Cockburn´s Cellar Tour Classic or Pairing Option in Porto – An In-Depth Guide

When it comes to a holiday break in Porto, you will want to include an excursion to one of the city´s well-known wine cellars. If you love wine or simply want to experience the city´s culture, you can´t miss what Portugal´s second largest city has to offer. Cockburn´s Cellar Tours in Porto have been offering different tours and tasting options to their visitors for decades. In this guide, we will provide you with a thorough overview of Cockburn´s Cellar Tour Classics and their popular Pairing Option. We will explain what´s included in each tour and why it is worth your money, helping you make the best decision for your trip to Porto.

What Is Cockburn’s Cellar Tour Classic?

Cockburn’s Cellar Tour Classics are conducted in English and fully adapted to tourists coming from abroad, so it’s important to make a reservation if you want to make sure you get a place. The tour begins in the center of Vila Nova de Gaia where you will be taken to one of five wineries— Márcio Lopes, Sandeman, Calem, Kopke or Burmester —depending on availability.During the Classic tour of Cockburn´s Cellar, you will be able to learn a bit about wine tasting and the endless varieties of port wine, while visiting a traditional cellar and becoming acquainted with one of these renowned brands. The duration of the tour varies from winery to winery, but it typically lasts around one and a half hours. Once you arrive at the winery, the guide will start with a brief introduction about the brand’s particularity before going over the process of making port wine. Then, you will be led through the cellar and sometimes even have the opportunity to travel by tram or elevator through the different basement levels, according to the specific tour. The guide will always give details about the aging in barrels and bottling process, as well as some information about the wines they produce. You will also get a chance to read some interesting facts about the history of Porto’s wineries written on boards or walls around the cellar. At the end of the tour, you will be guided to an adjoining room, where you will be able to taste as many drinks as you’d like— a process which is usually accompanied with Portuguese cheese and bread. After that, you can browse through the souvenir shop and leave with a bottle or two!

What Is the Cockburn´s Pairing Option?

If you are looking for something more unique during your travels in Porto, then you should consider Cockburn’s Pairing Option. This special option enables visitors to sample some of the best wines in conjunction with a selection of Portuguese delicacies, allowing them to get a better understanding of both winemaking and local cuisine. The Pairing Option takes place in a larger room compared to the Classic tour and includes several authentic dishes from the northwest part of Portugal. Sample plates may vary depending on availability, but you can expect different types of meats, cheeses and local fruits. During the tour, the guide will introduce each dish in detail while providing valuable background information on local gastronomy and Portuguese winemaking tradition. The Pairing Option usually concludes with some sweet suggestions (like Portuguese pastries!) and a final glass of Porto wine.

Which Tour Should YouChoose?

Cockburn’s Cellar Tour classic and its new Pairing Option are excellent ways to experience one of Porto’s oldest traditions. They are also great opportunities if you want to sample some Portuguese food or gather knowledge about how port wines are made. The Classic tour is perfect for those with limited time who simply wish to have a brief overview of Portuguese winemaking culture. It typically takes around 90 minutes and includes several tastings of Porto wines along with cheese and bread. The tour normally follows an established route and is conducted in English; thus being easier for tourists from abroad to understand. The Pairing Option is recommended for those who have more time to spare and who wish to deepen their appreciation for both Portuguese winemaking traditions as well as its cuisine. Whereas in the Classic tour you get a fairly general overview about winemaking, here there is enough time to explain every detail regarding Portuguese gastronomy alongside its wines. And, as this choice involves several dishes, it often comes at a slightly higher price than its Classic counterpart. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences and budget when deciding which tour to take. Both tours are well worth your money though, so don’t forget to book either one before leaving home! Whether you decide between Cockburn’s Cellar Tour Classic or Pairing Option in Porto for your next holiday stay in Portugal—you won’t regret it! But don’t take our word for it: feel free to check out our partner GetYourGuide and book your own experience today!