Not Just Port Wine – Fortified Wine Tasting with a Producer

Exploring Not Just Port Wine — A Fortified Wine Tasting in Porto

If you’re headed to Porto and have a soft spot for wine, this tour offers a refreshing twist on traditional port tasting. It’s not just about sampling port wines; it’s about uncovering the diverse world of Portugal’s fortified wines and learning their stories. We’re talking about a curated experience that takes you into a special, reservation-only venue with a rich cultural vibe, perfect for anyone curious about the less obvious side of Portuguese wine production.

What we really appreciate is how this tasting isn’t just a quick sip-and-go event. It’s a thoughtfully curated encounter with five distinct fortified wines, paired with sweet pastries that subtly enhance the tasting experience. Plus, the setting—a multifunctional space blending art, culture, and gastronomy—adds an extra layer of charm. One small thing to keep in mind: with just an hour and a half, it’s a short but packed session, so if you’re craving a more extensive wine tour, this might feel a bit brief.

This experience is ideal if you enjoy intimate, educational, and flavorful encounters with wine. It’s especially suitable for those who want to go beyond the typical port tasting and dive into Portugal’s fortified wines with a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or someone with a keen interest in wine origins, this tour offers a balanced mix of tasting, storytelling, and culture.

Key Points

• Exclusive Venue: Tasting takes place in a unique, reservation-only space that’s also a shop, art gallery, and restaurant.
• Variety of Wines: Includes five different fortified wines—white Port (10 years), Ruby Port, Tawny Port (10 years), Moscatel from Setúbal, and Madeira.
• Educational Focus: The guide shares stories behind each wine, helping you understand Portugal’s fortified wine traditions.
• Paired with Pastries: Small Portuguese sweets accompany the tasting, enhancing the flavors without turning it into a full meal.
• Flexible Timing: Available three times daily; if your preferred time isn’t open, you can contact the organizer.
• Affordable and Well-Reviewed: At around $72 per person, it provides good value, especially given the curated experience.
• Small Group: Max of 10 travelers, making it intimate and personalized.
• Free Cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind.
• Booking in Advance: Usually booked around 89 days ahead, so plan early if you’re keen.

The Experience in Detail

The Venue: Térmita

Your starting point is a venue called Térmita, a multifunctional space that’s part wine bar, part art gallery, part bookstore, and part restaurant. Two cousins, Hugo and Miguel, created a place that celebrates culture through wine, art, and gastronomy all in one spot. It’s tucked away in the center of Porto, almost hidden from plain sight, but once you find it, you’ll realize it’s a true gem. Expect a warm, inviting atmosphere that stimulates the senses—not just through wine but also through the aesthetic, making it perfect for a relaxed, engaging experience.

The Tasting: What’s Included

You’ll be introduced to five carefully selected fortified wines. The lineup is well-rounded, giving you a taste of Portugal’s diverse fortified wine scene.

• White Port (10 years): Expect a smooth, somewhat sweet profile with complex notes developed over a decade.
• Ruby Port: Known for its vibrant fruitiness and youthful energy.
• Tawny Port (10 years): Richer, with nutty, caramel undertones that develop with age.
• Moscatel from Setúbal: A sweeter, aromatic wine that’s often enjoyed as an aperitif.
• Madeira wine: Slightly different from Port, Madeira’s robust flavors and unique aging process make it stand out.

The wines are handpicked, ensuring quality and variety. Each sip is accompanied by Portuguese sweet pastries, which subtly elevate the tasting experience, balancing the wines’ sweetness and complexity. It’s not a full meal, but the pastries add just enough to complement each wine.

The Storytelling and Education

One of the standout features—based on a glowing review—is the storytelling aspect. The guide’s insights make the tasting more meaningful. A reviewer mentioned being “thoroughly engaged by the storytelling behind Portugal’s port wine traditions and its evolution toward drier styles.” This adds educational value that’s perfect if you’re genuinely interested in understanding the cultural roots of these wines, not just tasting them.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to just 10 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate vibe. This small group setting allows for more interaction, questions, and personalized attention. It also makes for a relaxed, friendly environment—no overwhelming crowds or rushed sessions.

Timing and Flexibility

The experience typically runs at 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00 daily. If those times don’t fit your schedule, reaching out might be worth it, as the host mentioned being willing to accommodate different dates. Booking well in advance (about three months ahead on average) helps secure your preferred time slot.

Value for Money

At $71.84 per person, this experience offers a good balance of quality, intimacy, and education. Considering you get five wines plus pastries in a carefully curated setting, it’s quite reasonable. Smaller, more personalized tastings like this often come at a premium, but this one feels like a fair price for the depth of experience.

Cancellation Policy and Booking

The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before means you can book with some peace of mind. If plans change, you won’t lose your money—as long as you cancel early enough.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tasting is suited best for those interested in Portuguese wines beyond just Port. If you’re curious about the variety of fortified wines Portugal produces and enjoy a relaxed, educational setting, you’ll love it. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts who appreciate storytelling as much as tasting, and those who prefer smaller groups for a more personal experience. Travelers who are short on time but want a meaningful, sensory introduction to Portugal’s fortified wine scene will find this tour hits the mark.

It’s less suitable if you’re after a long, in-depth tour or a full “wine experience” that includes vineyard visits—this is more about tasting and learning in a cozy, curated setting.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tasting lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing enough time to savor the wines, listen to stories, and enjoy the pastries without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Térmita, located at Largo de Mompilher 5 R/C in Porto. It’s a central spot, easy to reach via public transportation.

What wines are included?
You’ll sample five fortified wines: white Port (10 years), Ruby port, Tawny port (10 years), Moscatel from Setúbal, and Madeira wine.

Can I customize the date or time?
The experience is usually offered at 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00 daily. If your preferred time isn’t available, contact the host—there’s some flexibility.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

What’s the price, and is it worth it?
At about $72 per person, considering the curated tasting, small group, and educational content, it offers good value.

What’s included besides the wine?
Portuguese sweet pastries are provided to pair with the wines, enhancing the tasting without turning it into a meal.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Is this experience family-friendly?
The data doesn’t specify, but since it’s wine tasting, it’s probably best suited for adults. Service animals are allowed, though.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a taste of Portugal’s fortified wines in a setting that combines culture, art, and gastronomy, this tour is a worthwhile choice. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate small, thoughtful experiences where you can learn and taste without the chaos of larger groups. The combination of quality wines, pastries, and storytelling offers a well-rounded snapshot of Portugal’s lesser-known fortified wine scene—done in about an hour and a half.

While it’s not a deep-dive into vineyards or wine production, it strikes a good balance by offering insight and flavor in a relaxed environment. Perfect for curious travelers, casual wine lovers, or those wanting to add a cultural touch to their Porto visit. If you’re looking for something more extensive or vineyard-based, this might feel a bit limited, but for a quick, high-quality tasting, it’s hard to beat.

This experience delivers genuine value and a chance to broaden your Portuguese wine horizon—without the fuss or hefty price tag. Just remember to book ahead and plan your visit around one of their scheduled times!