Not Just Port Wine – Fortified Wine Tasting with a Producer

A Port Tasting That Goes Beyond the Basics: Not Just Port Wine in Porto

If you’re craving an authentic, in-depth look at Portugal’s fortified wines, this Not Just Port Wine tasting tour offers an excellent way to explore the diverse world of Portuguese spirits. Hosted in a cozy, exclusive venue—an artful space combining wine, culture, and gastronomy—you’ll get to sample a curated selection of fortified wines that go far beyond the familiar Port. It’s an experience that balances tasting, storytelling, and the chance to discover lesser-known gems.

What really caught our eye was how this tour elevates your typical wine tasting into a cultural journey, complete with a selection of handpicked wines like a 10-year white Port, Ruby Port, Tawny Port, Moscatel from Setúbal, and Madeira wine. Plus, it’s a small, intimate group (capped at ten), which means you get personalized attention and a chance to ask plenty of questions. The only caveat? The 1.5-hour duration means you’ll want to arrive ready for a relaxed, focused tasting, not a full meal.

This experience suits travelers who love wine, want to learn more about Portugal’s fortified wine scene, or simply enjoy discovering new flavors in a friendly, educational setting. It’s perfect for those visiting Porto who prefer a more authentic, less touristy experience than the larger, busier tours.

Key Points

• Unique Venue: Held in a multifunctional art-filled space that combines wine, art, and gastronomy.
• Diverse Wines: Includes Port, Madeira, Moscatel, with a surprise at the end, providing a broad scope of Portugal’s fortified wines.
• Educational & Engaging: Focuses on storytelling and understanding the origins of each wine.
• Small Group: Up to 10 guests, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Value for Money: A quality tasting at a reasonable price considering the exclusivity and depth of knowledge offered.
• Pastry Pairings: Portuguese sweet pastries accompany the wines—an authentic touch, though not a full meal.

Exploring the Fortified Wines of Portugal in Porto

This not just a port wine experience offers far more than just Port. It’s a carefully curated tasting that highlights the different styles and nuances of Portugal’s fortified wine tradition, revealing a side many travelers overlook. We’ll break down what makes this tour stand out, what you can expect, and how it might suit your interests.

The Venue: Térmita—A Cultural Hub in the Heart of Porto

The tasting takes place at Térmita, a space that doubles as a wine bar, a book store, an art gallery, and a restaurant—an eclectic combination that reflects the artistic spirit of Porto. Created by cousins Hugo and Miguel, it’s a place designed to stimulate the senses and foster a deeper appreciation for wine and culture. It’s tucked away near the city center, almost hidden from sight, but once inside, you’ll quickly realize it’s a special spot that you’ll want to visit again.

This venue’s vibe is relaxed, intimate, and creatively inspiring—perfect for a tasting that’s both educational and personable. The setting makes you feel more like a guest in a friend’s art-filled home than a tourist in a commercial tasting room.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Taste and Experience

Stop 1: The Térmita Wine Bar

The tour begins here, where you’ll be welcomed into a space that feels more like a curated gallery than a typical tasting room. The focus is on fostering a warm, engaging environment where you can comfortably learn about each wine.

The Wines: An In-Depth Look

• White Port (10 years): A mature, refined Port with complex aromas and a softer, balanced sweetness. It’s a great opener that showcases the versatility of Port wine.
• Ruby Port: The youthful, vibrant style, full of fruity and lively flavors. It’s often the most recognizable Port, but here, you’ll see its nuances.
• Tawny Port (10 years): Aged in oak, this Port offers nutty, caramel, and dried fruit notes, perfect for those who appreciate depth and maturity.
• Moscatel from Setúbal: A lesser-known treasure, this sweet wine offers floral and citrus notes, providing a different profile from the Port wines.
• Madeira Wine: Known for its incredible resilience and unique aging process, Madeira offers a distinctive taste of the Atlantic island’s wine-making tradition.

At the end, a surprise tasting awaits—possibly a lesser-known fortified wine or a special reserve, which adds an element of anticipation and discovery.

Pastry Pairings

Although it’s not a full meal, the inclusion of Portuguese sweet pastries elevates the tasting. Expect small, flavorful snacks that complement the wines, such as traditional treats that balance sweetness and acidity.

The Experience: What Makes It Special

Our reviewer, who appreciated the storytelling behind Portugal’s port traditions, highlighted how engaging the host was in sharing the history and evolution of these wines. It’s clear that PortoVore Tours, led by knowledgeable guides, aim to deepen your understanding—not just hand you a glass.

The small group size (maximum 10) allows for a personalized dialogue, meaning you can ask about anything—from the aging process to food pairings or regional differences. The relaxed pace also means you’ll have time to savor each sip and note the subtle differences.

Pricing and Value

At $71.84 per person, this tasting offers significant value. Considering the curated selection of high-quality wines, the intimate setting, and the educational element, it’s an affordable way to deepen your appreciation of Portugal’s fortified wine scene. You won’t find many experiences that combine this much authenticity, depth, and personal attention for a comparable price.

Timing and Practicalities

• The tour usually runs at 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00 daily, fitting conveniently into most sightseeing plans.
• It’s a 1 hour 30-minute experience, perfect if you’re looking for an engaging activity without a full-day commitment.
• The group size is limited to 10, which helps maintain a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
• Located near public transportation, accessible for most travelers.
• The tour is suitable for most visitors, including service animals, though it isn’t a full meal so plan accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Past Guests

One reviewer mentioned how the storytelling enhanced their understanding of Port’s evolution “toward drier styles,” making the tasting both educational and enjoyable. The highlight for many was discovering lesser-known fortified wines like Moscatel and Madeira—hidden gems that often aren’t featured in standard Port tastings.

The appreciation for quality and authenticity shines through, with comments on how the venue’s ambiance and host’s knowledge made the experience memorable. The small size also means plenty of opportunity for questions or tailored recommendations.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Not Just Port Wine tasting in Porto offers a genuinely enriching experience that goes beyond typical wine tastings. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to deepen their knowledge of Portugal’s fortified wines, enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and appreciate stories that bring the wines to life. The combination of a carefully curated selection, a charming venue, and a personal touch makes it stand out.

Travelers who value quality over quantity, or those interested in exploring the less touristy side of Porto’s wine scene, will find this experience a true highlight. It’s also perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to discover Portugal’s rich tradition of fortified wines in a friendly, welcoming setting.

While it’s not a full meal, the pastries and the educational value make it more than just a tasting—it’s a mini culture. For the price, it offers a meaningful way to spend an afternoon or evening in Porto, especially if you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious traveler eager to learn.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners? Yes. The host offers clear explanations, making it accessible for those new to fortified wines or wine tasting in general.

How long does the experience last? It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, which is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, yet informative activity.

What wines will I taste? You’ll sample a White Port (10 years), Ruby Port, Tawny Port (10 years), Moscatel from Setúbal, and Madeira wine, with a surprise at the end.

Are pastries included? Yes, Portuguese sweet pastries are served alongside the wines, enhancing the tasting experience.

Where does the tour take place? At Térmita, a cultural venue in Porto that combines wine, art, and gastronomy.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience, receiving a full refund.

Is the group size small? Yes, a maximum of 10 travelers, allowing for a more personal and engaging experience.

Is this experience accessible via public transport? Yes, it’s near public transportation, making it easy to reach in the city center.

Can I bring my service animal? Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

In summary, whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about Portugal’s fortified wine traditions, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of tasting, education, and authentic ambiance. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking a meaningful, enjoyable, and value-packed experience in Porto.