Port in Porto

No, you don’t need reservations.

I’m not a Port person so just mainly visited the lodges that also had regular wine - so my opinion might not be worth much. The Kopke lodge was the largest I visited and it’s pretty fancy. You pay for your flight of wine tastings but it was not very expensive and the tasting was generous. Some of the smaller ones are free tastings, especially if you buy.
It’s very easy to just walk along the streets in Gaia and go into the ones that look interesting.

It’s a very fun afternoon!

In May 2019 we went to Graham's and Sandeman's. We had reservations at both. People without reservations at Sandeman's were turned away. We were late for Graham's so I don't know if walk ins were accommodated. Graham's was a wonderful experience with a knowledgeable guide and the port was excellent. Sandeman's was a zoo and very touristy. The guide spoke by rote. I gave my port to another couple. It just wasn't drinkable.

Hi!

As far as I know, nowadays you do need reservations.

When I was a teenager (long, long ago) it was very important to visit the cellars: the visit was free and at the end you received free tastes and samplings.

Nowadays, visiting the cellars is very important if you want to learn how to produce vinho do Porto. Well, not even that: a guest told me the information was not at all accurate (he is a wine producer in France).

There are lots of places allover both cities (Porto and Gaia) where you can taste, or drink vinho do Porto.

Anyway, Sandeman is my favourite, the one I would visit again. Because of the building. Concerning vinho do Porto, the best for me is from Ferreira, "Dona Antónia Reserva". And of course all the wines from Real Companhia Velha.

I stand corrected! Sorry to give incorrect information. When I was there five years ago, we just walked in so guess I didn’t go to the busier places or things have changed..

Thanks everyone. This is very helpful.