As a child, I was tasked with painting my favourite place for an art class.
Using vibrant oil crayons, I depicted the museum where I spent most of my weekends, surrounded by sculptures and artworks in ornate frames.
My love for museums has never waned, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to explore Porto’s newest cultural district, brimming with them.
The World of Wine Porto (WOW) is a cluster of seven museums, six permanent and one rotating, twelve restaurants, a wine school, and numerous shops selling everything from local art to rubber ducks.
Despite opening its doors in 2020, arguably a challenging time to launch such a grand project, it’s already gaining popularity.
Each museum delves into a facet of Portugal’s history and culture, from exquisite chocolate to cork production, and the age-old ritual of wine drinking, ensuring WOW caters to all ages.
On our visit last Saturday, the district was teeming with both tourists and locals, all eager to explore what WOW has to offer.
Our journey began at The Chocolate Story, a fascinating exploration into the history and cultural significance of chocolate, tracing its roots from the Aztecs and Mayans right up to the present day.
The museum is meticulously curated, with informative plaques in both English and Portuguese.
After delving into the rich history of chocolate, we ventured downstairs to the WOW Chocolate Factory, where workers clad in bright yellow were busy tempering and pouring chocolate – available for purchase in the gift shop or café, reports The Mirror.
Following the most exquisite chocolate tasting session I’ve ever had, where we learned to savour the luxury of chocolate with all our senses, it was time to move on to the Wine Experience.
This equally well-researched and well-presented museum traced the history of wine and highlighted the diverse regions of Portugal that produce stunning grapes and delectable wines.
The museum offers a perfect blend of education and experience, featuring interactive exhibits and captivating documentaries.
I confess, I’m not a wine enthusiast, but this museum significantly altered my perspective. If anything can make you yearn for a refreshing glass of white, it’s understanding the immense effort that goes into producing it.
Fortunately, the Wine Experience concludes with a tasting session where an expert guides you through three distinct wines and how to truly savour them. One of the highlights of WOW is its compact layout.
All the museums are situated within a five-minute walk of each other. We managed to visit five in a single day, and the district itself is nestled in the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, just a leisurely half-hour stroll from Porto city.
As WOW is tucked into the hillside on the south side of the Douro River, which bisects the city, it also offers breathtaking views of the cityscape.
Red terracotta roofs are haphazardly stacked into the hillside, and you can spot tourists meandering through the city’s winding streets.
The landscape truly sparkles at night as the city lights twinkle and the Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the river illuminates the darkness.
After a long day of museum hopping and wine tasting, we had worked up quite an appetite and were fortunate enough to dine at one of WOW’s many restaurants.
Mira Mira, the first venture into fine dining outside his two Michelin-starred restaurant at the Yeatman Hotel by Ricardo Costa, exudes luxury from the moment you step in.
With dim lighting, a breathtaking terrace overlooking the city, and staff who are not only well-dressed but also knowledgeable and friendly, it sets the tone for an unforgettable experience.
The restaurant takes a laid-back approach to fine dining, focusing on Portuguese cuisine.
The Harvest Menu we tried was a nine-course culinary journey featuring some of the most unique and delicious dishes I’ve ever tasted, ranging from spider crab to pork.
The skilled sommelier introduced us to a selection of exquisite Portuguese wines that complemented our meals perfectly. It was my first time enjoying red wine, a testament to the expertise of Mira Mira’s staff.
WOW Porto is a paradise for wine enthusiasts – even as someone who historically disliked wine, I left with a newfound appreciation for all its varieties, whether red, white, rosé or Port.
With Porto just a two-hour flight from London and daily departures, there’s no excuse not to immerse yourself in this wonderful cultural experience.
WOW offers a range of ticket packages, allowing you to choose between one and five museums to visit on a single ticket.