Cockburn’s launches two new premium tasting experiences in Vila Nova de Gaia
01/04/2026The historic Port wine house presents the ‘Bicentenary’ and ‘Seleção dos Tanoeiros’ experiences, two exclusive tastings that explore the brand’s connection to tradition, ageing and craftsmanship.Cockburn’s, one of the most iconic Port wine houses, has just expanded its wine tourism offering with the launch of two new premium tasting experiences: the ‘Bicentennial Experience’ and the ‘Coopers’ Selection’. Designed for small groups, both experiences focus on a personalised and immersive approach, offering a closer connection with the brand’s history and authenticity.
The new tastings take place at Cockburn’s visitor centre in Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the house’s largest ageing cellar, housing 4,250 Port wine casks and occupying a significant area of the town’s historic quarter.
The ‘Bicentennial Experience’ invites participants on a sensory journey through Cockburn’s most representative styles, bringing together wines such as Fine White, Quinta dos Canais Vintage, Vintage 2015 Bicentennial Edition and 20-Year-Old Tawny. The tour includes a visit to iconic areas of the cellars, such as the cooperage, the vintage wine cellar and the vast warehouse of casks and vats. One of the highlights is the ritual of opening a Vintage bottle with a flame, accompanied by pairings designed for each wine. The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and is available for €65 per person.
The ‘Coopers’ Selection’, meanwhile, is even more exclusive. Held inside the cellar, alongside the barrels where the wines are ageing, this tasting features four wines chosen directly by the estate’s coopers — professionals who monitor the development of the vats on a daily basis and know every barrel in detail. The experience includes a private guided tour and a tasting of Cockburn’s Special Reserve, LBV, 10-Year-Old and 20-Year-Old, and is available for €150 per person.
According to Zélia Reis, Wine Tourism Marketing Manager at Symington Family Estates, ‘there’s nothing quite like tasting a wine in the place where it comes to life. We wanted to create experiences that offer a more authentic and personalised insight into our history and our cellars’.
Bookings for both experiences are mandatory and must be made at least seven days in advance, via the Cockburn’s visitor centre or by email.