Real Companhia Velha Founders Tour With Tastings

The Real Companhia Velha Founders Tour offers wine enthusiasts an immersive experience into the world of Port wine. Priced at €40 per person, the 1-hour guided tour takes visitors through the historic cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, showcasing the rich heritage of this renowned winery. Guests can expect to savor exquisite Port wine tastings, including White Port and aged Tawnies, as they explore the winemaking process and uncover the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family. This tour promises to enchant those seeking to discover the captivating story behind one of Portugal’s most prestigious Port wine producers.

Key Points

• The tour is a 1-hour guided experience at the Real Companhia Velha cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto.
• The tour includes tastings of various Port wines, such as White Port, 10-year-old Tawny, 20-year-old Tawny, and a rare 1765 Vintage Port.
• The tour is accessible and wheelchair-friendly, with ample parking and shuttle service available from Porto.
• The tour provides insights into the history of the Real Companhia Velha and the winemaking process, as well as access to the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family.
• The tour is priced at €40.00 per person, with a full refund available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Real Companhia Velha Founders Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the history and winemaking process of this renowned Port wine producer.

Priced at €40.00 per person, the 1-hour tour includes tastings of Port wines. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour takes place at the company’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, located across the Douro River from Porto. A live guide leads the exploration in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish.

Highlights include viewing rare vintage Ports, admiring oak casks, and tasting selections like White Port and aged Tawnies.

Location and Accessibility

The Real Companhia Velha’s cellars are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, situated on the left bank of the River Douro, directly across from the historic city of Porto.

The cellars are easily accessible, offering the following conveniences:

Situated on the opposite side of the river, the cellars offer ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and shuttle service for added convenience.

• Situated on the opposite side of the river from Porto, accessible by bridge or boat

• Ample parking available near the cellars

• Wheelchair-friendly facilities for guests with mobility needs

• Shuttle service available from the city of Porto for added convenience

• Clear signage and directions to guide visitors to the cellars

Guided Tour Experience

A knowledgeable live tour guide leads visitors on the Founders Tour, offering commentary in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The guided exploration takes guests through the Port wine cellars, providing insights into the history of Real Companhia Velha and the winemaking process.

Visitors gain access to the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family, which houses over 16,000 bottles, including rare Vintage Ports dating back to 1765.

The tour also allows guests to admire the noble wooden casks, vats, and barrels where the wine ages, culminating in tastings of selected Port wines, including White Port and 10, 20, and 40-year-old Tawny.

Highlights of the Tour

Access to the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family, housing over 16,000 bottles, provides visitors with the opportunity to view rare Vintage Ports dating back as far as 1765.

The highlights of the tour include:

• Admiring the noble wooden casks, vats, and barrels where the wine ages

• Tasting a selection of Port wines, including White Port and 10, 20, and 40-year-old Tawny

• Learning about the history of Real Companhia Velha and the winemaking process

• Exploring the Port Wine Cellars with a live tour guide available in multiple languages

• Discovering the rich heritage and tradition of this renowned Port wine producer.

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Access to Private Wine Cellar

Visitors to the Real Companhia Velha Founders Tour gain exclusive access to the private wine cellar of the Silva Reis family, which houses an impressive collection of over 16,000 bottles.

This cellar contains rare Vintage Ports, some dating back to 1765. Guests can admire the noble wooden casks, vats, and barrels where the wine ages.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the winemaking process and learn about the history of this renowned Port house.

It’s a privileged glimpse into the private domain of the Silva Reis family, makers of some of Portugal’s finest Port wines.

Viewing of Rare Vintage Ports

The tour provides guests with the opportunity to admire the rare Vintage Ports housed within the Silva Reis family’s private wine cellar.

Visitors can expect to see:

• Vintage Ports dating back to 1765, showcasing the winery’s storied history

• Exquisite wooden casks and barrels where the wines age to perfection

• Unique blends and single-variety Ports, each with its own distinct character

• The family’s prized collection of 40-year-old Tawny Ports, known for their complex flavors

• A glimpse into the meticulous process of crafting these exceptional fortified wines.

Admiring Noble Wooden Casks, Vats, and Barrels

Towering wooden casks, grand vats, and carefully crafted barrels line the historic cellars of Real Companhia Velha.

These noble vessels, some dating back centuries, house the maturing Port wines that have made the company’s name synonymous with quality.

Visitors can admire the intricate craftsmanship and engineering that goes into these receptacles, vital to the aging process that lends Port its distinctive flavors and aromas.

From the massive, oak-staved pipes to the precise, climate-controlled vats, each element plays a crucial role in the winemaking tradition that has been passed down through generations at Real Companhia Velha.

Tasting of Selected Port Wines

After admiring the noble casks and barrels, visitors can look forward to tasting a selection of exquisite Port wines.

The tasting includes:

• White Port

• A rich, 10-year-old Tawny Port

• A smooth, 20-year-old Tawny Port

• A complex, 40-year-old Tawny Port

• A rare Vintage Port dating back to 1765

Each wine is carefully selected to showcase the depth and diversity of Port, allowing guests to savor the unique flavors and aromas that have made Real Companhia Velha a legendary name in the world of Port production.

The Sum Up

The Real Companhia Velha Founders Tour offers a captivating journey into the world of Port wine. Priced at €40, the 1-hour guided tour provides access to the historic cellars, private wine cellar, and a tasting of exquisite Port wines. It’s a must-visit experience for wine enthusiasts to learn about the rich heritage and winemaking process of this renowned Portuguese producer.

You can check availability for your dates here: