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

If you’re planning a trip to Porto and want a chance to sample some of the city’s most celebrated Port wines without the hassle of visiting multiple cellars, the ‘Best of the Best’ Port Tasting and Artisan Chocolates experience offers a compelling option. This tour promises a relaxed, educational, and delicious introduction to Porto’s iconic fortified wine, paired with sweet treats and insightful commentary—all under one roof.

While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, reviews suggest this tasting provides a well-rounded snapshot of Porto’s Port scene, especially suited for those pressed for time or eager to maximize their visit. A couple of things stand out: the opportunity to try vintages from the top Port houses in a cozy, elegant setting, and the chance to learn about Port’s significance in Porto’s culture and history.

That said, some travelers feel the hour-long session can feel a bit quick, especially if you’re eager for a more in-depth exploration. This experience would suit visitors who want a taste of Porto’s Port wines without the complexity of multiple cellar visits, those interested in pairing wines with chocolates, and anyone who appreciates a good story behind the drink.

Key Points

• Convenient Sampling: All the top Port houses’ vintages are gathered together, saving you time and effort.
• Educational and Enjoyable: Learn about Port’s history and production in a relaxed environment.
• Flavor Variety: Sample four different styles—White, Ruby, Tawny, and LBV—each thoughtfully paired with artisan chocolates.
• Authentic Setting: Enjoy your tasting in a charming Orangerie or sunlit garden, adding to the experience.
• Value for Money: Includes four quality Port glasses with detailed info—an easy way to deepen your understanding.
• Accessibility: Suitable for those with mobility needs, offered in multiple languages, though not for children or pregnant women.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Setting and Atmosphere

The tasting takes place at Boutique Hotel Canto De Luz, in an inviting Orangerie or its sunlit garden, creating a relaxed yet elegant backdrop. The location is central, making it a perfect stop during a walk through Porto’s old town. The ambiance feels both intimate and sophisticated—ideal for savoring wine and conversation. You’ll appreciate the beautiful surroundings, which add a touch of charm beyond just the tasting.

The Tasting Itself

You’ll sample four top-quality Ports from renowned producers like Sandeman, Grahams, Taylors, and Ferreira. Each Port is served in 40ml tasting glasses, giving enough to appreciate the flavors without feeling overwhelmed. The current lineup, for instance, includes:

• Sandeman Fine White Port paired with Brie and dried apricot, showcasing the lighter, refreshing side of Port.
• Grahams Mature Reserve Tawny Port, matched with raspberry ganache-filled Ecuador Truffles, revealing the smooth, nutty character of tawny Ports.
• Taylors LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) with dark chocolate infused with almonds, highlighting the richer, more robust style.
• Ferreira Dona Antonia White Port paired with orange slices and dark chocolate, presenting yet another variation of white Port.

Pairings and Seasonal Variations

The chocolates are crafted locally, adding authenticity and supporting artisans. These pairings are designed to enhance the Port’s flavors, making each sip a little more memorable. The offerings may vary with the seasons, ensuring each visit could bring a slightly different experience.

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Learning and Storytelling

The experience isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the wines’ provenance, production, and the stories behind each. Guides are multilingual, providing insights in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, making it accessible for international visitors.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately one hour, which some guests find perfect for a quick yet meaningful overview. However, reviews indicate that some felt the session was too brief—lasting only about 30 minutes—so if you’re hoping for more in-depth knowledge, consider that this is a taste-focused outing rather than an exhaustive tour.

Value and Additional Options

The price includes four tastings and detailed info, offering good value for those who want a curated experience without the time or cost of visiting several cellars. There’s an optional upgrade to include a premium 20-year-old Quinta do Vallado Tawny Port, which adds another layer of depth to your tasting.

Transportation isn’t included, but the tour provider offers to collect and return guests to their accommodation for a fixed fee, easing the logistics. Other drinks or tapas are available for purchase if you’re looking to extend your experience.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

Many reviewers highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who make the session engaging and informative. One guest praised the team’s great service and friendliness, noting they learned a lot about Port wine, making the experience feel worthwhile. The setting and the pairing choices also contribute to an authentic, local vibe, steering clear of overly commercialized tours.

Some Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

• Duration: Some critics mention the experience can feel a bit short—about 30 minutes instead of a full hour. If you’re a serious Port enthusiast, you might wish for more depth.
• Limited scope: The tour focuses mainly on tasting and pairing, not extensive cellar visits or detailed production processes.
• No transport included: If you’re not in the city center, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation or pay extra for the pickup service.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tasting is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an introduction to Porto’s Port wines without the complexity of multiple cellar tours. It suits wine lovers, chocolate enthusiasts, and those who prefer a relaxed, social environment. It could also work well as a midday break or a prelude to a more extensive Porto exploration.

Travelers short on time or looking for a convenient, curated experience will find this a satisfying choice. It’s less suitable for children, pregnant women, or those seeking in-depth winery tours or a full afternoon of tasting.

Final The Sum Up

This ‘Best of the Best’ Port Tasting offers a thoughtfully curated, accessible way to familiarize yourself with Porto’s most celebrated wine styles. The combination of top Port houses, artisan chocolates, and an elegant setting makes it a memorable experience, especially for those eager to enjoy a taste of Porto’s heritage without the logistical challenge of visiting many cellars.

The value lies in the quality of the tasting, the insights provided, and the beautiful environment—a perfect little escape for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. While some may wish for a longer or more in-depth session, the overall experience delivers a genuine, enjoyable introduction to Porto’s most famous export.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-informed, and flavorful experience that pairs expertly with your Porto itinerary, this tour offers an excellent option. Just keep in mind that it’s a tasting rather than a full-fledged wine tour—perfect for sampling without overindulgence.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the tasting is not included, but the provider offers an optional pickup and drop-off service for a fixed fee.

Can I upgrade the tasting?
Yes, you can add a premium 20-year-old Quinta do Vallado Tawny Port for an extra cost, which is great for those wanting to delve deeper into aged Ports.

How long does the tasting last?
The scheduled duration is about one hour, but some reviews suggest it may sometimes feel shorter, around 30 minutes.

Is the experience suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, nor for pregnant women, as it involves alcohol tasting.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and provide detailed information about the Ports and their history.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll taste four top-quality Ports—40ml each—and receive information about their provenance and background. Chocolates are included as pairings.

In all, this tasting provides a solid, authentic glimpse into Porto’s Port wine scene, wrapped in a beautiful setting and delivered with friendly expertise. It’s a worthwhile stop for those who want a taste of local flavor without the fuss of multiple cellar visits.

You can check availability for your dates here: