Quick Details
Adult
Ages 13 & Older
€ 90
Children
4 - 12 years old
€ 44
About the Essência Wine & Gastronomy Experience
Discover a refined Portuguese food and wine experience in the peaceful countryside near Porto. Designed for travellers who want more than just a meal, this curated gastronomic journey combines traditional Portuguese cuisine, regional identity and four carefully selected wine moments.
This experience invites you to slow down and explore authentic flavours through a structured progression of dishes from artisan couvert and seasonal soup or starter, to two full main courses and a thoughtfully paired dessert and digestif.
Unlike standard restaurant dining, this is a hosted culinary experience. Each menu is designed to showcase the richness of northern Portuguese gastronomy, highlighting iconic ingredients such as codfish, pork, veal and fresh seafood, paired with wines from Vinho Verde and the Douro Valley.
A True Portuguese Wine & Food Journey
Throughout the meal, you will enjoy four curated wine moments:
- A premium Vinho Verde parcel wine to open the experience
- A regional white wine paired with the first course
- An old vines red wine to complement the main dish
- A farewell digestif, such as Vintage Port or aged Portuguese brandy
This wine progression allows you to experience the diversity of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions in one immersive lunch near Porto.
What you’ll taste
Your Essência Wine & Gastronomy Experience includes:
- Artisan bread selection, olives, herb butter and pâtés
- Premium olive oil tasting
- Starter or soup (depending on selected menu)
- Two full main courses
- Palate cleanser (sorbet)
- Dessert
Four curated wine moments, including:
- Premium Vinho Verde parcel wine
- Regional white wine pairing
- Old vines red wine pairing
- Digestif (aged brandy or Vintage Port)
- Bottled water
- Hosted dining experience
- English-speaking host
Menu options (1 option for all the group):
Option 1
A structured journey combining codfish, pork and aged brandy.
Couvert & First Wine Moment
- Selection of breads
- Marinated olives
- Herb butter
- Estate pâtés
- Olive oil tasting
- Wine Parcela do Roseiral
Soup
- Watercress & Bean Soup
First Main Course
- Codfish with cornbread crust, sautéed greens & roasted potatoes
Palate Cleanser
- Casal Garcia citrus or tropical sorbet
- Vale D. Maria Vinhas Velhas Red
Second Main Course
- Pork cheek with red wine reduction, pea purée & sweet potato
Digestif
- Adega Velha 12 Years Reserve
Dessert
- Estate cheese selection with quince paste, preserves & toasts
Option 2
A balanced progression featuring seafood, roasted veal and vintage port.
Couvert & First Wine Moment
- Selection of breads
- Marinated olives
- Herb butter
- Estate pâtés
- Olive oil tasting
- Wine Parcela do Convento
Starter
- Avocado salad with smoked salmon & fresh cheese
First Main Course
- Minho-style hake
Palate Cleanser
- Casal Garcia citrus or tropical sorbet
Second Main Course
- Roasted veal with potatoes & creamed spinach
Digestif
- Quinta Vale D. Maria Vintage Port
Dessert
- Chocolate delight with red berries
Transportation
- Not included – contact us if you need private transfer
Meeting point
- After booking we will send all the details of the farm, location (meeting point) and contact.
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What is included in the Essência Experience?
Couvert, starter or soup, two main courses, dessert and four wine moments including digestif.How long does the experience last?
Approximately 2 hours.Can guests choose between menus?
Yes. Guests select either Menu Option 1 or Menu Option 2 at booking.Is transportation included?
No, but private transfers can be arranged upon request.Is this suitable for groups?
Yes. Ideal for couples, private celebrations and small groups. -
The Gardens
The gardens encompass 10 hectares, replete with ancient trees including sequoias, cork oaks and almost 100 species of camellias. The trails criss-cross and connect between chalets, the lake and other nooks and crannies, where special moments can unfold.
The Garden of Vandoma – patron saint of the city of Porto – is a stunning space, with a huge lawn surrounded by trees and finished with a fountain, the sound of which lends the spot a particular tranquillity. It is the perfect site for small, open-air events.
Adega Velha (Old Cellar)
This is the mystical place where our brandies are aged, where the weight of tradition is palpable and the aroma of pure winemaking fills the air.
A visit to the cellars is not to be missed and is an integral part of guided tours.
Vineyards
Amidst the greenery of rare centuries-old tree species, visitors witness the surround vineyards, and get involved with the viticulture stories, processes and details as climate, soil and local grapes, globally understanding the Vinho Verde wine region.
Google Map
This a grand Fairytail Garden and Winery in Portugal. It is a nice day trip from Porto. The most amazing parts include : the Cork Oak trees, the Quaint Fairy Tale Cottages nestled next to natural spring ponds, the tiny square stone paths that wind under towering specimens of Redwoods and other old growth forests, the natural filtered light, the soft sound of the fountains, the barn with crimpson vines which leads to their winery... to name a few. There is also an incredible vibe. It's as if you are being healed and softened without knowing it. When you experience it, gratitude flows. When you think your day could not be any better they treat you like family and serve you glasses of their unique green wines amoungst other favorites. These wines are paired with a lunch of their farm to table soups, salads, variety of meats, cheeses, and breads. On your way out, you can purchase desert to take home from their gift shop as well as a variety of other high quality food items as gifts. I can undoubtedly say our tour was the most renewing and relaxing experience of our trip to Portugal. Promise yourself this journey back in time. Saude 🍷 !
– January 25, 2025 – Verified booking
We visited this winery as a tour group. We were given a walking tour of the beautiful gardens. After the walking tour, we had a light lunch of tapas and sampled a couple wines. Afterwards, we went to the gift shop. The prices are very reasonable.
– February 09, 2025 – Verified bookingShare your experience
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