Are the tastings suitable for all ages?

Yes, guests of all ages are welcome, but wine tastings are intended for those of legal drinking age.

Can I choose between the two menus?

Yes, you can select either Menu 1 or Menu 2 when booking, and both have options to include wine pairings.

How long does the tasting last?

The experience typically lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing time to savor each pairing thoughtfully.

Is there parking available nearby?

There are several public parking options in Vila Nova de Gaia within walking distance of the Poças cellars.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

You should notify Vynea in advance regarding any dietary restrictions to ensure suitable menu adaptations.

Is this experience accessible for people with mobility issues?

The cellars have uneven floors which may challenge mobility; please contact Vynea in advance to discuss accommodations.

Gourmet Wine Tastings with Vynea at Caves Poças

Set in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River from Porto, Vynea’s Experiência Gastronómica nas Caves Poças invites you to a deeply sensory encounter that bridges wine, food, and history. This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a thoughtfully crafted culinary journey through Portugal’s rich vinicultural heritage within the cool, shadowy chambers of the Poças cellars. These subterranean vaults, carved into the granite hillsides bordering the Douro, have long been the resting place for barrels of Porto and DOC Douro wines—a key intersection of nature, tradition, and craftsmanship.

Chef Pedro Braga’s involvement elevates this experience beyond a standard wine tour by introducing two meticulously designed menus that complement the wines perfectly. Menu one offers delicate notes like courgette carpaccio with island cheese and smoked salmon blinis, while the second menu leans towards heartier dishes such as mushroom and asparagus toasts paired with oxtail and a distinctly Portuguese dessert: salted caramel and chocolate torta with crème fraîche. Both menus can be harmonized with an expertly selected lineup of Poças’s finest fortified and table wines.

The combination of food and wine here is more than pairing; it’s a dialogue where each sip and bite enhances the other. The atmospheric cellars provide a peaceful refuge from the bustle of Vila Nova de Gaia, encouraging guests to slow down and appreciate the layers of flavor and history. Vynea’s experience stands out for its dedication to authentic Portuguese flavors, meticulous wine selection, and collaboration with respected local artisans, making it a must for visitors seeking a grounded yet memorable taste of the Douro region’s finest.

In a region famed for its stunning river landscapes and vineyard terraces, this culinary adventure offers a unique indoor complement to outdoor exploration—inviting travelers to savor the Douro’s legacy in style.

About Vynea

Vynea is a wine tourism operator based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, specializing in private and small-group wine tours across northern Portugal. The company organizes tailored day trips to the Douro Valley, Vinho Verde, Dão and Bairrada, offering visits to family-run quintas, guided winery tours, tastings and regional meals. Signature experiences include full-day 10-hour tours visiting three quintas with wine tastings and a paired three-course lunch, private harvest (vindimas) experiences with grape picking and stomping, and scenic boat rides on the Douro River.

Vynea arranges visits and tastings at the historic Caves Poças, including a 90-minute guided tasting in renovated cellars, and a gastronomic cellar experience featuring menus paired with Porto and DOC Douro wines by chef Pedro Braga. Several itineraries highlight Alvarinho and Loureiro wines in Monção and Melgaço and include local smoked meats and regional cheeses such as Queijo Serra da Estrela.

Tours are led by local guides who coordinate private transfers, winery access and curated tastings with emphasis on terroir and production methods. The focus on family-owned estates, private tastings and region-specific meals provides authenticity and context for travelers seeking immersive wine experiences. Based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Vynea connects visitors in Porto with northern Portugal's wine culture and Portugal's oldest demarcated wine region.

Vynea's programs include visits to Caves Poças, family-owned Port producer with a century of history, and experiences that pair gastronomy with wines, also enabling guests to taste DOC Douro, Port, Alvarinho and Loureiro while learning about grape varieties and winemaking techniques.