Most visitors to Gaia come from the side of Porto, walking over the impressive iron bridge. They walk along the riverside and see the massive lodges of Calem, Sandeman, Ramos Pinto and Ferreira. They take one or two tours and taste a few Port Wines. They might sit down in one of the many street restaurants and enjoy a nice lunch or early dinner. The lodge of Churchill’s Port is located at the other end of this stretch of Port Houses (only the Graham’s 1890 Lodge is located still further away from the bridge). That makes this visit a little bit more special – at least the few times that I was there I had no problems with tourist crowds – I got a very personal tour and a lot of information about Port and the company.

It’s a very decent tasting for very little money. Three Ports cost EUR 4.00 (Dry White, Reserve Ruby and 10 year old Tawny). You can upgrade this tasting and try not only their Port Wines but also the Douro Wines. I haven’t done that tasting yet but it’s on the to-do-list for my next visit.

The white Port is very nice, but the real star is – not surprisingly – the 2011 Vintage Port. I suggest strongly to try this as long as it is available. In spite of it’s youth it’s a very pleasant wine, very fruity; delightful to drink. This wine alone makes the walk towards the Churchill’s Lodge worthwhile.

When you enter the Lodge, it nearly feels like you enter somebody’s home. A very cozy atmosphere and very personal service. The Port Wine business is very much a people’s business in Gaia – you don’t need a big name to provide great service to your visitors. Passionate staff members are the recipe of success – and I must say that I felt very welcome at this Lodge.

Contacts:

Churchill Graham Lda

Rua da Fonte Nova, 5

4400-156 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Tel: + 351 22 374 4193 and + 351 22 370 3641

Email: visitors@churchills-port.com

Web-Page: www.churchills-port.com