Porto: Wine Tastings (Green Wine) & Lunch & Porto Old Tour

If you’re looking to experience the essence of Porto through its wine, history, and scenic beauty, this tour offers a well-rounded taste (literally and figuratively). Combining a visit to a 150-year-old family winery, a scenic exploration of gardens and vineyards, a delicious regional lunch, and a vintage city tour, it promises a full day of authentic sights and flavors.

One thing we particularly love about this experience is how the tour balances wine tasting with cultural exploration. The chance to sip some of the region’s best Vinhos Verdes in a historic setting is a highlight, complemented by a scenic drive through Porto’s charming streets in an electric vintage car. However, potential travelers should note that the entire experience lasts about 7 hours, so it’s best suited for those ready for a full day out.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and city explorers alike. If you’re after an authentic, relaxed way to learn about Porto’s rich traditions while enjoying great food and stunning scenery, this experience delivers without needing to be a hardcore connoisseur or history buff.

Key Points

Authentic wine experience: Taste top Vinhos Verdes from a historic, family-run winery with over 150 years of tradition.
Beautiful gardens: Wander through centuries-old trees, lakes, and vibrant flora, adding a peaceful natural element.
Regional lunch: Enjoy a hearty, traditional meal made with regional ingredients, topped off with local wines.
City discovery: Explore Porto’s historic streets in a 100% electric vintage car with guided insights.
Well-organized itinerary: Combines vineyard visits, scenic views, and city tours seamlessly.
Small group sizes: Ensures personalized attention and relaxed pacing, limited to 15 participants.

Discovering the Vineyards and Gardens

Our experience begins in the Vinho Verde wine region, just outside Porto, where the beauty of lush vineyards and carefully tended gardens immediately sets a tranquil tone. The highlight here is the visit to a historic family winery, which has been producing wine for over 150 years. We loved the way our guide, Ricardo, shared stories about the family’s history, the evolution of wine-making techniques, and the secrets behind the region’s prestigious Doc wines.

The wine tastings are thoughtfully curated; you’ll sample some of the finest Vinhos Verdes — the region’s signature light, crisp, and slightly fizzy white wine — and learn how the unique climate and soil contribute to their distinct character. Reviewers like Raquel appreciated the top-quality wines and the insights from knowledgeable guides. She mentioned, “The tastings we had were of the highest quality in the wines that characterize the region.”

Beyond the wines, the gardens are a quiet, immersive experience. You’ll stroll through century-old trees, lakes, and colorful flowers, with each season offering a different scene. The gardens are full of history and species from all over the world, creating a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere. It’s an ideal escape into nature without leaving the metropolitan area.

The Traditional Lunch & Regional Flavors

After the vineyard visit, the tour moves into a rustic, 19th-century style kitchen for a traditional lunch. The aromas of freshly baked bread, harvest soup, or roasted poultry fill the air — all made with regional ingredients. This meal, as described by Raquel, feels like stepping back in time, with wholesome flavors and stunning panoramic views.

Lunch is more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience. The dishes reflect the region’s hearty, simple cuisine, paired with regional wines, making it a perfect way to savor Portuguese flavors. The review mentions how surprisingly delicious the meal was, considering the rustic setting, and how it complements the day’s wine tasting beautifully.

Exploring Porto in Vintage Electric Cars

The final part of the tour is a guided city exploration in 100% electric vintage cars. This is a genuinely unique way to discover Porto’s iconic sights and hidden treasures. The electric cars are quiet and eco-friendly, allowing for a relaxed, intimate viewing experience.

The guided tour covers the city’s historic core, providing insights from drivers who know Porto inside out. Travelers will see scenic viewpoints, learn about the city’s architecture, and explore areas that might be overlooked on a typical walking tour. Raquel praised the personalized service and the engaging guides, saying, “The tour began with a guided visit to the gardens full of history and species from all over the world. The colours, aromas, and views are simply fabulous.”

Practical Details & What to Expect

This tour lasts around 7 hours, which makes it a full day but still manageable. Hotel pickup is included, and private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially during warmer months. The group size is limited to 15 participants, fostering a relaxed environment and chances to ask questions or get personalized insights.

The itinerary includes two main sightseeing stops in Porto, with a scenic drive in between. The tour ends back at the starting point, McDonald’s – Imperial, a convenient location in the city.

What’s included:
– Guide (knowledgeable and friendly)
– Hotel pickup
– Private, air-conditioned transportation
– Wine tasting at the vineyard
– Visit to Porto’s historic center in vintage electric cars
– Traditional regional lunch
– Mineral water

What’s not included:
– Additional food and drinks outside the scheduled tastings and lunch

This setup provides excellent value, considering the combination of wine, food, scenic gardens, and city exploration. The tour’s balance means you get a taste of Porto’s countryside, history, and urban vibe all in one day.

Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience really shines for those who want a relaxed, authentic introduction to Porto’s culture. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the quality tastings and historic winery stories, while history buffs will enjoy the guided city tour in vintage cars. Food lovers will savor the regional lunch, which feels both hearty and authentic.

The small-group format, combined with knowledgeable guides like Ricardo, ensures a personalized experience, making it feel more like a day out with friends than a generic tour. If you’re seeking a well-rounded, memorable day that blends natural beauty, cultural insights, and excellent local wines, this tour offers great value.

However, because the day is quite full, those who prefer a more leisurely pace or have mobility issues might want to consider how much walking or standing is involved. Also, as the tour involves wine tastings, it’s best suited for travelers over 18.

FAQs

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation for the entire day, starting with hotel pickup and ending back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, offering a full but manageable day of activities and sightseeing.

Are the wine tastings suitable for everyone?
Participants under 18 are not allowed to consume alcohol, but anyone over 18 can enjoy the tastings. The focus is on high-quality Vinhos Verdes and regional wines.

What should I bring?
A camera is recommended to capture the gardens, vineyards, and scenic city views. Comfortable shoes are also advisable for walking around the gardens and city.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the experience is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to fit your travel plans.

To sum it up, this tour offers a delightful blend of wine, nature, history, and city charm—all in a single, well-organized package. It caters to those eager to taste Portugal’s famous Vinhos Verdes, explore Porto’s historic streets in style, and enjoy beautiful gardens along the way. Perfect for a first-time visitor or anyone wanting an immersive day that balances relaxation and discovery.