Porto: Cheese and Port Wine Tasting in a Unique Place

Tucked away in the charming streets of Porto, a unique culinary experience awaits visitors. The Porto Cheese and Port Wine Tasting invites guests to explore the rich history and traditions behind these Portuguese delicacies. Hosted in a local "Mercearia" or grocery store, this intimate 1.5-hour session promises a sensory journey through a carefully curated selection of four premium cheeses and three distinct port wines. Guided by an expert, you will uncover the stories behind these gastronomic treasures while savoring the perfect pairing of flavors in the cozy ambiance of this hidden gem. An experience that tantalizes the taste buds and immerses the senses, the Porto Cheese and Port Wine Tasting is a must-try for any food and wine enthusiast visiting the city.

Key Points

• Immersive cheese and port wine tasting experience in a traditional Portuguese grocery store ("Mercearia") in Porto, offering a unique and authentic setting.

• Sampling of four premium Portuguese cheeses and three distinct port wines, accompanied by bread, olive oil, and marmalade to enhance the flavors.

• Intimate small-group setting with a knowledgeable host, providing insight into the rich history and traditions of Portuguese cuisine.

• Opportunity to discover a hidden gem within the local community and engage with the cultural significance of cheese and port wine.

• Positive customer feedback on the value for money, knowledgeable hosts, and the overall authenticity of the tasting experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The activity offers a 1.5-hour cheese and port wine tasting experience in the city of Porto, Portugal.

Priced from $27.78 per person, this tour provides an opportunity to sample a variety of Portuguese cheeses and port wines.

It’s a popular activity that often sells out, but travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tasting takes place at a local grocery store, known as a "Mercearia," and you will learn about the history of these products from an expert guide.

Reserving now and paying later is an option, making it easy to secure a spot for this unique gastronomic adventure.

Experience Highlights

This tasting offers travelers a chance to sample a variety of premium Portuguese cheeses, including the creamy queijo Amanteigado, the nutty Nisa, the soft Serra da Estrela, and the bold São Jorge.

The experience is further elevated by a selection of 3 port wines, which guests can savor while learning about the history of cheese and wine production in Portugal from a local expert.

The tasting takes place in a secret spot inside a traditional local grocery store, known as a Mercearia, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

The highlights of this tasting include:

• Sampling a range of artisanal Portuguese cheeses
• Enjoying a selection of 3 distinct port wines
• Learning about the rich history and traditions of Portuguese cuisine
• Discovering a hidden gem within a local grocery store
• Experiencing a small group setting, limited to 10 participants

Tasting Details

A tasting includes 4 premium Portuguese cheeses, carefully selected to showcase the diversity of the country’s renowned cheese-making tradition.

The port wine tasting consists of 3 distinct glasses, each offering a unique flavor profile that complements the cheeses perfectly.

The experience takes place in a traditional local grocery store, known as a "Mercearia", providing an authentic and intimate setting.

To further enhance the tasting, guests are served marmalade, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh bread, creating a well-rounded culinary journey.

This immersive experience allows participants to indulge in the rich history and flavors that make Portuguese cheese and port wine so exceptional.

Participant Information

This experience is offered in a small group setting, limited to just 10 participants. The size ensures an intimate and personalized tasting experience.

However, there are a few important details to note:

• This activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, vegans, or individuals with lactose intolerance, as the focus is on sampling a variety of Portuguese cheeses.

• Participants should bring a camera to capture the unique atmosphere and tasting experience.

• The meeting point for the activity is available on Google Maps, making it easy to find the location.

• Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tasting takes place in a traditional local grocery store.

• While outdoor seating is preferred by some, the indoor setting adds to the charm and authenticity of the experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

The experience has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews, customers have been extremely satisfied with the cheese and port wine tasting.

The value for money is particularly impressive, scoring 4.9 out of 5. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable hosts and the excellent selection of cheeses and port wines.

While some customers express a preference for outdoor seating, the overall consensus is that the tasting offers a unique and memorable experience in a traditional local setting.

The feedback suggests the activity is a must-do for those seeking an authentic taste of Portuguese culinary culture.

Exploring the Mercearia

Stepping into the Mercearia, a traditional local grocery store, sets the stage for a truly immersive cheese and port wine tasting experience.

Nestled in the heart of Porto, this secret spot offers a unique ambiance that complements the flavors guests are about to explore.

The tasting takes place within the shop’s walls, surrounded by shelves stocked with local delicacies.

Guests can expect:

• An intimate setting, limited to just 10 participants
• A chance to interact with the knowledgeable host and learn about the history of Portuguese cheese and port
• The opportunity to sample a diverse array of cheeses, including the creamy Amanteigado and the renowned Serra da Estrela
• Three distinct port wine varieties to savor
• The accompaniment of fresh bread, olive oil, and marmalade to enhance the tasting experience.

History of Cheese and Port

For centuries, cheese and port wine have been deeply intertwined in the cultural fabric of Portugal.

Cheese production in the country dates back to ancient times, with distinct regional varieties evolving over the centuries.

Meanwhile, port wine’s origins can be traced to the Douro Valley in the 17th century, when British merchants fortified local wines to preserve them during long sea voyages.

Today, the pairing of Portuguese cheeses with the country’s renowned port wines is a beloved tradition, with each complementing the other’s unique flavors and textures.

As you savor this quintessential Portuguese experience, you’ll uncover the rich history and cultural significance behind these iconic products.

Sensory Journey Through Flavors

Step into a sensory journey as you embark on this captivating cheese and port wine tasting experience in Porto.

Through a selection of four distinct Portuguese cheeses, including the creamy Queijo Amanteigado, the tangy Nisa, the rich Serra da Estrela, and the bold São Jorge, you’ll discover the depth and complexity of the region’s dairy heritage.

Complemented by three exquisite port wines, each sip and morsel will transport you on a flavor odyssey:

• Savor the balance of sweet, nutty, and briny notes in the cheeses
• Explore the robust, fruity, and velvety characteristics of the ports
• Learn about the age-old traditions that shape these beloved delicacies
• Indulge in the perfect pairings of cheese and port, guided by a local expert
• Enjoy the cozy ambiance of a traditional Portuguese grocery store

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Cheese?

The activity does not allow participants to bring their own wine or cheese. It’s a curated tasting experience, and bringing outside items would not be appropriate. The host provides the selection of Portuguese cheeses and port wines for the group to sample.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tasting?

There is no formal dress code for the cheese and port wine tasting. Participants can wear casual, comfortable clothing. The focus is on enjoying the tasting experience, not on attire.

Are There Any Dietary Options for Participants?

The tasting is not suitable for pregnant women, vegans, or those with lactose intolerance. However, the organizers may be able to accommodate other dietary needs or restrictions if requested in advance.

How Long Does the Tasting Experience Last?

The tasting experience lasts 1.5 hours. It’s a small group setting limited to 10 participants, offering a variety of Portuguese cheeses and port wines, accompanied by complementary items like marmalade and olive oil.

Can I Purchase the Featured Cheeses or Port Wines After the Tasting?

Yes, participants can purchase the featured cheeses and port wines after the tasting. The experience takes place at a local grocery store, allowing visitors to continue exploring and buying the products they’ve sampled during the event.

Recap

The Porto Cheese and Port Wine Tasting offers a delightful fusion of flavors, guiding participants through a sensory journey of premium Portuguese cheeses and distinct port wines. Hosted in a charming local grocery store, this intimate experience showcases the rich history and traditions behind these culinary treasures, providing an opportunity to savor and appreciate the nuanced flavors in a cozy, authentic setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: