10 September | Port Wine Day Master Class & Tasting

Prepare for a delicious journey into the captivating world of Port wine! On September 10, 2025, theLAB Porto will celebrate National Port Wine Day with a special master class and tasting. This day commemorates the historic moment in 1756 when the Douro Valley became the world’s first demarcated and regulated wine region. This act protected the quality and legacy of Port wine for generations. We will open some things you can’t find in the cookie-cutter tastings in Gaia.

Join us for our exclusive master class, where Knight of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto, Ryan Opaz, will guide you through the intricacies of Port.

Here’s a look at the legendary bottles we’ll be tasting:

• White Ports: We’ll start with two expressions of White Port: a rare Taylor’s “Chip Dry” from the 1970s and the more modern Niepoort White Rich. This is a unique opportunity to taste how White Port can age and evolve.
• Tawny Ports: Next, we’ll explore the nutty, oxidative world of Tawny Port with Portugal Velho (Real Campanhia) and the complex, aged character of a Villar D’Allen 20-Year-Old Tawny.
• Vintage Ports: The highlight of the evening will be a side-by-side comparison of two excellent Vintage Ports, the Quevedo Vintage 2007 and Quevedo Vintage 2008. This is a rare chance to see how a single year can define a wine’s character.

We will be covering a range of topics, including:

• Beyond the Year: How do specific vintage characteristics, like growing season conditions and regional nuances, influence the character of a vintage port?
• A Matter of Time: What are the defining characteristics of a great vintage port, and how does age enhance or alter these qualities over time?
• Cellar Selection: What factors should be considered when choosing an old port wine from a specific vintage, and how can collectors identify bottles with exceptional aging potential?
• Beyond the Label: What are the subtle distinctions in style and character between a vintage port and a late bottled vintage (LBV) port, and how do these differences emerge from their respective production methods?
• Aging Gracefully: How do the aging profiles of vintage port and LBV compare, and when is each style best enjoyed?
• Cellar Management: What are the essential steps for storing and preserving YOUR port wine collection, and how can collectors avoid common pitfalls?

To honor this rich history, we invite you to this exclusive event where we’ll open and taste some legendary bottles. The cost for this master class is 40 euros, and advance purchase is required. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Port’s diverse flavors and learn more about its heritage with a true connoisseur. We can’t wait to have you join us to celebrate this special day and toast to the enduring legacy of Port wine.