Real Companhia Velha was created by royal charter of King José I on September 10, 1756, under the Marquis of Pombal. It then carried out the Pombaline demarcation of the Douro, which the company describes as the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Every Port house in Gaia still works inside the region that demarcation created.
A history worth the visit
The company’s own account reads like a history of Portugal:
- In 1780 it began demolishing the Cachão da Valeira, a rock barrier in the Douro, to open the river to boats.
- In 1781 it sent Port to Catherine of Russia.
- In 1809 its wines were requisitioned by Napoleon’s troops, and in 1811 they were drunk by Wellington’s.
- It states that 1756 was also declared the first Vintage Port year, and that its 1765 vintage was the first to appear in a Christie’s catalogue, in 1768.
Today it owns five estates in the Douro plus a winemaking center, and Quinta das Carvalhas appears in its tastings.
Visiting
The cellars are at Rua Azevedo Magalhães 314, Vila Nova de Gaia. The Museum of the First Demarcation and Enoteca 17.56 are at Alameda da Rua de Serpa Pinto 44B. Reservation is mandatory: +351 223 775 194 or [email protected].
Visits include a cellar tour, Port and chocolate, a Tawny tour with 10, 20 and 40 Year Old Royal Oporto, a private tour at Quinta das Carvalhas, and a programme that combines a cellar visit, the museum and a three-course lunch at Enoteca 17.56. We have not listed prices: the company’s Portuguese and English pages show different prices and opening days for the same visits, so confirm both when you book rather than rely on either page.
Canto Cooking is a commercial partner of Pinot Squirrel and we earn from bookings. Winery and lodge prices on this page come from each producer's own website.
Short on time?
Taste Sandeman, Graham's, Taylor's and Ferreira side by side in one hour, on the Porto side of the river.
Canto Cooking · 4.9 on Google and TripAdvisor
“Best of the Best” Port Tasting with Artisan Chocolates
Check dates & bookPrice checked 17 Sep 2026
