Porto ‘Best of the Best’ Port Tasting and Artisan Chocolates

If you’re visiting Porto and want to get a taste of its most celebrated product—port wine—without spending hours hopping from cellar to cellar, this experience might be just what you need. We’ve looked into the ‘Best of the Best’ Port Tasting and Artisan Chocolates tour, and it strikes us as a fun, convenient way to sample top vintages while learning a bit about this iconic drink.

What really caught our eye? First, how the tasting brings together vintages from renowned Port houses all under one roof—saving you the hassle of multiple visits. And second, the pairing with artisan chocolates crafted locally elevates the experience, making it both flavorful and educational.

Of course, there’s a small caveat—some reviews mention the session is on the shorter side, and at only an hour, it can feel a bit brisk if you’re expecting a more in-depth exploration. But if your goal is a relaxed, informative overview with delicious tastings, this is a solid choice.

This experience is ideal for visitors who want to maximize their time, appreciate good wines and chocolates, and enjoy a friendly, guided overview of Porto’s most famous beverage. It’s suitable for adults who enjoy tasting experiences and are curious about the stories behind the wines. It’s not a deep dive into cellar visits, but rather a curated, convenient introduction.

Key Points

• Conveniently gathers top Port vintages into one tasting, avoiding the need for multiple cellar visits.
• Includes expert guidance and storytelling about the history and significance of Port wine in Porto.
• Pairs wines with artisan chocolates, enhancing flavors and providing a local touch.
• Offers a relaxed setting in a beautiful Orangerie or garden, making it a comfortable experience.
• Includes four key styles: White, Ruby, Tawny, and LBV Port, for a well-rounded tasting.
• Accessible and flexible with options for language and wheelchair access, plus free cancellation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The essence of this experience is its simplicity and focus on quality. You’ll meet at the Boutique Maison Canto De Luz, located in Porto’s historic old town. This spot, set in a beautiful Orangerie, offers a calm environment away from the crowded cellar tours.

The tasting lasts around an hour (though some reviews suggest it can feel a bit short), during which you’ll sample four top-quality Ports—each carefully paired with artisan chocolates. The wines are sourced from well-known producers like Sandeman, Grahams, Taylors, and Ferreira, giving you a broad perspective on what makes Porto’s wine special.

The Tasting Breakdown

• Sandeman Fine White Port paired with Brie cheese and dried apricot. This opening sip provides a refreshing start, highlighting the finesse of white Port.
• Grahams Mature Reserve Tawny Port with Ecuador Truffles featuring raspberry ganache. This pairing emphasizes the nutty, caramel notes of Tawny Port, balanced with fruity chocolate.
• Taylors Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) paired with Ecuador Almond dark chocolate. Expect a richer, more robust Port here, with the chocolate complementing its depth.
• Ferreira Dona Antonia White Port paired with Ecuador Oranges and Dark Chocolate. This final pairing brings a citrusy brightness to the mix, rounding out the tasting.

Throughout, guides share insights about Port’s history, production, and what makes each style unique. The whole setup allows for comparison—helping you distinguish between the various Port types just by taste.

Value for Money and Experience Quality

At the time of writing, the tasting includes four 40ml glasses, covering four key Port styles, plus the chocolates and insightful commentary. While it’s a relatively short session—roughly an hour—it’s packed with quality and education.

Most participants seem happy with the value. One reviewer described it as “great service and very friendly” while appreciating the “good knowledge” shared. The inclusion of top Port houses in one place, paired with artisan chocolates, makes it a good option for those who want a curated tasting rather than multiple cellar visits.

The optional add-on of a 20-year Tawny Port is available at extra cost, which might appeal to seasoned wine lovers seeking something even more luxurious.

The Downside

Some reviews mention that the experience can feel a bit hurried—”instead of an hour, the whole thing only lasted 30 minutes,” as one reviewer said. If you’re after an in-depth exploration, this might feel a little rushed. But if your goal is a concise, enjoyable overview with delicious tastings and good stories, it hits the mark.

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Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: About 1 hour (check availability for specific times). Some reviews note it might be shorter.
• Location: Boutique Maison Canto De Luz, Porto’s old town, in a picturesque Orangerie or garden.
• Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish. Guides are multilingual.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
• Includes: Four tastings of top Port wines, chocolates, and educational information.
• Not included: Transport (they can arrange pickup for an extra fee), additional drinks, tapas, or upgrades.
• Price: Good value considering the quality of wines and the curated experience.
• Cancellation: Free if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Age restrictions: Not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tasting appeals most to travelers who want a quick, enjoyable introduction to Porto’s Port wines without the hassle of visiting multiple cellars. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed, friendly setting, and for anyone curious to taste top vintages side-by-side. If you love chocolates and wine pairings, you’ll especially appreciate the artisan chocolates included.

It’s also a good choice for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a guided experience with insightful commentary. However, if you’re after a lengthy, in-depth tour or cellar visit, this probably isn’t your best bet.

Final Thoughts

This Port tasting offers a smart, convenient way to sample Porto’s most celebrated wines paired with delicious chocolates. It strikes a good balance between education, tasting, and comfort, making it particularly suitable for those wanting an overview without the time commitment of multiple cellar tours.

While some might find it a bit brief, the quality of wines, the friendly guides, and the beautiful setting make it worth considering. It’s especially good for curious travelers who appreciate good storytelling and want a taste of Porto’s heritage in a relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re in Porto and want to learn about the city’s favorite drink with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, this experience could well be your highlight.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-Portuguese speakers?
Yes, guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, so language shouldn’t be a problem.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour location is wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed?
No, this experience is for adults over 18, as it involves wine tasting.

Can I upgrade the tasting?
Yes, you can add a premium 20-year Tawny Port at extra cost.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Transport isn’t included, but they can organize pickup and drop-off for an additional fee if needed.

Hopefully, this gives you a good picture of what to expect from the Porto ‘Best of the Best’ Port Tasting and Artisan Chocolates. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious, it’s a neat way to get a sense of Porto’s port wine scene without the hassle—and with some tasty chocolates to boot.

You can check availability for your dates here: