Sala de Prova

In addition to the Clérigos, there is another tower to admire in the city. The Time Out Market tower, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Eduardo Souto de Moura, is 21 metres high and was inspired by the old water reservoirs that existed (and still exist) in train stations. At its base will be the A Vida Portuguesa shop and at the top the Tasting Room, a place where wine is king and where visitors, both national and foreign, can try and get to know some of the best Port and Douro wines up close.

Behind the choice of the labels that will brighten up the space is a careful curation that involved a lot of research and a refined selection of wines that favours small producers above all. Just to give you an idea, here you’ll be popping the corks on whites from Quinta do Pôpa, rosés from Quinta Nova or reds from Quinta do Pessegueiro. In the Port category, there will be no shortage of Taylor’s, Croft’s or Dona Antónia examples, aged more or less, which can be tasted under the watchful eye and sharp palate of Bento Amaral, the winemaker on duty. He will also lead the various themed tastings that are already planned (and which can be booked online), as well as pairings with chocolate, pastries and cheeses, tastings with winemakers and producers, and wine workshops and courses for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the area.

Another of the great features of this Tasting Room is that, as well as being able to buy a good wine for that special occasion, you can also personalise a label. And if you want to take the experience to the next level, stay for dinner. Chef Luís Américo thought up a detailed menu that paired perfectly with the wine list. Creamy ham croquetas, mushroom pastries with cheese and truffle, mixed cheese and sausage boards, oysters, tartares or classic César salads are just some of the things you can order. Hot dishes include cod in the oven with mashed chickpeas, shaved egg and parsley, for example, or loin tournedos with sautéed shimeji mushrooms. To finish off, there’s pumpkin bacon, apple tarte tatin or chocolate mille-feuille, among other goodies.

Also keep an eye on the agenda, which promises to be lively. Concerts, painting or photography exhibitions, poetry recitals or launches of new books or wines will be frequent events in these parts.