The port wine and other table wines from the Douro valley, are stored and matured since the 17th century in wine cellars in the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. The town is across the Douro River on the Dom Luis I Bridge, connecting the Porto\u2019s Ribeira Neighbourhood with the city. The grapes of which the wines are produced are grown, harvested, and pressed in the beautiful Douro Valley vineyards east of Porto, all the way to the Portugal-Spain border.<\/p>\n
The wineries and the wine cellars which are called caves are just few minutes walk from the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia.
\nTake a tour in one of the family wineries, taste the famous red wine, and learn about the local wine making traditions. Among the cellars to visit are three which are part of the Sogrape Vinhos brand, Ferreira, and Sandeman Porto Cellars. Other are the Offley cellars, the Pocas cellars, the Calem cellars with its interactive museum, the Ramos Pinto, and the Real Companhia Velha cellars.
\nFrom the Vila Nova de Gaia riverside take a cable car up to the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a circular church and monastery, which offers amazing views of the Douro River.<\/p>\n
If time allows take a half day or more tour in the Douro Valley<\/strong> <\/a>to enjoy the magnificent rural landscapes on both sides of the river, and to visit the traditional small towns and villages in the area. Take a cruise along the river, ride the luxurious Presidential train to enjoy one of the most scenic train routes in Europe, or drive a car on the National Road 222 and on local roads through the magnificent Douro viewpoints along the valley.<\/p>\n\n