Review of the Fonseca Wine Cellar Tour: Porto Fonesca Tour
Fonseca, one of the largest and oldest wine houses, has evolved into an important player in the Portuguese wine industry. In the early part of the 19th century, the Guimaraens family acquired and significantly expanded the Fonseca Port Wine business until its acquisition by The Fladgate Partnership in 1948. Fonseca’s exceptional vintage ports draw their distinctive character from the establishment’s three historic estates – Panascal, Cruzeiro, and Santo António. Today, Fonseca with its vineyards spread across 3 quintas or wine estates in the beautiful Douro Valley, continues to produce a variety of high quality port wines and is an integral part of Porto’s wine tourism industry.
We booked a self-guided tour of the Fonseca Wine Cellar Tour in Porto and had an excellent experience walking through the incredible history of port wine, from its origin in Douro Valley to its journey to the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. We loved exploring Fonseca Cellars at our own pace and at the end had a chance to sip some delicious in-house port wine.
Vila Nova de Gaia, a cosmopolitan city located across from the historic area of Porto and separated by River Douro, is renowned for its historic wine lodges. These wine cellars have existed for centuries and greatly benefit from the weather conditions that are essential and conducive for wine aging. During our time in Porto, we have had the opportunity to visit some of these iconic port wine cellars and we highly endorse a jaunt to one of these wine caves and luxuriate in some delicious port wine tastings.
Fonseca Tour
Fonseca offers a self guided tour of wine cellars combined with wine tastings of their finest Bin 27 Port Wine. Fonseca Wine Cellar is located at 84 Rua do Choupelo, a short 2 minute walk from WOW Cultural District, 4 minute walk from Gaia Riverside Promenade and a 10 minute walk from the lower level of Dom Luis I Bridge.
Embark on the Fonseca experience, that takes you through centuries of wine making traditions that are deeply woven into the fabric of Portuguese heritage. The tour begins with exhibits that showcase the essential elements of finest port wine production – from grape selection and harvest to crushing, fermentation, storage in barrels, and finally bottling for consumption. Learn about Fonseca’s wine estates in Douro Valley and its contribution in implementing sustainable wine making practices.
At the end of the tour, delight your palate with a port wine tasting featuring the celebrated Fonseca Bin 27 and the refreshing extra dry white port, Fonseca Siroco while children can enjoy a glass of grape juice along with some cookies. The wine tasting room also features the Fonseca Shop, where you can purchase some in-house port wine to take home as a memorable Portuguese souvenir. Choose from a wide selection of wines available in the shop including Fonseca Tawny Port, Fonseca Ruby Port and Fonseca Vintage Port. From the cellar’s terraces, soak in incredible views of Porto neighborhoods, Douro River and the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.
Plan to spend around 1-1.5 hours in this self guided wine cellar tour, that also includes an audio guide in multiple languages.
Book your Fonseca Wine Cellar Tour experience here!
Fonseca Wine Cellar and Fado Show
Alternatively, you can also enjoy a live Fado show along with the guided wine cellar tour, port wine tasting and an optional 3-course dinner. Fado is a deeply soulful Portuguese music genre that beautifully weaves melancholic melodies and heartfelt emotional words to express a profound sense of longing and nostalgia.
Plan to spend around 1.5-4 hours in this guided wine cellar tour, that also includes Fado show, wine tasting and an optional dinner.
Book your Fonseca Wine Cellar Tour and Fado Show experience here!
Admission to Fonseca Wine Cellar
Visiting Hours
- Everyday : 11:00 am to 07:00 pm (Last admission to the tour is at 06:00 pm)
Cost of Tickets
- Entry for Adults : € 14
- Entry for Children (8-17 years) : € 7 (Entry not permitted for children under 8 years)
