Porto, a famous city in the north of Portugal, is one of the top destinations for travellers who wish to discover the country. The city is known throughout the world for its typical architectural districts, its beautiful heritage, its bridges, but also for its wine production. Visitors are always keen to take part in tastings of this much-loved beverage as an aperitif. Since the summer of 2020, the city has inaugurated the World Of Wine Porto, 35,000m2 of space in the former Port Wine Warehouses located in Vila Nova de Gaia. Through its bars, restaurants, museums, shops and wine school, the place tells not only the story of the wine that makes Porto famous and proud, but also that of other important industries in the region.
A multitude of experiences in Porto's new cultural district
Port wine is so renowned and appreciated throughout the world that the city of the same name that produces it owes it to itself to dedicate a major project to it. This has now been achieved with WOW Porto, a space located in the charming district of Vila Nova de Gaia, which offers visitors a pleasant wine tourism experience and much more! Designed by Adrian Bridge, WOW Porto takes place in renovated and refurbished old cellars, where barrels of Port wine once lay as far as the eye can see.
WOW Porto features 6 museums, each offering a different experience. The Wine Experience museum tells us the history of the national wines, but also the different phases of production from the grape to the bottle; Porto Region Accros the Age plunges us into the heart of the history of the north of Portugal; Planet Cork informs us about the different uses of cork, a 100% vegetable product which is not only used for the manufacture of corks; The Chocolate Story presents the process of making chocolate, because it is also necessary to indulge in some sweet treats and because it goes perfectly with port wine; The Bridge Collection, with its superb collection of glasses, tells the story of 7,000 years of the relationship between man and alcohol and finally the Porto Fashion & Fabric Museum reveals the secrets of the textile industry in Portugal, another major sector in the country.
World Of Wine is also a wine school, where novices can take courses to learn more about Portuguese wine: how to choose it, differentiate it and associate it with gastronomy. This is a step that allows you to become a true ambassador of Port wine throughout the world. And since we're talking about gastronomy, you can't miss the good restaurants of WOW Porto either. Let's mention 1828, with its splendid view over the Douro and its beautiful seasonal cuisine. The dessert menu with its focus on chocolate is a must. The Golden Catch is the perfect place to taste fish, including the unavoidable cod, and for an aperitif with a cheese and charcuterie board and good port wine, go to the Angel's Share Wine Bar
The WOW Porto offer is also cultural, with the WOW Gallery and its 400m2 of spaces that host temporary exhibitions of international importance. To relax after a busy day, visitors can finally enjoy staying at The Yeatman Relais & Châteaux Hotel, which, in addition to offering luxurious rooms and suites with views of the city, has a spa where guests can relax and discover the treatments offered by Caudalie Vinotherapy®. For those wishing to travel to the city centre of Porto, a Douro Taxi River will take you across the river to the Infante Sagres Hotel, another prestigious establishment renowned for its warm welcome and elegantly decorated rooms and suites
Enjoy the atmosphere and other treasures of Vila Nova de Gaia
In between sessions in the museums of WOW Porto or after a lunch of local flavours, you should also enjoy all that Vila Nova de Gaia has to offer. Its historic district stretches along the Douro River where it is pleasant to stroll with a breathtaking view of the old town of Porto. Another nice view is from the top of the cable car from the terrace of the Serra do Pilar monastery.
At another time, you can take a bike and ride along the banks of the Douro from Gaia to the most beautiful beaches. The area is full of little treasures, between the fishing village of Afurada and the Praia de Miramar, certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. It is easily recognizable with its small chapel nestled on a rock in the middle of the beach. The place is perfect to come and relax during the day, as well as to watch the sunset.
And before leaving Porto, you should not hesitate once again to dive into the history of Porto wine and take part in some tastings. At Taylor's, a winery that was founded more than four centuries ago, an innovative historical tour of the winery is offered to the public. With the help of an audio guide and a tour that includes films, exhibitions, paintings and photographs, you can relive the glorious history of port and the history of the house and its exceptional wines. Another reason to fly to the north of Portugal!
Practical information on WOW - THE WORLD OF WINE
Open every day, check the opening hours here.
Entrance fee for one museum: 14-17 € (half price for children). Pack 2 museums 23 €, 3 museums 30 €, 4 museums 49 €. Valid for 6 months. Visit www.wow.pt.
