Sandeman wine cellars, Wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Sandeman wine cellars is a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. It occupies a large building with long corridors lined with wooden vats and casks where port wine ages, and it also holds a collection of paintings, photographs, and bottles that trace the brand's history.
The company was founded in 1790, and the cellars have been used for aging its port wine since 1811. Over the centuries, the brand became known for its advertising, and the cellars now display artifacts and a bottle collection that reflect its long history.
The tour guide often dresses as The Don, the figure in the brand's logo, which adds a playful touch to the visit. After walking through the cellars, visitors taste different styles of port in a tasting room that feels young and informal, a contrast to the old wooden vats around them.
The cellars are in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto, and you can reach them on foot from the city center or by taking a short taxi ride. Visits are guided and last under an hour, so it is a good idea to book ahead, especially in the busy season, and to wear comfortable shoes for walking through the cellars.
The cellars hold one of Europe's largest collections of port wine bottles, with examples dating back to the mid-17th century. Visitors can see these old bottles on display, offering a rare look at how port has been stored and enjoyed over hundreds of years.
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