Lisbon: Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room

Introduction

If you’re visiting Lisbon and want to add a touch of Portugal’s famous wine tradition to your itinerary, a Port wine tasting at Taylor’s Shop and Tasting Room offers an authentic and enjoyable experience. This tour combines history, expert guidance, and delicious samples—all within a historic Lisbon neighborhood.

One of the standout features of this experience is the chance to learn about the different styles of Port, from the mellow Tawny to the vibrant White Port, all while enjoying a friendly, knowledgeable guide. Plus, the pairing with a traditional Pastel de Nata makes it a sweet, memorable treat.

However, it’s worth noting that this tasting takes place in Lisbon’s center, not Porto’s cellars, so if you’re expecting a vineyard visit, you might be a tad disappointed. Also, the duration is quite brief, lasting roughly an hour, so it’s best suited for those who want a quick, quality taste of Portuguese Port rather than an in-depth tour.

This experience is perfect for curious wine lovers, those new to Port wines, or anyone looking for a relaxed, culturally rich activity in Lisbon’s historic district.

Key Points

• Authentic and educational: Learn about the differences between Tawny, LBV, and White Port directly from experts.
• Affordable and valuable: At $18, you get three tastings plus a traditional pastry, making it a good value for quality.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable staff like José enhance the experience with engaging explanations.
• Historic setting: Located next to Lisbon’s first public fountain in the Alfama district.
• Tasting variety: Includes five different Port styles, with insights into production and flavor profiles.
• Pairing opportunities: Enjoy local snacks like Pastel de Nata and cheese to elevate tasting notes.

The Experience: A Deep Dive

The Venue and Location

Taylor’s Shop and Tasting Room sits in the charming, centuries-old district of Alfama, right next to Chafariz del Rei, Lisbon’s first public fountain. The setting is intimate and inviting—think classic Portuguese decor with bottles of Port on display, creating a cozy yet elegant ambiance.

Unlike visiting the actual cellars in Porto, this tasting room offers a more accessible and relaxed environment for visitors to learn and taste. Several reviewers mentioned the shop being “gorgeous” with lots to look at, and appreciated the peaceful atmosphere where they could focus on the wines without distraction.

Check-in and Meeting Details

The process is straightforward: show your ticket voucher at the welcome desk, and you’re all set to begin your Port journey. The activity lasts approximately an hour, and since the shop is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., you have flexibility in choosing your start time.

What’s Included and the Tasting Breakdown

For $18, you receive three full glasses of Port and a classic Portuguese custard tart, Pastel de Nata. The included wines are:

• Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): A rich, concentrated black fruit flavor, invented by Taylor’s in the 1970s. Reviewers loved this one, with many saying it was “fantastic” and “superb.”
• 10-Year-Old Tawny Port: A smooth, mellow wine with complex notes from aging in seasoned oak casks. Many visitors commented on its “delicious,” “luscious” palate and appreciated how the aging brought out nuanced flavors.
• Chip Dry White Port: A white Port with fruit fragrances, mellow aromas, and hints of oak—perfect for those who prefer lighter, fresher wines. Multiple reviews highlighted how well-balanced and fragrant this white Port was.

The Guides and Their Knowledge

A key highlight, based on reviews, is the expertise of guides like José. Guests consistently mention how knowledgeable and friendly he was, explaining the different Port styles, the history of Taylor’s, and suggesting food pairings to enhance the tasting experience. One reviewer noted José’s “recommendations that significantly enhanced the taste,” adding an extra layer of enjoyment.

The Food Pairing: Pastel de Nata

Complementing the wines, the traditional Pastel de Nata offers a sweet contrast to the Port’s richness. Many visitors enjoyed the pairing, with some mentioning that it added a cozy, local touch to the experience. A few reviews even suggested this tasting would be a great place for lunch or a snack beyond just the wine.

Authenticity and Family Tradition

Taylor’s boasts a family tradition dating back to 1692, and this heritage is reflected in the quality of the wines and the attentive service. Reviewers frequently mentioned the “long and unbroken family tradition,” and many appreciated the stories about Port production that guides shared.

The Atmosphere and Value

Most guests found the setting peaceful and the experience well worth the price. With reviews describing the venue as “gorgeous,” “quiet,” and “informative,” it’s clear that this tasting offers a cozy space to relax and learn. Several callers appreciated the good price point, especially considering the quality of wines and expert guidance provided—many called it a “great value.”

Limitations and Considerations

While this experience is highly praised, some noted that it’s relatively short and not a full vineyard tour. It’s primarily a tasting and educational session rather than an extensive journey through Port production. If you’re seeking a hands-on experience or a visit to actual cellars, this might not fully satisfy that craving.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is ideal for those new to Port wines or anyone interested in a casual yet informative tasting. It also suits travelers who appreciate historic settings and expert storytelling. If you’re after a quick cultural activity that combines education with tasting, you’ll find this a delightful stop.

However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into wine production or a full vineyard visit, you’d need to look elsewhere. Also, since the experience is contained within Lisbon, it’s perfect for those already exploring the city center or looking for a relaxing afternoon activity.

Practical Tips

• Reserve early to secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak seasons.
• Arrive a little before your scheduled start for a smooth check-in.
• Remember, you can use your voucher anytime during shop hours—but it’s best to plan for the full hour of tasting.
• Pair your Port with Pastel de Nata and perhaps some local cheese, as recommended by guides, to enhance your tasting.
• Keep in mind, this is not a cellar tour in Porto, so don’t expect a walk through vineyards or wine-making facilities.

The Sum Up

The Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylor’s offers a well-rounded, richly educational experience within a lovely setting, at a very reasonable price point. It’s perfect for those who want to familiarize themselves with Portugal’s iconic wines in a relaxed environment, guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff.

You’ll appreciate the variety of Port styles, the tasting of well-aged wines, and the cultural insights shared along the way. The pairing with Pastel de Nata adds a delightful local flavor, making it more than just a tasting—it’s a little slice of Portuguese tradition.

This experience is best suited for casual wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a taste of Lisbon’s historic wine scene without the need for a full-day commitment. If you’re after authentic, expert-led tastings, excellent value, and a warm atmosphere, this tour won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are very skilled at explaining the differences among Port wines, making it accessible even for first-timers.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to savor each wine and listen to the explanations.

Can I choose my start time?
Yes, you can use your voucher at any time during the shop’s opening hours on your selected day.

Is it just a tasting or a full tour?
This experience is primarily a tasting and educational session, not a full cellar or vineyard tour.

What wines are included?
You’ll sample a 10-year-old Tawny, LBV, and Chip Dry White Port. Plus, a Portuguese Pastel de Nata.

Is transportation or group size a concern?
The activity takes place in the shop itself, so no transportation is needed. Group sizes are not specified but are typically small for an intimate experience.

Can I buy bottles after the tasting?
Yes. The shop offers a wide range of Port wines and souvenirs, which you can purchase to take home.

Does the experience include food?
The main food element is the Pastel de Nata pastry served with your wines.

This tasting at Taylor’s offers a delightful taste of Portugal’s most famous fortified wine, perfect for a relaxed, educational, and tasty break in Lisbon.