
The most famous thing about Portugal is undoubtedly its port wine. In fact, it is from this region that port wine has spread all over the world, also known as "vinho de Porto", as locals call it. However, the name may be a bit off the mark, as the wine cellars where the delicious nectar is matured and stored in giant French oak barrels are actually located on the other side of the Douro River, in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. There is an interesting legend associated with this city, but that is for another time.

In the Middle Ages, wine recipes were often kept within monastic orders. Therefore, it is not surprising that the recipe for port wine, according to legend, was supposedly invented by the monks in a monastery near the upper reaches of the Douro River. An English merchant was so impressed by this "divine nectar" that he brought some back to his home country, where port wine became a huge success. This may be why some of the most famous port wine brands have English names, such as "Sandeman", "Croft" and "Offly".

A must-see attraction when visiting Porto is the wine cellar, where visitors can take an interesting tour to learn about the process of producing, storing, and tasting port wine. The wine varies in age, taste, and color, and grapes for production are grown in a specific area. The quality of the wine is monitored by the Institute of Port Wine, which ensures the highest standards. When purchasing port, it's important to know that the older it is, the more expensive it will be. For true connoisseurs, bottles can cost over 1,000 euros, but high-quality port can also be found for around 5-8 euros.
