A visit at the OFFLEY Lodge is a good way to learn a little bit more about one of the most influential people in the history of Port Wine: Baron Forrester. While he died back in 1861, his spirit still lives on in the company of Offley. He had been a partner of this firm in the middle of the 19th century, and while he was no longer associated with Offley when he drowned in the Douro River, the company is proud that he was a member and uses his fame to promote their wines.

The tours are available in several languages (Portuguese, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian) and start at the very modest price of EUR 3,50. A tasting of two basic Ports is included. For just 50 cents more the visitor can get a tour with three basic Ports. However, if you come all the way to Porto/Gaia, then I think you should spend a little bit more and have a much more meaningful experience. Chose the “Baron Forrester Tour” for EUR 12,00 and enjoy the tour with a smaller group and with better wines (other than the usual white Port, the basic Tawny and a Reserve Ruby you will get a LBV and a 10 year old Tawny).

It’s a not very long tour, but still giving a decent overview of Port Wine and its history. Not the most entertaining tour in Gaia, but thanks to the historic context (Baron Forrester) quite interesting.

Opening hours: March to October Daily from 10h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 18h00

Address: Rua do Choupelo, 54

4400-174, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Email: offley.visitors@offley.pt

Web-Page: www.sograpevinhos.com

Tel: +351-223 743 852

Fax: +351-223 743 853