Had a half day on a family vacation in Porto (& Lisbon) and based on some comments here in r/wine decided to tour and taste at Graham’s Port Lodge. Have never been to any others so can’t really compare but we had a great time here.
Arrived early and had time to peruse their “museum” which is some photos/ledgers/few old bottles. Wife and I did the “Graham’s Tasting” which is 60 euros per adult (kids 13+ are 10 euros for the tour, 12 under are free). (Other options for tasting only tawny, only
VP, available). Then a well done 10 minute video about their quintas, harvesting, tasting/blending/Symington family. Then a guided tour of their lodge and vats/casks with lots info on ruby vs tawny, ageing, etc (45 minutes or so).
Then into their vintage tasting room with a 2019 LBV paired with dark chocolate, 2007 VP with cheese, and a 30 year tawny with pastel de nata. I’m not hugely into tawny but the finish was exceptionally long. The LBV was ok but it’s just not fair to have it side by side with a vintage port that just blows it out of the water (2007 was delicious).
The last picture is the terrace outside the Vinum restaurant on the property (didn’t eat there). Their shop was nice and has most vintages you could look for but believe me no “deals” for buying directly from them. Got a 1980 (birth year vintage as Bordeaux and the rest of the world had a fairly miserable year) and marveled at the 1948 vintage port (2 bottles left at 7,500 euros each!). All in all highly recommended. Tomorrow touring the Douro Valley – cheers!
by detters04
4 Comments
Had dinner there with bachalu (sp) and the dry quinto vesuvio. Not sure what witchcraft they did but it was an outstanding pair
Thank you for this, it’s one of the things I wanted to do when in Porto last year but couldn’t for a series of reasons. (And why I want to go back for a few days!) I will say I am envious of your experience, sounds lovely.
This is definitely a must visit in Porto. Vinum was also excellent too if you get the chance when you get back from the Duoro. That or just hit up Prova for some great finds by the bottle and glass!
My wife and I did the private tour and premium tasting in February 2024. Amazing experience with some outstanding wines. We tasted at Kopke the day before and spent a very full day in the Douro the day after.
It was a lot (we tasted later in the week farther south, too) but so good.