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Museum of the Oldest Appellation in the World

Discover our Museum

Real Companhia Velha was founded by Royal Charter of King D. José I on the 10th September 1756. It has been a two-centuries old and prominent presence in the history of Portugal and particularly of the Northen region.
It was, over 260 years ago, that it created, shaped, protected and elevated the Douro Demarcated Region, making it the first regulated wine region in the World.

Through our Museum one can learn about the history of the oldest company in Portugal, which has uninterrupted activity for 269 years. Its history was marked by periods of great expansion and by the execution of major public works. Throughout that time it overcame all vicissitudes and obstacles it faced. Real Companhia Velha is a company focused on the future yet proud of its past and it was with the intention of preserving and sharing its history that the Museum of the Oldest Appellation in the World was created.

Alameda da Rua Serpa Pinto, 44b
Av. Ramos Pinto, no. 118
Vila Nova de Gaia

See exhibition

Tuesday to Saturday
between 10:30 am and 6:30 pm
Sunday between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm and between 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm
(last admission – 6:00 pm)

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The Chartered Company

Real Companhia Velha

When it was founded this Chartered Company had many privileges and public powers and it had its own jurisdiction. Its origin lies in the economic and political context of the country in the mid-18th century.

The Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro was incorporated by a large number of shareholders who were the “Good Men” from Porto and the main farmers in the Upper Douro region.

Its main regulating mission, was based on the trade and the quality of the wine produced in Upper Douro region.

Museu-Enoteca 17.56 is a venue where culture and gastronomy come together to create a unique space in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
The renovated building housing this cultural space used to be the cellars and head office of Real Companhia Velha between 1961 and 1972, before it moved to its current address.

Museum & Enoteca 17-56

The permanent exhibition portraits the history of Real Companhia Velha, the Pombaline demarcation and its connection with Port Wine.
This space, with about 438 sq.m., highlights the Company’s valuable collection.

Permanent Exhibition

The Museum’s shop is located in an area adjacent to the tasting room. This is a space where, visitors have a wide variety of Real Companhia Velha wines to choose from.

Wine Shop

On the main floor, the tasting room is the preferred location for those who want to enjoy a complete experience, here we offer various Port wine tastings.

Tasting Room

Experience the Museum of the Oldest Appellation in the World

Tickets

Permanent Exhibition

Come and discover the history of this company and its inseparable relationship with the history of Port wine, a product it has elevated as a symbol of this region.

Permanent Exhibition and Port Wine Tastings

Discover the history of this company while deepening your connection to Port wine, culminating in a tasting experience that will allow you to savour the authenticity and tradition that have marked generations.

Port Wine Tasting Sets

Enjoy an exclusive Port wine tasting, where you can appreciate its aromas, flavours and unique characteristics, guided by the heritage and mastery that distinguish this Company.