Porto: Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha

Uncovering the rich heritage of port wine, the Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha in Porto offers an immersive journey. Priced at just $21.76 per person, this one-hour experience takes visitors through the historic cellars of one of the oldest port wine companies. Guests can explore the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family and savor rare port wines. With excellent ratings and free cancellation, this tour is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts looking to uncover the secrets behind Porto’s renowned port production.

Key Points

• Premium tour of Real Companhia Velha, one of the oldest port wine companies in Porto, offering a 1-hour immersive experience in their port wine cellars.
• Tour includes tasting of rare port wines and provides insights into the winemaking process and maturation requirements.
• Tour starts at the company’s headquarters in Porto District and takes visitors on a guided journey through the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Visitors can explore the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family, which houses over 16,000 bottles of rare and vintage ports.
• Traveler feedback indicates the tour offers an exceptional learning experience and value for money, with high ratings for the knowledgeable guides and the smooth presentation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Porto: Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha offers visitors an immersive 1-hour experience, priced from $21.76 per person.

The tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing for hassle-free booking.

This premium experience takes guests through the renowned port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, showcasing the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family, which houses 16,000 bottles.

Visitors will discover the history of Real Companhia Velha, established in 1756, and have the opportunity to taste a selection of rare port wines.

Location and Itinerary

Starting at the Real Companhia Velha in the Porto District, the premium tour takes visitors on a guided journey through the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

The main stops include the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family, which houses over 16,000 bottles. Visitors will view the noble wooden casks, vats, and barrels used for aging the wine.

The tour provides an up-close look at the winemaking process and maturation requirements that contribute to the distinct flavors of Port, including White Port, Late Bottled Vintage, Tawny Reserve, and 20-year-old Tawny.

Exploring the History of Real Companhia Velha

Established in 1756, Real Companhia Velha boasts a rich history as one of the oldest port wine companies in the world. The company played a pivotal role in the development of the port wine industry, introducing quality control measures and establishing international marketing strategies.

Visitors can explore Real Companhia Velha’s impressive cellars, which house over 16,000 bottles of rare and vintage ports. The guided tour provides an in-depth look at the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to barrel aging.

Guests will learn about the company’s evolution and its enduring commitment to producing exceptional port wines.

The Winemaking Process and Maturation

Although the history of Real Companhia Velha is deeply rooted in tradition, the winemaking process and maturation at this renowned port wine producer is anything but static.

The guided tour delves into the intricacies of their operations, revealing:

• Carefully timed fermentation to balance sweetness and acidity

• Meticulous blending of different vintages to craft complex Tawny and LBV ports

• Aging in seasoned oak casks that impart distinctive flavor profiles

• Stringent quality control measures to ensure each bottle meets Real Companhia Velha’s exacting standards.

This dynamic approach preserves time-honored techniques while embracing innovation to deliver exceptional port wines.

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Discovering the Variety of Port Wines

The guided tour of Real Companhia Velha’s cellars introduces visitors to a captivating array of port wines.

Guests discover the distinctive styles, from crisp and refreshing white port to rich, complex vintage ports aged for decades.

Discover the distinctive styles of port, from crisp white to rich, complex vintage ports aged for decades.

The tour highlights the nuances between Late Bottled Vintage, Tawny Reserve, and the rare 20-year-old Tawny port.

Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the winemaking process and how each port’s unique character is shaped by factors like grape variety, fermentation, and barrel aging.

The Private Wine Cellar of the Silva Reis Family

As visitors explore the historic cellars of Real Companhia Velha, one of the highlights is a chance to step into the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family.

This exclusive access allows guests to witness a stunning collection of over 16,000 bottles, including:

• Rare vintage Ports dating back to 1765

• Majestic wooden casks, vats, and barrels used for aging

• A glimpse into the meticulous winemaking techniques passed down through generations

• An opportunity to learn about the Silva Reis family’s rich history and their role in shaping Port wine’s legacy.

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

According to reviews, visitors have been overwhelmingly positive about the Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha.

The tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. Travelers highlight the expertise of the guides, praising their extensive knowledge and friendly explanations.

The value for money has also been rated highly at 4.9 out of 5. Reviewers describe the tour as "nice and informative" and note the "smooth and interesting" presentation.

The Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha offers excellent value for money, with reviewers describing it as nice, informative, smooth, and interesting.

With such positive feedback, the Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha seems to offer an exceptional learning experience and excellent value for visitors to Porto.

Included Features in the Premium Tour

The Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha includes a guided exploration of the Port wine cellars, providing visitors access to the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family which houses over 16,000 bottles.

The tour also includes:

• Viewing of noble wooden casks, vats, and barrels used for aging wine

• Discovering a selection of Ports, including White Port, Late Bottled Vintage, Tawny Reserve, and 20-year-old Tawny

• Learning about the history of Real Companhia Velha, established in 1756, and the winemaking process

• Tasting rare Vintage Ports dating back to 1765.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour. Children are welcome, but the Port wine tastings are only available for guests 18 and older. Underage participants can join the tour without sampling the wines.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, though they may be asked to refrain from using flash photography in certain areas. It’s best to check with the tour guides for any specific rules or restrictions.

Can I Purchase Port Wines Directly From the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase port wines directly from the tour. The tour includes access to the estate’s wine cellar, allowing guests to buy a selection of the featured port wines, including rare vintages.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour doesn’t offer specific group discounts, but customers can get a better per-person rate by booking larger groups. Contact the tour operator for more details on group pricing and availability.

What Languages Are the Tours Conducted In?

The tours are conducted in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Travelers can check the availability of their preferred language when booking the tour to ensure a seamless and informative experience.

The Sum Up

The Premium Tour at Real Companhia Velha in Porto offers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. Guests can explore the historic cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and savor rare port wines in the private cellar of the Silva Reis family. With excellent ratings and free cancellation, this one-hour journey into Portugal’s port wine heritage is a must-do for anyone visiting the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: