WOW: The Cultural District, Porto – World of Wine, Portugal
Monica Tindall
WOW: The Cultural District in Porto, also known as World of Wine, is a multi-faceted cultural destination that opened in 2020. Housed in the charming town of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River from Porto, this innovative complex has been created by restoring and converting seven historic port wine cellars. It offers an engaging and hands-on experience, showcasing the historical and contemporary wonders of Porto and Portugal.
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is steeped in history. Its old centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, bears witness to its ancient roots. The city is also renowned for its contribution to the world of wine, and the country is the world’s largest cork producer.
WOW: The Cultural District celebrates the diverse cultural aspects that Portugal is known for, with a particular focus on wine-making and gastronomy. It aims to bring the history, magic, and emotions of Portuguese wine, the cork industry, and other historical and contemporary facets to life.
WOW: The Cultural District, Porto
The complex comprises seven immersive museums that offer a wide range of experiences and 12 restaurants, bars and cafes.
Museums
The Wine Experience
The Wine Experience is dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of winemaking, exploring grape varieties, and highlighting Portugal’s significant role in the industry. Visitors can sign up for wine tastings, entry-level courses for beginners, and comprehensive training provided by Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the global leader in wine education.
Porto Region Across the Ages
Porto Region Across the Ages narrates the incredible story of Porto, emphasising its historical importance and influence on the world, particularly in the realm of wine. The exhibition is interactive and multi-sensory, leading visitors through several rooms, each with a unique design and focusing on a distinct time segment. Rooms are designed as cinemas, trams and even the interior of a boat!
Planet Cork
Planet Cork, a one-of-a-kind museum, offers an educational and hands-on experience, shedding light on this versatile and sustainable resource. As the world’s largest producer, Portugal’s heritage intertwines with the exhibits within. The history, harvesting techniques, and wide-ranging uses of cork are unveiled. Interactive displays keep visitors of all ages interested. We find out how much we weigh in cork units of measurement and simulate the special effects of movies by jumping to make explosions! We marvelled at the diversity of products made with cork, such as wine stoppers, flooring, and insulation. You can even join a workshop to create your own cork-based creations.
The Bridge Collection
The Bridge Collection is home to an extraordinary private assortment owned by Adrian Bridge, CEO of WOW: The Cultural District. This treasury comprises over 1,000 ancient drinking vessels, some dating back to 7000 BC! We even see glasses that glow in the dark because they were made with uranium. These “glasses” offer an insightful glimpse into diverse drinking cultures throughout history.
The Chocolate Story
The Chocolate Story is a favourite for all ages. It tells the tale of chocolate, traces its origins in South America, and explores Portugal’s role in the global chocolate industry. The museum features a chocolate factory and the opportunity to participate in various interactive experiences such as making your own chocolate and wine and chocolate pairings. We partake in a wickedly delicious tasting of four different Port wines with four types of chocolate with varying cacao percentages.
The Atkinson Museum
The Atkinson Museum, located within the Atkinson House, a splendid 18th-century residence, launched just as we arrived. This museum showcases internationally significant exhibitions, further enriching the cultural offerings of WOW. We were fortunate to see the Tate Collection’s, The Dynamic Eye: Beyond Optical and Kinetic Art, which will be displayed until the end of September this year.
Pink Palace
Last but not least, the Pink Palace is an extravagant and eccentric museum that shatters myths about rosé wine in an engaging, attractive, and memorable way. Created to entertain and educate, the museum provides a unique experience in each room, creating moments perfect for photo ops and social media sharing (I would love to return here with my rosé-loving girlfriends). Visitors can taste five different rosé wine styles and learn how versatile this wine can be. They can dive into a pool of pink balls or get into a big, charming Cadillac, Hollywood style. Everything is possible inside the Pink Palace.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
The complex is also home to diverse restaurants, bars, and cafes, offering something for everyone. Whether you prefer fine dining, casual fare, or a quick bite, you’re sure to find something to your taste. The central open-air square is a focal point, granting visitors breathtaking views of the Douro River, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the ancient cityscape. We get bookings for Golden Catch, a casual seafood restaurant, and Mira Mira, an exceptional culinary experience by Chef Ricardo Costa. Read about our experiences, including the menus and prices, here and here.
Event Space
Additionally, WOW: The Cultural District is a prime venue for various events, from personal celebrations to corporate gatherings. Its event space, enveloped in a soaring glass structure, offers an awe-inspiring view of Porto. The room can accommodate up to 250 people, making it ideal for various events, from corporate meetings to private parties. The glass walls let in an abundance of natural light, and the panoramic views of the city are simply breathtaking.
WOW: The Cultural District Review
Whether you’re an avid wine enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking to explore the vibrant cultural heritage of Portugal, WOW: The Cultural District offers an engaging and interactive experience that will leave a lasting impression.
WOW: The Cultural District
Rua do Choupelo 39, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
https://wow.pt
+351 22 012 1200
WOW: The Cultural District Opening Hours
Daily: 10 am – 1 am
* Access to the outdoor areas, including restaurants, cafes, and shops, is free. Admission fees apply to the various experiences, wine school activities, events, and exhibitions.
** WOW: The Cultural District in Porto is owned by The Fladgate Partnership, a prominent holding company with a deep-rooted presence in the Port wine, tourism, and distribution sectors. The company’s flagship brands, Taylor’s Port, Croft Port, and Fonseca, are among the renowned names associated with The Fladgate Partnership.
Find more recommendations for gourmet travel in Portugal here and stay up-to-date with our latest gourmet travel finds here and here.
My father always want to go to Portugal.
Coffee is on, and stay safe.
Interesting places, nice exhibits!