Wine in a million: Discover why Porto is in a league of its own

There aren’t many places in the world where modernity and heritage move together in tandem. But in Porto, the Portuguese city that boasts Unesco World Heritage status, you will find a vibrant, charming town where every corner has the history to inspire generations of stories. Here, sustainability and innovation meet tradition to create something extraordinary. Not to mention, the free-flowing port wine that sweetens your visit with every sip.

From neo-classic treasures to medieval gems and quiet romance at every corner, Porto has something to offer for even the most discerning traveller: incredible contemporary art museums, the world’s most beautiful bookstore, and centuries-old cultural monuments that have stood alongside each other for aeons. All of this, complemented by the robust food and wine scene in the region, makes it a compelling destination to explore.

I am visiting Porto with Audley Travel’s private concierge service – the travel concierge is known for its cutting-edge curation and attention to detail when delivering a true experience to its HNW clientele. Aiming to go beyond expectations with curated itineraries that are completely tailored to you. But with Audley Private Concierge, they go a step further, offering unparalleled access to the world’s most exclusive and transformative travel experiences.Upon arrival, I am taken to the first of two extraordinary luxury hotels hosting our stay. Located along the scenic banks of the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, The Rebello Hotel and Spa blends historic charm with contemporary elegance. Set within a cluster of restored 19th-century warehouses, the property features a range of gorgeous suites, each showcasing high ceilings, large windows, custom furnishings that nod to the hotel’s industrious past – and views that rival even the most beautiful seafront villas.

At the hotel’s rooftop bar, we take a moment to recharge with a buffet of mouth-watering tapas and refreshing cocktails, before heading for one of the true highlights of the trip: an after-hours excursion to Livraria Lello, often dubbed one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

Livraria Lello is a social media sensation, with queues lasting for miles, but our private after-hours access grants us total exclusivity in a space usually filled with booklovers and social media influencers. With the entire bookstore – and its rich history and culture – all to ourselves, we are treated to a private, uninterrupted look into this century-old architectural masterpiece, which serves as a living gateway to history, culture and literature. From its enchanting central staircase to books that carry heritage in its very pages, the weight of its legacy is present in every corner of the room. In the bookstore’s historic archives, we discover rare and luxury editions of iconic books – as well as the private collections of celebrated pop culture figures such as singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse.

After diving into bibliophilic good taste, it’s time to sample Porto’s most famous export: port.WINE AND DINE

Audley offers port experiences to suit all palates, from winery tours to a private picnic inside a wine cellar (with free-flowing port, of course). Our education into this magical liquid begins at Graham’s Port Lodge, where we are transported via vintage motorcycles across Porto to take in the sights and hues of the city.

Established in 1820 by brothers William and John Graham, Graham’s is renowned for its production of exceptional port wine. Originally textiles traders, the brothers accepted 27 barrels of port in payment of a debt in 1820, and were so inspired by the fine wine they quickly turned their energy into producing the best port wines from the Douro Valley. They built Graham’s Lodge in Gaia and acquired Quinta dos Malvedos vineyard in 1890 and, today, their legacy combines the best of traditional winemaking with contemporary methods that ensure sustainability and minimal-intervention for the native grapes.

Our private tour of the unique vintage room and cellars in the company’s Porto lodge includes a curated tasting of premium ports, followed by another motorcycle trip to the banks of the Douro, where we hop aboard a majestic yacht for a cruise across the waters, and the many bridges of Porto and Gaia.After a luxurious evening watching the sun set upon the water, we head to the five-star Hospes Infante Sagres, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. Taking its name from the royal title of Prince Henry the Navigator, who was born in Porto and began the first school of navigation in the nearby Sagres, the hotel is situated in the heart of the city, just a short walking distance from Porto’s major sights.

Inside, beautifully opulent common spaces are punctuated by stained glass windows, gilded wooden pieces and intricate rugs and tapestries. Our rooms are equally elegantly appointed, but there’s no time to linger, as dinner at the nearby Michelin-starred Le Monument is calling.

Le Monument offers the most thoughtfully curated multi-course gastronomical experience in Portugal, designed by French chef Julien Monbabut, who is known for taking local delicacies, produce and dishes, and reinventing them with his own gastronomic perspective. Choose from the 10-course Grande Viagem (“grand journey”) or six-course Passeio (“stroll”) menus and enjoy mouth-watering delights such as Julien’s signature Sapateira (brown crab), Peniche (turbot), Faro octopus and Serra de Estrela (lamb with serra cheese and beetroot).The next day, it’s time to travel a short way from the city into the nearby Douro Valley, for a wine tour of 200-year-old 120-hectare estate Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo. The verdant estates, terraced vineyards, wine cellars and barrel rooms are a relaxed and refined way to discover the modern age of port – particularly when one includes the indulgent wine tasting experience with local cheese and cured meats. Once owned by the Portuguese royal family, this estate is home to one of the oldest wineries in the region – but remains a leader in advancements to the winemaking process, both in terms of architecture and manufacture.

From here, a luxury Cadillac takes us on a classic car tour of the picturesque valley to our second winery, Quinta da Foz, where we take in an intimate and authentic glimpse into the region’s winemaking heritage, followed by a beautiful picnic lunch inside the historic cellars, complete with local Portuguese delicacies and of course, a memorable sample of vintage port.

To further explore the link between the region’s winemaking heritage and the terroir itself, we head to Pinhão, where Pipadouro Vintage Wine Travel takes us on a leisurely cruise of the Douro’s Unesco landscape – then, we taste-test local produce at a three-course dinner in the home of a professional chef, where we are invited to get up close and personal in the preparation, learning recipes passed down through generations.

There couldn’t have been a better way to end this extraordinary trip where, thanks to Audley’s expert teams of concierges and their many unexpected contacts, we were able to truly immerse ourselves into the culture of Porto, and enjoy experiences I will cherish forever.

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