Not Just Port Wine – Fortified Wine Tasting with a Producer

Explore Portugal’s Hidden World of Fortified Wines

The Not Just Port Wine tour offers an engaging 1.5-hour tasting experience in the Norte Region of Portugal. For $65 per person, visitors get to sample five carefully chosen fortified wines, including a white Port 10 years, Ruby port, Port 10 years tawny, Moscatel from Setúbal, and Madeira wine. The experience is designed for those curious about Portugal’s diverse fortified wine scene beyond just port.

This tour features an exclusive reservation-only venue, presenting a more intimate and personalized setting. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tasting includes pastries to complement the wines and a surprise tasting at the end. The flexible schedule offers three daily start times—at 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00—making it accessible for different plans. The tour is best suited for adults, as it’s not designed for children under 16, and it emphasizes education and tasting in a small group of up to 10 participants.

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Key Points

• Price: $65 per person for a 1.5-hour experience.
• Includes: 5 fortified wines plus a surprise and pastries.
• Exclusive Venue: Reservation-only setting ensures intimacy.
• Guides: Live guides speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English.
• Timing: Starts at 15:00, 18:00, or 20:00 daily.
• Group Size: Limited to 10 participants for personalized attention.

Unique Venue with a Private Atmosphere

The tour starts at Térmita, a specially reserved location where the tasting takes place. This private setting allows for a relaxed environment, away from busy tourist spots, giving guests the chance to focus on the wines and the stories behind them. The venue’s exclusivity enhances the experience, making it feel more personal and tailored.

The reservation process involves meeting by a red phone booth, where attendees send a photo of their group before the tour begins. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics and ensuring ease of access.

Discovering Portugal’s Diverse Fortified Wines

While many know Port wine as Portugal’s famous fortified beverage, this tour introduces a broader variety. The inclusion of a white Port 10 years, Ruby port, and Port 10 years tawny showcase the range of Port styles. Plus, the Moscatel from Setúbal and Madeira wine highlight other popular fortified options, offering a deeper understanding of Portugal’s wine diversity.

The surprise wine at the end adds an element of excitement, encouraging guests to expand their palates and curiosity about lesser-known fortified wines. This approach aims to educate taste buds and reveal the hidden treasures outside the traditional port scene.

Expert-Guided Tasting with Educational Insights

Led by an experienced guide, the tour emphasizes educational content about Portuguese fortified wines. The guide explains the history, production, and unique characteristics of each wine, helping participants appreciate their distinct qualities. The small group size fosters a more interactive experience, with ample opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized explanations.

The hosts are happy to accommodate vegetarians and vegans, tailoring the experience to dietary preferences. If required, the tour can be conducted in additional languages for an extra 30 Euros.

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Tasting and Pastry Pairings

The five fortified wines are complemented by Portuguese sweet pastries, enhancing the tasting experience. The pastries are designed as snacks, not full meals, allowing guests to enjoy the wines more fully without filling up. The pairing offers a balanced contrast between the sweetness of the pastries and the complexity of the wines.

Guests might find that the pastries help to cleanse the palate between tastings, making each wine’s flavors more noticeable. The inclusion of pastries underscores the importance of local culinary traditions in Portugal’s wine culture.

Flexible Scheduling and Booking Options

The tour’s scheduling flexibility is a major advantage. Guests can choose from three daily start times, making it easy to fit into various travel plans. The reserve now and pay later policy offers additional convenience, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

If the preferred date or time isn’t available, the organizers recommend contacting them directly—indicating a willingness to accommodate special requests. The activity includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for those with unpredictable schedules.

Practical Details and Group Experience

The tour is designed for small groups, limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The meeting point is easy to find, and the end location is the same as the start, simplifying logistics. The guides speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English, catering to international visitors.

Since the experience is not suitable for children under 16, it remains focused on adult audiences interested in wine education and tasting. The activity does not include any additional purchases; any wines or souvenirs bought are separate.

Reviews: High Praise for Knowledgeable Guides and Value

Although only two reviews are available, both rate the experience 5 out of 5. Reviewers mention great evenings and lots of information provided, highlighting the expertise of guide Luis. The praise underscores the value of the educational component and the friendly, informative atmosphere.

This positive feedback confirms that the tour delivers good value for the price, especially for those eager to learn about Portugal’s fortified wines in an intimate setting.

The Sum Up: A Rich Introduction to Portugal’s Fortified Wines

The Not Just Port Wine tour offers an engaging introduction to Portugal’s diverse fortified wine scene, beyond just port. The combination of five wines, pastries, and a surprise, all in a private, reservation-only venue, creates a relaxed yet educational atmosphere.

Ideal for adults who appreciate learning about wine and want an authentic experience, this tour stands out thanks to its small group size and personalized guides. While it emphasizes quality over quantity, those looking for a full meal or extensive wine tasting should consider additional options.

This experience provides excellent value for those curious about Portugal’s fortified wines and seeking an intimate, well-guided tasting in a unique setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the wines and pastries without feeling rushed.

What wines are included in the tasting?
Guests sample Port 10 years white, Ruby port, Port 10 years tawny, Moscatel from Setúbal, and Madeira wine, along with a surprise wine.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the tour accommodates vegetarians and vegans, with options for dietary preferences.

In which languages are guides available?
Guides speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English; additional languages are available for a fee.

Where does the tour take place?
The tasting occurs at Térmita, a reservation-only venue with a private atmosphere.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, and reserve now, pay later options provide scheduling flexibility.

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, participants must be at least 16 years old.

Are there any extra costs?
The price covers the tasting and pastries; any additional wines or souvenirs are at extra cost.

What is the group size?
The experience is limited to 10 participants for a more personal and engaging session.

Can I request a specific time?
Yes, if your preferred schedule isn’t available, you can contact the organizer for possible accommodations.

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