In Porto and the surrounding wine regions of the Douro Valley and Vinhos Verdes, wine tourism has entered a new era of accessibility and inclusion. Nearly all major wineries and wine experiences have evolved to provide diverse conditions that ensure every visitor — regardless of physical ability, age, or background — can enjoy the beauty, heritage, and hospitality that define Portugal’s wine culture. From wheelchair-accessible wine cellars and sensory experiences designed for visually impaired guests to inclusive tasting sessions and educational programs, the region has embraced a vision of wine tourism that celebrates diversity and belonging.
Cockburn’s Port Lodge, part of the Symington Family Estates, and home to one of the largest and most impressive aging cellars in the historic Port wine district, is a shining example of inclusive hospitality. True to its motto, “Visit the world’s most welcoming cellar”, Cockburn’s goes beyond accessibility — it offers a genuine sense of inclusion and comfort for all.
Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, this historic lodge, founded in 1815, combines centuries of Port wine tradition with modern, visitor-friendly design. Its spacious cellars and visitor areas are fully accessible, with level pathways and ramps that make exploring the vast barrel rooms effortless.
But accessibility at Cockburn’s is not just physical — it’s experiential. Guests can touch oak barrels, feel the cool air of the cellars, and inhale the deep aromas of ageing wines, creating a sensory journey that transcends sight alone. The tasting room and museum space are equally inclusive, offering clear visual information, adaptable seating, wheelchair accessibility and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to explore at their own pace.
Cockburn’s has also made strides in staff training, ensuring that its team understands the needs of all visitors and can provide meaningful, respectful assistance. This human touch — rooted in empathy and genuine hospitality — perfectly reflects the brand’s values and reinforces Porto’s growing reputation as a leader in accessible wine tourism.
Beyond its commitment to accessibility, Cockburn’s Port Lodge also plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy, cultural community and social inclusion. The company has created around 40 new jobs and established partnerships with national and international travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators, reinforcing Porto’s position as a world-class wine tourism destination. It also provides professional internships for students from hospitality and vocational schools, offering hands-on experience and fostering the next generation of tourism professionals.
In recent years, Cockburn’s has gone even further in supporting culture and creativity — sponsoring local artists, painters, and comedians, hosting live music performances, and partnering with restaurants and local businesses. By doing so, the brand not only enriches the visitor experience but also contributes to the vibrant cultural life of Porto, helping to keep the city’s traditions alive while embracing innovation and inclusion.
So whether arriving with mobility challenges, sensory impairments, or simply a desire to experience wine in a welcoming and thoughtful environment, visitors at Cockburn’s find more than a cellar — they discover a space built around the simple yet powerful idea that wine, like travel, should be shared by everyone.
Photo credits: Cockburn’s
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