Port from the Source: Croft Port Cellars

When Matt and I picked Portugal for our next destination, I knew that I had to try Port Wine from the source: Porto. There are several different cellars to choose from to taste this region’s specialty. We chose to visit Croft Port Cellars because of its rustic, charming look, their rich history, and also because they created the very first rosé port. Of course, we wanted to try such a groundbreaking port and learn more about this wine.

On our tour of Croft Port Cellars we first learned about port itself before learning more about Croft and their process of making this delicious treat. Although I had enjoyed Port on multiple occasions, I honestly didn’t know much about it. Luckily this tour + tasting solved that.

A Little Information About Port

Port is a fortified wine. This means that they’ve added extra spirit to it which raises the alcohol content. In addition to that, it means the fermentation process is much shorter which allowed the wine to keep its sweetness. We walked through Croft Port Cellars looking at all of the different shapes and varying sizes of the barrels. We also learned that the way the port is stored is part of what makes the different styles. The name ‘Port’ is also protected in the EU. If you buy a bottle of wine that says it’s ‘Port’ on the label, it had to have been produced in the Douro Valley of Portugal.

Ruby ports are bottled younger to keep that rich red color. However, we learned that tawny port ages longer and in smaller barrels. These smaller barrels allow for more oxidation and evaporation which is what changes the color from ruby to the amber, tawny color.

Croft Port Sticks to Tradition

Although some of the processes have changed since Croft Port first began in 1588, there were two examples of holding on to their history that really stuck with me. First, was the measurements on their barrels. On some of the barrels pictured below you may notice an ‘X’ with numbers in the spaces around the ‘X’. This was an old Moorish style of measurement that multiplied the weight an ox could carry by the weight a man could carry by the way a woman could carry. Albeit, it’s a bit “old fashioned” I loved that they’ve kept this piece of their history.

Secondly, is the production of the wine. Our guide explained how the grapes are picked and then brought to the cellars to mash. How do they mash their grapes? By dancing, of course! Several people will dance in a big tank of grapes for hours. When you smash the grape by dancing it breaks the skin and pushes juice out. However, it doesn’t crush the seed, which would alter the flavor. Now, that is a tradition I would love to be a part of.

Tasting Croft Port

After the tour, our wonderful guide brought us back to the tasting room. I absolutely love their tasting room as it is now because of the rustic and cozy feel to it. The decor feels very true to their historic past in the region and absolutely added to the experience.

‘The Croft Experience’

The tasting we took part of is called ‘The Croft Experience’ (€10 per person). In addition to the tour, we also were able to try three of Croft’s delicious ports: 10 Year Tawny, Reserve (a ruby port) and Croft Pink. We held them to the light to see the difference in the colors, smelled the different notes and then, the best part of all, we tasted them. Each one was very unique and it was really cool to be able to pick up on things that we learned about on the tour.

When visiting Porto, I think it’s simply a must, to cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to try Port right from the source. Croft Port Cellars is the perfect place to do just that. Not only will you acquire more knowledge on this delicious drink, but you’ll also get to taste some of the best Port there is.

Visit Croft Port Cellars

Croft Port Cellars is located at Rua Barão de Forrester, 412 – 4400-034 Vila Nova de Gaia. They have parking if you’re renting a car. It’s very easy to access via Uber as well. They’re open year round from 10 am to 6 pm. Simply, click here for more information.

Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!

Disclaimer: Although Matt + I received complimentary tours + tastings from Croft Port Cellars, all opinions are, as always, my own.