During my childhood, I was tasked with depicting my favorite spot in a painting for an art class. Using vibrant oil crayons, I recreated the museum that I frequented during weekends, admiring its sculptures and artworks in ornate frames. With a deep-seated love for museums, I eagerly seized the opportunity to explore Porto’s latest cultural hub brimming with them.
World of Wine Porto, affectionately known as WOW, comprises seven museums, six of which are permanent fixtures while one rotates its exhibits. Additionally, the district houses twelve restaurants, a wine school, and various shops offering a range of products from local art to novelty items like rubber ducks. Despite launching in 2020 amidst challenging circumstances, WOW has already garnered significant popularity.
The museums within WOW delve into different aspects of Portugal’s history and culture, showcasing everything from the art of chocolate-making to cork production and the evolution of wine consumption through the ages, catering to visitors of all generations.
On a recent Saturday visit, the district buzzed with activity as tourists and locals, spanning various age groups, explored the offerings at WOW. Beginning our tour at The Chocolate Story, we delved into the historical and cultural significance of chocolate, tracing its journey from ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans to its modern-day allure. The museum, thoughtfully curated with bilingual plaques in English and Portuguese, offers a comprehensive insight. Descending to the WOW Chocolate Factory post-history lesson, we witnessed workers in yellow attire tempering and pouring chocolate, which could be purchased at the gift shop or café.
Following an exquisite chocolate-tasting session that engaged all the senses, we proceeded to the Wine Experience section.
The Wine Experience, another meticulously crafted museum, narrates the history of wine production, highlighting the diverse Portuguese regions known for their exceptional grape varieties and wine offerings. Combining educational displays with interactive exhibits and captivating documentaries, the museum offers a rich learning experience.
Despite not being a wine enthusiast, the Wine Experience succeeded in altering my perspective. The museum’s detailed insights into the labor-intensive wine-making process truly enhanced my appreciation for the beverage. To culminate the experience, visitors are treated to a wine-tasting session featuring three distinct wines, accompanied by guidance on proper tasting techniques.
One of the standout features of WOW is its convenient layout, with all museums situated within a five-minute walk from each other. Our group managed to explore five museums in a single day, with the district conveniently nestled in the historical center of Vila Nova de Gaia, a leisurely half-hour stroll from Porto. Perched on the southern bank of the Douro River, WOW offers panoramic views of Porto, with its red terracotta rooftops and bustling streets adding to the picturesque setting. When night falls, the cityscape transforms into a sparkling display, illuminated by the shimmering lights and the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the river.
After a day filled with museum exploration and wine appreciation, our appetites were whetted for a dining experience at one of WOW’s esteemed restaurants.
Mira Mira by Ricardo Costa, renowned for his two Michelin-starred restaurant at the Yeatman Hotel, presented us with a luxurious dining setting. The ambiance exuded sophistication, with dim lighting, a