Dogma Wine Tasting – Serious Introduction

Discover the perfect introduction to Portuguese wines with the Dogma Wine Tasting – Serious Introduction tour in the Norte Region of Portugal. For $90 per person, this 1.5-hour experience offers an in-depth look at Portugal’s native grape varieties and boutique wines, guided by a highly acclaimed sommelier who ranks as the 3rd best in Portugal in 2024. The tour is suitable for those curious about Portugal’s wine heritage and eager to enjoy a curated tasting with expertly selected wines and delicious accompaniments.

This experience is hosted at the Dogma Wine Bar, starting and ending at the same location. It combines educational insights with a tasting of six wines, complemented by bread, DOP olive oil, cheeses, and dry-cured Iberico ham. With a focus on small producers connected to their terroir and native grapes, the tour promises a serious and memorable wine lesson in a relaxed setting. The tour is ideal for adults seeking high-quality wines and a focused introduction to Portuguese wine styles.

Key Points

• Expert guidance from Portugal’s 3rd ranked sommelier, Vasilii, recognized for his deep knowledge and engaging style
• Focus on native grapes with 3 white and 3 red wines showcasing Portugal’s unique wine DNA
• Boutique wines from small producers emphasizing terroir and tradition
• Tasting includes 6 wine samples (~70 ml each), accompanied by bread, DOP olive oil, cheeses, and dry-cured Iberico ham
• Accessible price point of $90, with flexible booking options and full refund up to 24 hours in advance
• Tour duration of 1.5 hours makes for a compact yet enriching experience
• Hosted in English, catering to international visitors
• Not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18

You can check availability for your dates here:

Dogma Wine Bar: The Meeting Point for a Focused Wine Lesson

The tour begins and ends at the Dogma Wine Bar, a welcoming setting where the guide leads guests through a curated tasting experience. The bar’s environment is described as pleasant, with a tastefully designed ambiance that enhances the wine appreciation process. The location is easy to reach, making it a convenient choice for travelers based in Porto or nearby.

Guests will find the guidance of Vasilii, a twice honored sommelier, especially valuable. His reputation for clarity and expertise shines through as he carefully explains the characteristics of each wine, focusing on native grapes, their styles, and the regions they come from. The small group size ensures an intimate setting where questions are encouraged.

Exploring Portugal’s Native Grape Varieties

The heart of this tasting revolves around native Portuguese grapes, with a focus on three white and three red wines. Vasilii’s goal is to help guests understand the DNA of Portuguese wines through these carefully selected samples.

Expect to sample white wines that highlight Portugal’s diverse terroirs and styles, as well as rich reds that reveal the depth and complexity of the country’s signature varieties. The wines are limited editions and come from real winemakers, offering an authentic taste of Portugal’s wine craftsmanship.

The tasting provides educational insights into how these grapes grow, develop, and express their terroir, making this a valuable experience for those wanting to broaden their wine knowledge.

Tasting the Boutique Wines from Small Producers

A major highlight of this experience is the selection of boutique wines from small producers. These wineries are deeply connected to their terroir, often emphasizing native grapes and traditional methods.

Guests enjoy six samples (~70 ml each) of wines that are high quality and distinctively Portuguese. The focus on limited editions and real winemakers ensures a genuine tasting that differs from mass-produced wines found elsewhere. The wines are paired with bread, DOP olive oil, cheeses, and dry-cured Iberico ham, adding layers of flavor and context.

This approach provides a deep dive into Portugal’s wine diversity, emphasizing small-scale production and heritage.

Vasilii: Portugal’s 3rd Best Sommelier in 2024

The guidance comes from Vasilii, a senior sommelier with over 10 years of experience. He is twice honored as the best sommelier in Portugal (2022 & 2023) and is recognized as the 3rd best in Portugal in 2024. His passion for Portuguese wines and ability to communicate complex concepts clearly make the tasting accessible and enjoyable.

Guests appreciate his engaging teaching style, which balances seriousness with friendly interaction. Vasilii’s knowledge of native grapes, regions, and winemaking traditions enhances the educational value of the experience.

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The Perfect Duration for a Focused Wine Lesson

The 1.5-hour format strikes a balance between depth and engagement. The pacing of the tasting allows enough time to sample, learn, and ask questions without feeling rushed. The duration makes it an ideal activity for afternoon or early evening, fitting well into a travel schedule.

Guests will find the timing flexible, with availability checked through the booking platform. The experience is designed for adults seeking a compact yet comprehensive introduction to Portuguese wines.

What’s Included in the Price

The $90 fee covers all aspects of the tasting, including water, bread, DOP olive oil, 6 wine samples (~70 ml each), high-quality cheeses, and dry-cured Iberico ham. The guidance of Vasilii is included throughout, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.

The package emphasizes high quality and attention to detail, making it a great value considering the expert guidance and curated selection.

Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering full flexibility. Guests can reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan their trip.

The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for international visitors. It is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18, aligning the experience with adults interested in exploring wine.

Why This Tour Stands Out Among Porto Wine Experiences

Compared to other wine tours in Porto, the Dogma Wine Tasting emphasizes high-quality, boutique wines and educational insights from a top-ranked sommelier. The focus on native grapes and small producers makes it a specialized and authentic introduction.

Guests consistently praise the knowledge of Vasilii, the quality of wines, and the pleasant setting. The experience is described as serious yet friendly, with delicious snacks and good ambiance enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts on the Dogma Wine Tasting

This serious introduction to Portuguese wine offers excellent value for those wanting to deepen their understanding of native grapes and boutique wines. The expert guidance from Vasilii, combined with carefully selected wines and quality accompaniments, makes it a worthwhile choice for wine lovers and curious travelers.

While the duration is short, the depth of information and personalized tasting make it highly impactful. The experience suits adults with an interest in wine education, especially those who appreciate small producer stories and authentic flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts 1.5 hours, making it a concise yet thorough introduction to Portuguese wines.

What is included in the price?
The $90 fee covers 6 wine samples (~70 ml each), water, bread, DOP olive oil, high-quality cheeses, dry-cured Iberico ham, and guidance from Vasilii.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women due to alcohol consumption.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, allowing for flexible planning.

Is this experience good for wine beginners?
Yes, Vasilii’s clear explanations and focus on native grapes make this a great educational introduction for those new to wine.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your good mood and curiosity; all else is provided.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and concludes at the Dogma Wine Bar.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby