There are three port protocols that will enhance your enjoyment of this magnificent fortified wine: 1. Get it into a decanter (in the case of old, fine port, pour it slowly to keep any sediment inside the bottle). If you’re drinking it all in one evening, even a jug or big-bowled glasses will do, to release its rich aroma and flavours; 2. Know the difference between the usual red ports, which are cherry-flavoured, more tannic and peppery, and tawny port, which is long-aged in oak casks for a mellow and smooth, nutty and amber-hued wine; 3. Partner port with something to eat, such as full-flavoured, hard cheeses or Christmas cake with the red styles, and chocolates, chocolatey puddings and cream cakes with tawny. Which ports to buy, though? Of the reds, the cheapest “rubies” aren’t exciting, but Late Bottle Vintage (LBV), made for relatively early drinking, albeit in a lesser year, is often terrific value for money. Single quinta (one vineyard) wines can offer complexity and clout, and the vintage ports (made in “declared” top years only) can be majestic, multilayered and compelling after 15 years’ age.

Tawnies are a simpler group to understand, and their complexity largely depends on their age; for my money the 20-year-olds offer good value. Finally, don’t forget Madeira, Portugal’s other great fortified wine. Whether dry, medium or sweet, this is the one to buy if you want to savour a bottle over several weeks as Madeira (which is heated during production) keeps its freshness like no other wine. , £16.49) Noval is an exceptional port house making wines of great finesse. , £, £34.45) Twenty-year tawnies offer the best balance between fresh citrus peel and rich nuttiness. This one is especially smooth, creamy and blissful TIPPLE TIP feeling tawny? Those searching for perfection in port should track down the limited stocks of the exquisite Sandeman 30-Year-Old Tawny Port, which combines chocolate, peaches and dates in a long and smooth finish. A serious treat at £60. From selected Majestic stores and majestic.co.uk For more Christmas gift ideas, visit our interactive gift guide, where you can browse more than 1,000 presents

Porto is Portugal's second largest city and was elected Best European Destination 2017. Every year the city attracts thousands of tourists eager to discover the ancient downtown, the typical riverside with colourfully painted houses, to get lost in century old streets, to enjoy the Portuguese cuisine and, of course, to taste wine.best wine for vegetarians You don't need to go a specific winery or vineyard in the Douro Valley to taste the best Portuguese wines (but we strongly recommend you do!). best at home wine coolersIf you're in Porto and haven't planned a trip to the Douro but find yourself in the mood for a Port wine tasting, there are plenty of choices, mainly on the other side of the Douro River, in Gaia. best missouri red wine

Each visit is different, featuring a tasting room, artisanal cheese or chocolate pairings, on-site sommeliers and much more. At Caves Ferreira you travel back to the origins of the Portuguese tradition. In this cellar you will learn more about the history of Port wine and the Douro region and discover one of its most iconic figures - Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. buy california wine australiaThe tour includes tastings of some of the best Douro wines and visits to the Old Bar, a tasting room of the 19th century. red wine glass tiffanyMore wine tastings tours at Caves Ferreira.wine and food show london The Croft Cellar is located just a few minutes away from the waterfront in Gaia and is open all year. best wine deals christmas

This cellar offers one of the most genuine and traditional tours to the Port wine world where you can not only taste the best Portuguese wines, but also enjoy many other experiences such blind tastings and chocolate pairings. See all tasting tours at Caves Croft.best wine brands india Located in Vila Nova de Gaia near the waterfront, at Caves Offley you will learn the fascinating story of the Baron of Forrester and its role in the Port wine industry. best wine shops in dc areaIn this guided tour through the cellar, there will be wine Port tastings and for small groups of connoisseurs there is also available an intimate visit with a wider selection of Port Wine tastings. Taste some of the best Portuguese wines at Caves Offley. Caves Sandeman are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, in a 1811 granite building overlooking the river and facing Porto's historic centre.

At this tour you will discover more about Sandeman's wine tradition and the ageing process and you will have the opportunity to taste some Ruby and Tawny wines at the contemporary room or in a private room where you can also admire our antique bottle collection. More wine tasting tours at Caves Sandeman. Real Companhia Velha is probably the most different wine tasting tour in Porto. With a century-old tradition and the most important role in the history of Port wine, the guided tour of the centennial Cellar of Real Companhia Velha begins with a video that portrays the process of of Port wine -making in the Company. The tour continues across the main ageing warehouse until the "Vintage Museum" and ends with a tasting of Port wines of exceptional quality. See all Port wine tasting tours at Real Companhia Velha. Espaço Porto Cruz is much more than a wine tasting tour, it is an experience. Designed as a place for information, exhibition and leisure, it offers new experiences around Port wine bringing it together with artistic creations in areas such as fashion, art and gastronomy.

Tours at Espaço Porto Cruz include not only wine tastings but also visits to the multimedia centre, chocolate workshops and chocolate and cheese tastings. See all suggested wine tasting tours at espaço Porto Cruz. Churchill's is a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia of high levels of elegance and style, serving as backdrop for the best that Churchill's has to offer - its wines. For those keen to enhance their knowledge of the Douro Region and the history of Churchill’s, the visitors Centre provides a perfect platform. Here you can also enjoy tailor-made tastings of Churchill's Douro and Port Wine and Port in the Tasting Room, which has a spectacular view of the Rio Douro. Located in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia's waterfront, Kopke House is a three-storey building where you can enjoy an unforgettable experience, tasting Port wines of exceptional quality, such as long age exclusive wines. During the tasting in this intimate and cosy space, the wines are paired with a specific handmade chocolate from famous Portuguese chocolate brand Arcádia.

Caves Calem at Gaia waterfront is one of the most famous and most visited cellars for wine tours in Porto. Visits to Caves Calem include a guided to the cellar and its ancient traditions followed by a tasting of Port Wine, White and Special Reserve. In this tour you can also enjoy another wonder of the Portuguese culture, a fado concert, providing you a different and pleasant evening with two of the greatest icons of the Portuguese culture: wine and fado. The new Burmester Museum and Wine Cellar is built in a privileged place overlooking the Douro River, besides the historic bridge D. Luis I. It was created with the clear ambition of making the history of the brand Burmester known to the public. The tours at Caves Burmester include a guided visit to the Cellar Museaum where you can learn about the peculiarities of Port Wine and ends with tastings of three excellent Port wines paired with the best chocolates. The tasting room is an impressive space with high ceilings and big windows, through which the Lodge’s stunning view of the city of Porto can be fully appreciated.