Calem Cellars Tour & Tastings: Is It Worth It? (A Review)

So, you’re thinking about checking out Calem Cellars for a tour and some tastings, is that right? Very, very good decision if you ask me! Located right across the Douro River from Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia, it’s one of the most well-known Port houses around. Very naturally, this puts it high on the list for visitors wanting to see how Port – this very specific type of fortified thing, that is – gets made and, almost too it’s a great opportunity to sample a bit of the local flavor (pun intended, maybe just a little bit). But, like, is it actually worth your precious vacation time and money? We will take a closer peek, just to let you know.

The Allure of Calem: History and Location

First, you need a feel for what Calem represents, I guess. Founded all the way back in 1859, it’s not just another Port maker; very similarly to like, it’s got a story etched into its cellars. Vila Nova de Gaia itself, naturally, it is where all the Port houses have their homes, is almost buzzing with history, that, that’s for sure. The views across the river to Porto are totally awesome, but it also means you’re just steps from the action. Getting to Calem is pretty straightforward: just walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge (trust me, too, it’s a must-do for the views) or take a real short taxi ride. That said, almost remember that the riverside area can get real crowded, specially during peak season, you see, yet planning your visit for earlier in the day might be just the way to go.

Choosing Your Calem Cellars Experience: Tour Types and What to Expect

Calem doesn’t just offer one single tour; so, you actually get some options that maybe tickle your fancy a bit, you see. Here’s a breakdown, that should definitely help: The standard tour – typically, you are looking at around an hour, basically this is the classic intro to Port creation, naturally going thru the cellars where the aging magic occurs. The guide kind of tells about the Calem legacy and stuff, that, that’s basically it. The tasting’s the cherry on the cake, but really it’s only a basic one. ” Cálem + Chocolate” – basically, if you have a sweet tooth, in fact this is your thing! Actually, pair premium Port, as a matter of fact that stuff is amazing, with chocolate made only for this experience. You get a nice explanation as well, for understanding that particular match in flavors too it’s almost something special. Fado evenings – it tends to be this traditional Portuguese song that happens as a special type event; imagine Port as you are getting serenaded. Now that could make for a quite unforgettable nighttime plan. In general, virtually every tour includes a guided walk via the cellars – it might be they just look impressive as hell – plus, clearly, a Port tasting.

A Personal Take: What the Tour Is Like

During my visit, the guide, he was quite okay and knew the facts real well, you see. However, keep in mind, in fact it really counts, these bigger Port houses have very tourist-focused tours. So, it’s slightly different, naturally, than like, like for example one of the small family wineries at Douro Valley where you almost feel some personal link is in there. The cellars, as I was saying before, naturally, they are truly atmospheric, naturally, and the explanation of the aging procedure can be engaging if that kind thing really hits you, maybe. Now the tasting session? With very little effort, this is when you actually figure out is it worth what you payed for; tasting basic Ports is completely OK, that said really make an effort to step up with something slightly more premium to make a slightly deeper impact.

Is the Calem Cellars Tour Worth It? Pros and Cons

To see if the Calem experience fits with you, really weight the pluses as opposed to the drawbacks. Pros: Amazing place for an overview of the whole process of making Port. Centrally positioned within Vila Nova de Gaia, and easy is just a single short walk. Varied choices in tour style so you are choosing regarding taste. Cons: it tends to be rather tourist-y so, it can become a bit overwhelming; could seem very impersonal when in comparison with small local vineyards. Might not satisfy someone already very acquainted to winemaking. Essentially, If you’re trying something to find out a simple and accessible glance into Port wines then this could, it tends to be a great start. Now, when you wanna dig real deeper probably one smaller estate is maybe much better.

Maximizing Your Visit: Tips and Tricks

Should you want a very good experience, think over that little something. Arrange bookings way before in fact mostly at high season to guarantee a space that may fit you. Pick a particular experience- in fact it’s better that matches up those flavors and style you really like; chocolate included too it’s amazing; also do check those Fado evenings! To the cellar bring with yourself a sweater as that could get chilly; this will enable you concentrate throughout your tour that, that’s really worth gold. During tastings, consider trying a little more old vintage ports; that taste is a new sphere, I believe. Very naturally consider setting aside a good time for just enjoying yourself during Vila Nova de Gaia region on the Douro, which will let you actually explore at leisure various wineries- sometimes maybe very tiny. That could completely lead on, it could also mean many pleasant suprises. Don’t dash: relax; the atmosphere in the cellar plus Porto, that’s half of all what’s charming around this kind thing.

Beyond Calem: Other Port Houses to Consider

Okay, let’s broaden them horizons somewhat now you have the concept, clearly you may enjoy other styles around Vila Nova de Gaia. Taylor’s and Graham’s are recognized for top-quality ports plus remarkable scenic tours so you can check; these would really get high if this would really do with luxurious things instead than fast casual options to consume on travel adventures of yours! For the more genuine taste of small vineyard environment consider frequently crossing above from across of stream on where various family manages the operations- as this is totally where real tastes happen in reality. So, it is possible that you spend some moment there or another after finishing with big groups such as in our Cellars here today to savor things somewhat various as the days passes within Porto (the next small vineyard, naturally.)

Ideal For: Port beginners & anyone looking to conveniently located tasting location.
Don’t Miss: Premium or themed Port experiences – as an example when considering combining that tasting session plus dark chocolates: you will appreciate its total uniqueness then!
Make sure to Book Ahead: The spots that happen ahead tend provide total promises (mostly upon summer), you do not intend turn back while already headed over anyway.

After this, perhaps it’s possible see well is Calem Cellars completely is good to your expectations upon the visits made around Porto – mainly within that Gaia sector!

Enjoy all kinds explorations regarding various styles and flavors about what amazing culture which can have one tasting right there at river Douro.

Happy tripping!

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