How to Plan Your Porto Tour: Cockburn’s Cellar Tour Classic or Pairing Option

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is as famous for its Port wine as for its stunning landscapes. Tucked away in the historic quarter of Vila Nova de Gaia is Cockburn’s Lodge, the largest and most extensive Port cellar in the region. A visit to Porto is not complete without experiencing the Cockburn’s Cellar Tour with a choice of Classic or Pairing options.

Here’s how to plan your Cockburn’s Cellar Tour in Porto.

Step 1: Choose Your Experience

Cockburn’s Lodge offers two options: Classic or Premium. Depending on your taste and preference, you can choose a Vintage Classic experience or a Premium experience. Both options include a 1-Hour Cellars Tour and wine tasting.

Classic Experience Highlights

• Explore Cockburn’s Lodge, the largest Port cellar in the historic quarter of Vila Nova de Gaia
• Learn about Cockburn’s fascinating 200-year history
• Taste Cockburn’s wines aged in well-seasoned oak casks and vats paired with Chocolate
• Watch a cooper hard at work wielding mallets

Premium Experience Highlights

• All of the highlights from the Classic Experience
• A guided wine tasting with an expert
• A VIP visit to the Vintage Cellar with unique access to old Vintage Ports and special edition wines, accompanied by cheese and charcuterie platters
• An exclusive Walk of Fame gathering consisting of past and present wine producers and personalities in the Port Wine industry

Step 2: Book Your Tour

To book a Cockburn’s Cellar Tour, visit the GetYourGuide website and select your preferred option. The website also provides options on the date, time, and visitor count. Book the tour here: Cockburn’s Cellar Tour

Step 3: Know What’s Included in Your Tour Package

The Classic and Premium Cockburn’s Cellar Tour packages each include:

• 1-Hour Cellars Tour (all options)
• A choice between Vintage Classic or Premium experience (depending on option selected)
• Wine tasting (varies depending on option selected)
• Chocolate pairing (if option selected)
• Transportation (if option selected)

Step 4: How to Reach the Cockburn’s Cellar Tour location

You can reach the Cockburn’s Lodge by crossing the Douro River from Porto to the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood. You can walk there in about 15-20 minutes, or take a ride on the historic funicular railway that runs from the riverfront.

If you prefer, you can also opt for transportation in your tour package, where a guide will pick you up at your accommodation in or near Porto.

Step 5: What to Expect During the Tour

The Cellar Tour will take you through the cellars and tasting rooms filled with a rich history of wine production, tradition, and culture of Porto. You will learn about the process of producing Port wine, from grape to bottle. You can choose to pair your wine tasting experience with chocolate, an excellent combination of flavors, or a cheese and charcuterie platter in the Premium Experience option.

The Vintage Cellar, exclusive to the Premium Experience, is an atmospheric space with an extensive collection of wines to entice your curiosity. You’ll be able to savor rare vintage Ports, limited-edition, and bottled-aged Ports that are sure to delight your senses.

You’ll also see a cooperage where coopers craft the barrels and vats that age the wine, which includes a demonstration of how they shape the wood with specialty tools.

Step 6: Miscellaneous Tips

• Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking tour, and the temperature is cooler in the underground cellars, bring a light jacket or shawl.
• The tour is conducted in English with multilingual audio guides for other languages.
• Photography is allowed, but flash photography and tripods are not.

Conclusion

The Cockburn’s Cellar Tour is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the wine culture of Porto with a choice of a Vintage Classic or Premium experience. Enjoy the rich history of the Cockburn’s Lodge cellar and relish the taste of an exceptional collection of Port wines. Book the tour now and get ready to explore the fascinating world of wine.

The most frequently asked questions about Porto

Porto is a historical and cultural city located in the northwest area of Portugal. If you’re planning to visit Porto, you might have some questions about the city. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Porto.

1. What is the best time to visit Porto?

The best time to visit Porto is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is comfortable, and the tourist crowd is relatively small compared to the peak summer season. The temperature during the spring and fall season is between 15°C to 25°C, which is perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city. However, if you prefer warm weather, you can visit the city during the summer season (July to August), but be prepared for crowds and high temperatures.

2. What are the top attractions in Porto?

Porto has a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. Here are the top attractions that you should not miss when you visit Porto:

a. Ribeira Square

The Ribeira Square is one of the most famous landmarks in Porto. It’s a historic area located along the Douro River with colorful buildings, restaurants, cafes, and stunning views. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s the perfect place to stroll around and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

b. Porto Cathedral

Porto Cathedral is a stunning Romanesque cathedral located in the heart of the city. It has a mixture of Gothic and Baroque elements and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

c. Lello Bookstore

Lello Bookstore is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and is famous for its stunning architecture, with a red winding staircase and ornate details. The bookstore is believed to have inspired some of the settings in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

d. Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro is a neighborhood located on the Atlantic Ocean coast, with stunning beaches, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sea views.

3. What is the local currency in Porto?

The local currency in Porto is the Euro. You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs throughout the city. Most restaurants, shops, and attractions accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for small transactions.

4. What is the public transportation like in Porto?

The public transportation system in Porto is reliable, affordable, and easy to navigate. You can use the metro, buses, and trams, which cover most areas of the city. You can buy tickets at metro stations, on the buses, or at authorized retailers. There are also tourist cards available that offer unlimited travel on public transportation and discounts on attractions.

5. What is the food like in Porto?

Porto is famous for its cuisine, with plenty of delicious dishes to try. Here are some of the local favorites that you should not miss:

a. Francesinha

Francesinha is a popular Portuguese sandwich that consists of bread, ham, sausage, beefsteak, and melted cheese, topped with a tomato and beer sauce.

b. Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is a traditional Portuguese dish made with salted cod, onions, garlic, potatoes, olives, and boiled eggs.

c. Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde is a simple yet hearty soup made with potatoes, onions, garlic, kale, and chorizo.

d. Pastéis de Nata

Pastéis de Nata is a famous Portuguese pastry that consists of a crispy shell filled with custard.

Conclusion

Porto is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or food, Porto has something for everyone. Make sure to plan your trip in advance to get the most out of your visit and explore all that this charming city has to offer.