How to spend a wild weekend in a tiny corner of Porto
THERE’S MUCH MORE TO PORTO THAN PORT
If you think you know everything about Porto, think again! The lesser known Vila Nova de Gaia district on the ‘wrong side of the river’ is historically associated with its huge disused Port warehouses; however, since 2020, it has been a hotbed of cultural activity, thanks to entrepreneur Adrian Bridge who is the man behind the intriguing new cultural district, World of Wine.
WHAT IS THE WORLD OF WINE?
WOW is an impressive urban regeneration, boasting museums and restaurants, bars and cafes within stunning, historical buildings. Although the name, World of Wine actually undersells the product, as the district, masterminded by the Fladgate Partnership’s CEO Adrian Bridge has been designed to reflect Portugal’s vast history in many aspects. Free to enter, it encompasses Porto’s vast port industry which dates back to the 1386 Treaty of Windsor which allowed Portuguese merchants in the Douro to begin freely shipping barrels of wine downriver and across the ocean to England. Taking ownership of all the great things about Porto, this shiny new development is an evolving slice of history, designed to celebrate and educate visitors on the wonders of the region.
Each showspace has been carefully curated to blend in with the original architecture, whilst the central square is now an open bar with DJs, sunny terraces and artisan market stalls, all boasting an impressive view of the Dom Luís I Bridge and city below. The €107 million project is open all year round, with deals and offers on multi museum entries, as well as pop up galleries and special events.
FIRST TIME VISITORS SHOULD NOT MISS THE WINE SCHOOL
Book in for a workshop or tasting at the Wine School, and experience a flight of different wines from the region, complete with a guide to help you explore regions, climates, grape varieties and production methods. I came out albeit slightly tipsy, with knowledge of a wine’s legs; phrases such as oaky, smooth and tart, and an epiphany that my favourite tipples are fruity, ripe and zesty and I don’t really like those with an earthy complex body! I definitely have more of an appreciation for Sommeliers now!
EXPLORE PORTO’S CONNECTION TO THE CACAO TRADE AT THE CHOCOLATE STORY
Not just for kids: you can fuel your passion for all things chocolate and discover the origins of the humble cacao bean at the Chocolate Story. The exhibition is deceptively large and immersive, so make sure to give yourself enough time to explore the timeline tracing chocolate through the ages, and of course, you enjoy sampling the delights in the Chocolate Academy at the end.
CELEBRATE CORK AT PLANET CORK
You might not expect to spend long in Planet Cork, but actually it is a super interesting insight into the humble cork. Portugal is the largest producer of cork on the planet (55% of the whole world) and needs to be celebrated as a natural wonder as it completely regenerates every nine years; one tree can absorb about 14 million tonnes of CO2 every year, and who knew that cork is 100 percent natural, recyclable, renewable, and nothing in the plant is wasted? Egyptians used cork to fish; Romans used it for roofing and military footwear and Coca-Cola company used it as a bottle stopper from 1886 until the 1960s. Today, cork has found its way into surfboards, yoga blocks, Olympic kayaks, fashion runways, and onto the space shuttle.
INDULGE IN ART AT THE ATKINSON MUSEUM
I could have spent the whole day soaking up the atmosphere at The Atkinson Museum; oozing history, it was originally built as a home in 1760 and owned by Robert Atkinson in the late 19th Century. Refurbished, but retaining original features, this state of the art gallery opened on 1st July 2023 with the show “The Dynamic Eye: Beyond Optical and Kinetic Art” in association with London’sTate Modern.
The current exhibition draws the viewer into the art as you become mesmerised with displays, which range from optical effects and illusions, paintings, mobiles and moving images. Each designed to trigger complex visual sensations, Bringing together more than 60 international artists including major figures – Victor Vasarely, Julio Le Parc, Frank Stella, Lygia Clark, Alexander Calder, Naum Gabo, and Liliane Lijn. Victor Vasarely, Julio le Parc, Lygia Clark & Jim Lambie.
THE PINK PALACE IS PERFECT FOR ROSE LOVERS
The latest addition is a museum dedicated to pink wine (my favourite) and the entrance fee also gives you five samples of delicious rose as you browse. It also provides handy Insta-worthy backdrops for your socials. Each room within The Pink Palace offers an insight into the varieties of rose, and there’s a guide to talk you through the process. The finale is a fizzy wine followed by a ball pit! Some adults (myself included!) never grow up!
DINING AND DRINKING
The open-air square remains the central point of the complex, the “WOW factor” comes from the view. With a cluster of varied restaurants and bars, it’s not surprising there is a buzz about the food even if you’re not visiting the museums- there’s even a Michelin starred restaurant, which does a mighty fine tasting menu: Mira Mira by Ricardo Costa.
Golden Catch serves fresh fish from the Portuguese coastline, whilst Root & Vine is completely plant based. On the other side of the square, fine dining concept 1828 focuses on upscale cuisine with dishes according to the changing seasons, providing unrivalled views of the Ribeira do Porto and Douro River.
PIP restaurants will delight those looking for hearty family meals to share. From pizzas and pastas to salads and burgers, there is something for everyone; or for a more low key atmosphere, head to Lemon Plaza, an all-day dining destination which mirrors the look of a typical Porto square; and those with a sweet tooth can head to either Suspiro dessert cafe or Vinte Vinte, the chocolate cafe which is part of The Chocolate Story.
SLEEPING
If you really want to make the most of your visit, stay at The Yeatman Hotel, which is the only 5 star hotel and spa in Vila Nova, and is a hop, skip and jump from the WOW extravaganza. Consisting of stunning bedrooms, named after wine varieties (natch), they all offer an uninterrupted vista thanks to its location at the top of the hillside; if the open air pool doesn’t appeal, the impeccably swish Spa might tempt you, and for a nightcap, you can check in to Dick’s Bar & Bistro and enjoy a choice of more than 100 different wines by the glass; and if you’re really lucky, you’ll time your visit for one of the iconic Sunset Wine Parties or Wine Dinners which will ensure a vacay to remember.
Sara Darling
FACTBOX
For more information on the district and events, check out World of Wine.
To book The Yeatman hotel, click here
