choose between two Casa do Fado venues – the Ribeira, a 19th-century cellar, or the Sé, a former guitar luthier workshop.
15. Porto Tapas and Vinho Verde Tour (3 hours 30 minutes)
➤ BOOK this Porto Tapas and Vinho Verde Tour
♡ RATING: 5 Out of 5 stars – with 40 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
☑ 3 hours and 30 minutes of guided food tour at the Bolhão market
☑ Food, sweets, and vinho verde wines tasting
☑ 12 finger food tastings, and 3 drinks (3x Glasses of Vinho Verde wine)
☑ Small group experience
Why choose this tour?
This is a different type of tour that we wanted to include on this list. It is a foodie tour that takes place in the Bolhão Market in Porto. Here you will experience – tascas aka local taverns, and vinho verde wines.
On this tour, you will learn about Bolhão Market on a guided walking visit and taste 12 samplings from some of the best street food stalls along with regional wines. This experience is perfect for the foodie lover!
What to expect on a Wine Tour from Porto & Wine Cellar Tour
On most tours, guests will visit 2-4 different wineries and enjoy tasting a variety of red, white, and fortified wines.
![Burmester wine tasting](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Burmester-Wine-Cave-Porto.jpg)
Most tours include round-trip transportation from Porto city center, a knowledgeable guide to provide interesting information about the local wine scene, visits to local wineries or vineyards, as well as food pairings such as cheese plates or traditional Portuguese snacks.
Wine tastings are usually paired with delicious food, allowing visitors to sample the best local products.
Typically, wine cellar tours in Porto are
- For 45 minutes to 4 hours+
- No transportation is provided, so you have arrived at the location/mentioned meeting point
- An in-house wine expert will guide you through (and others. Usually a group experience)
- Wine cellar tours for 1 hour or less will have a wider availability throughout the day. It is an authentic experience and can be easily incorporated into any Porto itinerary
- These tours include wine tastings (1-3 glasses, optional food and cheese pairings)
We have included full-day Porto city tour options on this list that also includes sightseeing in the city, as well as a wine cave visit.
For wine tours in the Douro Valley from Porto,
- Expect these to be full day tours (9-12+ hours), so you definitely need a day set aside to enjoy it
- Round-trip transportation (with optional hotel pick up and drop off) is always included
- Multiple wineries are visited with a guide, and tastings included
- Traditional lunch is included
- Most will include a one-hour river cruise
- Can be booked as a private wine tour or a small group tour
Ways to travel from Porto to Douro Valley
Traveling from Porto to the Douro Valley is an essential part of any wine touring experience.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just want to explore the region, there are a variety of ways to travel from Porto to the Douro Valley.
![](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Map-of-Porto-Douro-Valley-Portugal.jpg)
When you join a guided tour, transportation is done in a minivan. Most will have free wifi and will provide a small group experience.
Most tours will pick you up at your hotel or another location in Porto and take you straight to the Douro Valley wineries.
Apart from a guided tour, one of the most popular options to travel to the Douro Valley is by car. This is a great option if you want to have more control over your itinerary and easily stop along the way for lunch or sightseeing.
But for this, you have to individually look for vineyards and book a visit to a wine room. River cruises are easy to book once you are in Pinhao. Here is a one-hour Rabelo boat tour, and a two-hour boat tour with an audio guide
Another option to travel is by train. You can catch a regional train from the Sao Bento Station in Porto to Pinhão, which is located right in the heart of Douro Valley wine country.
This can be a great option for those looking for an economical way to travel and it’s also an enjoyable experience as you get to take in some beautiful views along the way.
Porto to Douro Valley trains operate daily and tickets cost around 20+ euros for a return trip.
Trains are clean and reliable, but they only have a few trips in a day. And a one-way ride will take 2.50 to 3 hours to get there – do factor that in mind.
When is the best time to visit Douro Valley for a wine tour
The Douro Valley is one of the best places in the world to experience incredible wines and stunning scenery. When planning your visit, it is important to consider the best time of year for a Douro Valley wine tour.
While the region enjoys mild temperatures throughout most of the year, there are certain times when visiting will provide you with an even more memorable experience.
![Tasting of Portuguese fortified dessert and dry port wine, produced in Douro Valley in autumn](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Douro-Valley-day-trip-from-Porto.jpg)
The peak season for visiting the Douro Valley usually falls between April and November. During this period, the region experiences its warmest and brightest weather.
This is a great time to take advantage of outdoor activities, such as river cruises or hikes through the vineyards, as well as getting to sample some of the best local wines.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, then winter may be the best time for you. During this period, the region is still relatively mild and offers some unique experiences such as winter wine tastings and luxurious spa treatments.
Douro Valley wineries are open all year round.
Difference between Douro Valley Table Wine vs. Port Wine
The Douro Valley is best known for its delicious fortified wines called Port, but it’s also home to some exceptional table wines.
Douro Valley table wines have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the region’s ideal climate and soil conditions. The production of Douro Valley table wines has risen over the years, as compared to Port wine.
![Graham Port Lodge Wine](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Graham-Port-Best-Porto-wine-tours-from-Porto.jpg)
When comparing Douro Valley table wine vs. Port wine, it’s important to note that Douro Valley table wines have a lighter body and are typically dry.
They also tend to be fruitier and more aromatic than traditional Port wine.
On the other hand, Port wine is rich and full-bodied with a sweet flavor profile.
The two types of wine also differ in terms of alcohol content; Douro Valley table wines are generally around 12-14% alcohol, while Port wine is around 20%.
The Douro Valley is the only place in the world that can legally produce what’s called the “Port wine.”
![View of Gaia from Porto wine tours](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/View-of-Gaia-from-Porto.jpg)
Porto is located outside of the Douro Valley wine region, but Porto particularly Gaia was the transportation and marketing hub of port wines.
Here are the different types of Port wines,
- Ruby ports: Simple, and most affordable (aged for 2-3 years)
- Tawny ports: They are aged for 6-7 years (or longer)
- White ports: They are for 18 months or so
Where to go for Port wine tastings in Porto?
When you are in Porto, you can also drop by these cellars to buy Port wine to take back home,
- Espaço Porto Cruz
- Calem Cellar
- Graham’s Port Lodge
- Taylor’s Port
- Burmester
- Cockburn’s Port Wine Lodge
- Sandeman Cellars
Where to Stay in Porto Portugal
Porto is one of our favorite cities in Portugal. Porto is a compact city, so getting to different areas and attractions won’t be difficult wherever you decide to stay.
![](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Viewpoint-Porto-Ponte-Luis-I-Bridge.jpg)
However, staying in a centrally-located hotel will allow you to get to various places without much walking, or spending time in traffic.
Here are some of our favorite places to stay in Porto,
- Oporto Street Miragaia Riverside Suites: This is a beautiful riverfront apartment-hotel, located within walking distance of the Ribeira and the Porto Cathedral. You will find a tram and bus station right outside the hotel. Check availability and book a suite here
- Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina: This is a lovely 4-star hotel in the old city centre. The hotel has a restaurant on site and rooms are of decent size and well-equipped for a short stay in Porto. Book your stay at the Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina
Other Portugal Travel Resources
Choosing the best wine-tasting tour in Porto and Douro Valley can seem like a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to begin!
We hope this guide helped you to narrow down and choose the perfect tour for your trip.
Here are some more travel guides for Portugal:
Pin: Porto Wine Tours Portugal – Porto Wine Tasting Experience
![Porto wine tours pin](https://www.tosomeplacenew.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tours-porto-douro-683x1024.jpg)
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