The Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia have a rich and multifaceted history dating back to the 17th century, when Port wine first began to gain popularity on the British market. Strategically located on the south bank of the Douro, these cellars benefit from an ideal microclimate – a cool, humid environment with Atlantic breezes that help the wine age. This climate was a key factor, but not the only reason, in choosing Gaia as the centre of Port wine.

In the 18th century, the Bishop of Porto imposed a tax on products stored on the north side of the Douro, including wine. To avoid these costs, merchants decided to settle in Gaia, where they were exempt from this tax, thus finding an advantageous tax solution and a perfect location for the maturation of wine.

Today, the cellars of Gaia have become icons of Portuguese tradition and culture. They are historic spaces where wine rests in vast warehouses and barrels, and where visitors can explore the ageing process, learn about the different categories of Port wine and enjoy tastings overlooking the Douro. In addition, many cellars preserve old equipment and documents, functioning as authentic museums that tell the story of a centuries-old tradition. Thus, a visit to Gaia is a true immersion in the world of Port wine, where history, culture and landscape come together in a unique way.