Visiting the port wine cellars (Caves do Vinho do Porto) is to journey through centuries of history in which the River Douro has occupied centre stage. On its currents have travelled generations of families that have toiled to create a product of global excellence. From the Alto Douro Wine Region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, there are ancestral traditions, wine producing techniques, breathtaking scenery and a great deal of passion involved in producing port. More than a mere product, port is part of the very essence of the city, having contributed to forming its economic, social and cultural character for over three centuries. And the tradition is a mere few feet away: just cross the Ponte Luiz I to the other side of the river to find the various cellars that gave their names to now world famous estates. With a beautiful view of Porto, let yourself succumb to the setting and the secrets of port. The experience is absolutely intoxicating!