Renovation of the Visitor Centre

We opened our doors to the world in 2016 with the inauguration of the first Poças Visitor Centre. In 2018 the Visitor Centre moved into a historic warehouse at company headquarters in the centre of the old town of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Renovation of the warehouse was awarded to architects Lúcia Vaz Pato and António Mota, who created a larger area for visiting as well as several rooms that can be reserved for private events.

As the photographs taken during the renovations show, a great deal of effort went into preserving the historic features of the industrial architecture that is emblematic of this part of the city, still so much in evidence in the existing buildings. An example is the Fábrica de Cerâmica das Devesas – the Devesas ceramics factory – which is a reference in industrial architecture and part of the identity and collective memory of the city.

This renovation project reflects our interest in preserving and valuing our industrial heritage – a legacy to be passed on to future generations. It is also a source of inspiration and a point of reference in our own identity as producers of Douro wines.

The living proof of this approach can be found in the cellars of this historic building, which is a space that is faithful to its purpose where visitors can see at close quarters the work that actually takes place. We have wines slowly ageing in their barrels – barrels which sometimes need extra help and have to be taken to the cooper, whose work can also be seen here.

We hope you enjoy seeing a genuine wine cellar at work, and at the end of your visit, enjoy our selection of wines that are available for tasting or to buy in the shop.

In 2019 we received around 28,000 visitors at our centre, and their comments here and here will tell you a little more about us.

We look forward to welcoming you to Poças!