Sandeman Cellars Vila Nova de Gaia
The Sandeman Port Wine Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia across the River Douro from Porto is a distinctive sight.
The House of Sandeman was founded way back in 1790 by the Scottish businessman George Sandeman. He dealt in Spanish sherry through Cadiz and port wine from Portugal. He purchased his cellars and wine lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia in 1811. Nowadays, the company also trades in wine from Madeira.
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| Sandeman's wine cellars |
The traditional logo of "the Don" - a figure wearing a long Portuguese student's cape and a Spanish Cabellero hat is one of the world's first commercial logos. It was painted by the Scottish artist George Massiot Brown.
Nowadays visitors to Sandeman's cellars and museum on the history of the company and brand can enjoy a variety of tours. They are conducted by a guide dressed as "the Don" aka the Sandeman Man. The tours end with a Port wine tasting and an opportunity to buy the company's celebrated port wines and vintage ports.
The museum exhibits vintage bottles going back as far as the 17th century, paintings and pottery.
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| Distinctive rooftops of the building |
Access - Getting There
Largo Miguel Bombarda, 47
4400-222 Vila Nova de Gaia
Hours
March to October; daily from 10 am to 8pm; November to February; daily from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Porto buses 900, 901 904, and 906 all stop outside the cellars.
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| The Sandeman logo is one of the world's first commercial logos |
More on Porto
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| Tours of the cellars are available |
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