03 Oct 2025
Interesting museum to look around prior to guided tour. History of Cockburn’s, details about how barrels transported along river & shipped, 1960s documentary film clip of boat being manoeuvred through rapids with barrels on board. Photographs, maps & drawings displayed on walls & in glass display cabinets.
Guided tour excellent. Explanation about where grapes grown, harvested, transported & used. Different ageing processes. Saw huge vats & barrels with details hand written on side. A room where barrels are made & repaired. A secure area for vintage ports. The differences between white, tawny & ruby ports. The tasting at the end of the tour allowed us to sit down at a table which was presented specifically for each individual. I had three port tasting with accompanying chocolates with a side order of warm bread & extra virgin olive oil. The guide stayed with us, explaining to each group or individual their choices, answering questions as he moved about the room.
An excellent tour with pleasant surroundings & attentive guide.