Porto: What’s The Best Cockburn’s Cellar Tour Classic or Pairing Option?

Porto, Portugal, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and there is a wide range of activities for visitors to partake in. One of the most notable attractions is the Cockburn’s cellar tour. Here, visitors can explore a 200-year-old wine cellar and sample some of the finest Portuguese wines. But which tour is the best to go for: the Classic or the Pairing option? This guide delves into the details to help you decide.

About The Cockburn’s Cellar Tour

Cockburn’s Cellar Tour is a famous and long-running tour of Porto’s ancient cellars and wine-tasting chain. Founded in 1890, it has evolved over the years to offer two tour options: the Classic and the Pairing tour.

The Classic option is an extended tour along an ancient network of cellars and cave, where visitors are taken on an informative journey about the history and development of port wine in the region. Tour guides are highly knowledgeable and passionate about Portuguese wines and provide insights into production methods and the stories behind successful ports. In the end, guests sample several port wines from different appellations.

The Pairing option incorporates wine tasting with food. Guests are welcomed to a 300-year-old cellar before being taken through the history and winemaking process of port wines. Here, they can sample some of Portugal’s finest fortified wines while enjoying exquisite culinary delicacies such as cheese platters, sausages, and chocolates.

Which Is Best For You?

Now that we’ve overviewed the two tours, it’s time to decide which is best for your individual preferences. Whether you’re looking for a slightly different experience or maybe just want to spend some quality time with friends or family, here are few points to consider to help make your decision.

Duration

Both tours last around two hours. Therefore, if you’re looking for a quick experience the Classic tour might be more suited.

Price

The Classic tour costs around €30 ($35) per person, while the Pairing option is slightly more expensive at €35 ($41) per person.

Interactive Experience

The Classic option offers a very interactive experience with an experienced tour guide escorting you through ancient cellars and providing insights into Portugal’s famous port wine. Guests are invited to taste different types of Port Wine served in traditional Cordenales glasses while listening to stories of production methods and regional culture. The Pairing option takes this experience to a whole new level by incorporating food and adding to the overall taste experience. It provides a more immersive experience for guests by lending to its social aspect with sharing food platters and tasting different types of port wines with friends or family.

Inclusions

Both tours include wine tastings of some of the finest Portuguese Ports accompanied by pairing snacks such as cheese breadsticks. However, as mentioned earlier, the Pairing option takes this to a new level with more extensive food options such as creamy cheeses and cured meats, as well as chocolates and biscuits that are designed to accentuate each port taste. In addition, the Pairing option allows visitors to take home souvenir bottles of port.

Making Your Decision

When it comes down to deciding which tour is best for you, it really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are looking for a quick and informative tour then the Classic option might be best suited, but if you’re looking for a more social experience with a wider range of food and wine then the Pairing option might be a better choice.

But if you still can’t make up your mind then why not try both? Both tours offer great value for money so it might be worth taking a chance on both options so you can get the full Porto experience! To book your tour click here!

The Insider’s Guide to Porto

If you’re looking for a place that’s steeped in rich history and brimming with culture, look no further than Porto, Portugal. While it’s home to many popular tourist spots, the real heart of the city lies in its off-the-beaten-path gems that only locals know about. In this insider’s guide to Porto, we’ll take you through the city’s exciting cultural experiences, hidden attractions, mouthwatering cuisine, intriguing history, and unique suggestions that will make you fall in love with this charming Portuguese city.

Local Attractions

Porto is a city of stunning architecture, but it’s not all about the famous landmarks like the Ribeira Square or the Clérigos Tower. Take the time to visit the lesser-known areas of town like the Foz neighborhood, a maritime-themed area filled with seafood restaurants, scenic ocean views and colourful homes. With streets laughing with the sound of locals enjoying drinks and food, this vibrant neighbourhood has replaced the strict and formal customs of the past with a more relaxed lifestyle that reflects the modern city; a must-visit experience for anyone looking to have an authentic Porto experience.

Another hidden gem in the city is Serralves Park, a vast and lush green space with gardens inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. This park is a favourite among locals and is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a jog around the lake.

Dining Spots

Portugal is famous for its rich cuisine and Porto is no exception. Porto may be renowned for its wine, but you’ll be surprised at the local delicacies enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike. For example, the classic Francesinha is a popular local dish that’s a must-try for any traveler. This dish is made up of layers of meat, cheese and sauce inside a bread bun, and can be found at Restaurante Tony, one of the city’s most popular restaurants.

For dessert, try one of the city’s trademark pastries, the Pastéis de Nata. They’re a custard tart that originated in Lisbon, but the ones in Porto are just as delicious – especially from the Confeitaria do Bolhão, one of the most historic pastry houses in town.

Cultural Experiences

Porto has a rich music scene, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a live performance of Fado, Portugal’s melancholic national music genre. Fado music is sung in small pubs and restaurants throughout the city, usually late into the night and offers an emotional and deeply personal expression of the Portuguese soul.

Another Porto tradition that should be on your radar is the annual São João Festival on June 23, where the streets come alive with music, dance and firecrackers. This festival celebrates the summer solstice, and residents will take to the streets with “marteletes” (small hammers) and hit each other on the head for good luck! It might sound crazy, but this is one of the traditions that makes Porto a true Portuguese gem.

Local History

When it comes to Portuguese history, Porto is one of the oldest cities in the country, and dates back to the Roman era. The historic center of the city, Porto’s Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a wonderland of cobbled streets and charming little shops. While you’re exploring the city, be sure to check out the Stock Exchange Palace, a 19th-century building that was once home to Porto’s Stock Exchange, and is now a museum where you can explore the vast opulence of the country’s colonial past.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those who want to venture off the beaten path and unveil Porto’s raw and enchanting beauty, a visit to the Salgueiros Beach is a must. A local favourite, this sandy beach is just a short metro ride from downtown Porto, and the perfect place to relax, read a book, or take a refreshing dip in the sea.

If you’re an architecture enthusiast, pay a visit to Casa da Música. Designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, Casa da Música is a stunning concert hall that’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Conclusion

Porto is a city that marries the past and the present; its centuries-old narrow streets and picturesque alleyways provide plenty of historical and cultural interest, combined with ever-changing trends and flavors. So come and explore Porto, experience the sights, sounds and flavours of this wonderful city, and create memories that last a lifetime.