Not Just Port Wine – Fortified Wine Tasting with a Producer

If you’re passionate about wine or simply curious about Portugal’s lesser-known fortified drinks, this tasting tour offers a fantastic way to explore beyond the usual Port wine. It’s organized by Folia Exaustiva and takes you into a private, reservation-only venue where you’ll sample a curated selection of five fortified wines plus a surprise. With a relaxed, friendly approach, it’s designed to educate your palate and give you a taste of Portugal’s diverse fortified wine scene.

What really appeals to us are the intimate setting—limited to just 10 people—and the chance to go beyond Port, discovering different styles and regions. Plus, the inclusion of Portuguese pastries makes the experience feel cozy and authentic. On the flip side, note that this isn’t a full meal, so if you’re hungry, plan accordingly. It’s best suited for those with a genuine interest in wine, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a relaxed but informative afternoon tasting.

If you’re after a laid-back, small-group experience that balances education with tastings in a beautiful, private spot, this tour might be just right. Especially if you like the idea of trying wines you might not find everywhere, in a setting that’s both casual and informative.

Key Points

• Exclusive Setting: Private, reservation-only venue offers an intimate atmosphere.
• Diverse Wines: Tasting includes 5 different fortified wines with a surprise at the end.
• Educational & Relaxed: Perfect for learning about Portuguese fortified wines in a friendly environment.
• Paired with Pastries: Sweet Portuguese pastries complement the wines, enhancing the tasting.
• Limited Group Size: Small group (max 10 people) ensures personalized attention.
• Flexible Timing & Languages: Tours run at different times daily, with guides speaking Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Fortified Wine Tasting Tour

This experience is a nicely curated introduction to Portugal’s fortified wines. When you arrive at the private venue, known as Térmita, you’ll quickly notice the laid-back, exclusive vibe—the kind of spot that makes you feel like a guest in a friend’s home. The focus here isn’t just on tasting, but on understanding what makes each wine unique.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll try five carefully selected fortified wines. These include a Port 10 years white, a Ruby port, a Port 10 years tawny, a Moscatel from Setúbal, and a Madeira wine. As the host guides you through each, you’ll learn about their origins, production methods, and what makes each style special. The fact that the wines are handpicked shows a real effort to showcase the best Portugal has to offer beyond just Port.

Along with the wines, you’ll get to sample some traditional Portuguese pastries—a sweet pairing that balances the wines’ richness without turning the tasting into a full meal. This pairing enhances the flavor profiles and adds a touch of local authenticity. Plus, at the end, there’s a surprise tasting which keeps the session lively and engaging.

The guide (usually Luis, from reviews) is known for being knowledgeable and friendly, providing a good mix of information and easy conversation. This makes the experience approachable for novices and enjoyable for seasoned wine lovers alike. If you’re traveling with a group, the smaller size means everyone can participate actively, ask questions, and savor each sip.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Térmita
Your journey begins in this quiet, charming location. It’s more than just a meeting point—it sets the tone for an authentic experience. You’ll meet your guide here, often by a red phone booth, and send a quick photo of your group to confirm your arrival.

Private Tasting at a Local Bar
The core of the experience lasts around 1.5 hours, where you’ll sit comfortably, either at a small table or in a cozy corner, and begin your exploration of fortified wines. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, with your guide leading the tasting and sharing stories about each wine’s background.

End Back at Térmita
Once the tasting wraps up, you’ll return to the starting location. This simple flow makes it easy to plan around other activities or continue exploring the area.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You get five fortified wines plus a surprise, all carefully paired with pastries. This is a solid tasting experience that prioritizes quality and education over quantity. The price, at $65 per person, offers good value considering the small group setting and the personalized attention.

What isn’t included are any extra bottles you might want to purchase afterward or additional snacks. If you’re inspired after the tasting, you might find yourself interested in buying a bottle or two, but that’s up to you.

Practical Details & Considerations

• Availability & Timing: Tours are typically offered at 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00 daily. If the preferred time is booked, reaching out to the organizer might open up options.
• Language: Guides speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English. If you prefer a different language, an extra fee applies (€30), so it’s worth planning ahead.
• Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, which keeps things intimate and allows the guide to give personalized insights.
• Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 16, as the focus is on alcoholic beverages.
• Reservations & Cancellations: You can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—very flexible for travelers with changing plans.

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Authentic Feedback from Participants

One traveler mentioned, “We had a great evening with Luis, lots of information provided. Thank you,” highlighting the guide’s friendly and knowledgeable approach. The small size and well-curated selection make it clear why those who join tend to leave satisfied, feeling they’ve learned something new about Portugal’s fortified wines.

Another common highlight is the value for money—a relatively affordable price for a personalized, expert-led tasting in a location that feels special and exclusive.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, educational experience in a private setting. Wine enthusiasts eager to expand their knowledge beyond Port will find this particularly valuable. It’s also a good fit for travelers who appreciate a small, intimate group where questions are encouraged and the pace is leisurely.

However, if you’re after a more extensive tour of cellars or a full meal pairing, this might feel somewhat limited. But for those seeking an accessible introduction to Portugal’s fortified wines, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, especially considering the small group size, personalized guidance, and the chance to taste a variety of unique fortified wines. The inclusion of pastries adds a charming touch, making the experience feel cozy and authentic. The price is reasonable for a curated, intimate tasting, and the flexibility around scheduling helps make it accessible.

If you’re a curious traveler or a wine lover wanting to understand Portugal’s fortified wine scene better, this tour offers a friendly, informative, and memorable experience. It’s best suited for those who enjoy small-group settings, are open to trying new wines, and appreciate a relaxed atmosphere.

FAQs

What wines are included in the tasting?
You’ll taste five wines: Port 10 years white, Ruby port, Port 10 years tawny, Moscatel from Setúbal, and Madeira wine. There’s also a surprise at the end.

How long does the tour last?
The tasting itself is about 1.5 hours, in a private, reservation-only setting.

Are food and snacks provided?
Yes, Portuguese pastries are included to pair with the wines, but it’s not a full meal.

Can I book this experience in a different language?
Guides speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English. If you want another language, there’s an extra fee (€30).

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 16 due to alcohol consumption.

What is the group size?
Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to your trip planning.

This tour strikes a fine balance between education, tasting, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for those wanting a deeper understanding of Portugal’s fortified wines without the fuss of large groups or overly commercial experiences. If you’re ready to explore beyond Port and learn from passionate guides, this could be a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: