As a child, I was tasked with painting my favorite spot during an art class. Using vivid oil crayons, I depicted the museum where I frequently spent my weekends, adorned with sculptures and artworks in ornate frames. Museums have always held a special place in my heart, so when the opportunity arose to explore Porto’s latest cultural hub teeming with museums, I eagerly embraced it.
Known as World of Wine Porto (WOW), this complex houses seven museums, with six being permanent installations and one on rotation. Additionally, WOW features twelve restaurants, a wine school, and various shops offering items ranging from local art to novelty rubber ducks. Despite its challenging launch in 2020, WOW has already gained significant popularity.
Each museum within WOW delves into different aspects of Portugal’s history and culture, spanning from the art of chocolate-making to cork production and the tradition of wine consumption across eras, catering to visitors of all ages.
During our visit on a bustling Saturday, both tourists and locals flocked to WOW to explore its offerings. Our journey commenced at The Chocolate Story, delving into the origins and cultural importance of chocolate from ancient civilizations to present-day. The museum, complete with English and Portuguese information plaques, led us downstairs to the WOW Chocolate Factory, where artisans clad in bright yellow attire crafted and showcased delectable chocolates for purchase.
Following an exquisite chocolate tasting experience, our next stop was the Wine Experience museum, meticulously detailing the history of wine production and various Portuguese regions renowned for their grape cultivation and wine-making traditions. This museum seamlessly combines education with hands-on experiences, featuring interactive displays and captivating documentaries.
Despite my initial aversion to wine, the Wine Experience museum significantly altered my perspective. The meticulous process of wine production highlighted at the museum instilled a newfound appreciation for the beverage. The culminating wine tasting session, guided by an expert, offered insights into three distinct wines and proper tasting techniques.
What stood out at WOW was the proximity of its attractions, with all museums situated within a five-minute walk of each other. We managed to tour five museums in a single day, situated in the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, just a short half-hour stroll from Porto. Perched on the hillside south of the Douro River, WOW provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city, with its terracotta roofs and bustling streets illuminated by the city lights at night.
After a day of museum exploration and wine appreciation, we had the privilege of dining at one of WOW’s upscale restaurants. Mira Mira by Ricardo Costa, known for its fine dining at the Yeatman Hotel, presented a luxurious ambiance, complete with a stunning terrace overlooking the city, attentive and knowledgeable staff, and a focus on Portuguese cuisine.
Mira Mira’s Harvest Menu, comprising nine courses of exquisitely prepared dishes, showcased a diverse array of flavors and ingredients. From spider crab to succulent pork, each dish was a culinary masterpiece. The skilled sommelier paired our meals with decadent Portuguese wines, further enhancing the dining experience.
Surprisingly, it was at Mira Mira that I developed a newfound fondness for red wine, attributed to the expertise of the staff and the exceptional dining experience. WOW Porto truly caters to wine enthusiasts, even converting skeptics like myself to appreciate the diverse range of wines, from reds to whites, roses, and Ports.
With Porto just a short two-hour flight from London and daily flight options available, there’s no excuse not to savor this enriching cultural experience at WOW. The complex offers various ticket packages enabling visitors to explore one to five museums on a single ticket, making it convenient for all types of travelers.