Vila Nova de Gaia

Across the Douro River from Porto is Vila Nova de Gaia, the traditional home of Port wine.  Wine must be produced in the Douro Valley to be considered a Port wine, but many of the major Port producers in Portugal continue to age their wines within the cellars that line this area.  

We went twice to Vila Nova de Gaia while in Porto. The first day, we walked across the Dom Luís I Bridge and from there took the cable car (Teleférico de Gaia) down to street level.  It was a great way to see the city of Porto from above!

We spent the afternoon at Graham’s Port Lodge.  It was created it 1890 and the cellar is built on top of a hill with beautiful views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.  We signed up for the English tour and tasting.  They also have a bar/patio area where we sat before the tour began and was a perfect way to spend the sunny fall day.  

On Sunday, we visited the Ferreira Port Cellar, one of the oldest port wine brands.  Ferreira was founded in 1751 and is known for its quality and tradition.  We were able to join the English tour with two port wine tastings (a white and a tawny).  

After the tour and tasting at Ferreira, we walked back across the Dom Luís I Bridge.  As it was early evening, the sun was starting to set and Porto looked so beautiful all lit up at night.  Between our time in the Douro Valley and here in Vila Nova de Gaia, we have learned a lot about Port wine and its production.  I would say while I have enjoyed tasting Port wine, I think it is best saved for a special occasion!