Sipping History with a View – My Visit to Taylor’s Port in Porto

#summervacay #taylorsport #portwineexperience #vilanovadegaia #portoviews #portwinecellar #portugalwinetour #taylorslodge #winetastingportugal #portwinelovers #historicwineries One of my absolute highlights in Porto was visiting Taylor’s Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River. I went in the late afternoon, and the moment I stepped into the peaceful courtyard, I knew this wasn’t just another wine tour. Taylor’s has been producing port since the 1600s, and you can feel that sense of legacy everywhere—from the oak barrels to the cool, dim cellars. The self-guided audio tour was fantastic—informative but relaxed. It walked me through the history of port wine, the different types, and how it’s aged. The cellars themselves smelled amazing—a mix of old wood and sweet wine—and the vibe was quiet and reflective. After the tour, I sat on the terrace with a glass of their signature tawny port, overlooking Porto’s skyline. It’s hands-down one of the best views across the river. The pairing of the view with the port? Absolute perfection. Travel Tips & How to Get There: • Best time to visit: • Late afternoon, especially for sunset views over Porto from the terrace. • How to get there: • Walk across the Luís I Bridge upper or lower deck to Vila Nova de Gaia. • From the bridge, it’s a 10–15 minute uphill walk, or take a short taxi ride if preferred. • Tips: • Book your tour online—walk-ins are accepted but can be full. • The guided or audio tour is available in many languages and lets you explore at your own pace. • After tasting, relax at the garden terrace café—it’s quiet and offers amazing views. • Don’t rush—spend time savoring both the port and the atmosphere.