In the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, opposite the city of Porto, stands the World of Wine (WOW), a cultural district that celebrates Portugal’s rich wine and cultural heritage. Developed by HILODI – Historic Lodges & Discoveries S.A., WOW has established itself as a benchmark for wine tourism, offering visitors an immersive experience into the world of wine and other Portuguese traditions.

Giving a second life to local wine cellars

Opening in 2020, WOW was born out of a vision to revitalise old Port wine cellars and transform them into a vibrant cultural centre. This ambitious project, led by The Fladgate Partnership, owner of renowned brands such as Taylor’s and Fonseca, involved an investment of 107 million euros.

The main objective was to preserve and promote the region’s winemaking tradition, while creating a dynamic space for education and entertainment. The location of WOW in Vila Nova de Gaia is no coincidence; this area has historically been the epicentre of Port wine production and storage, and the transformation of these cellars underlines HILODI’s commitment to the preservation of Portuguese cultural heritage.

Image: WOW

Discover the winery’s wine from its beginnings.

WOW offers a wide range of wine tourism experiences designed to satisfy a variety of audiences, from wine enthusiasts to wine connoisseurs. Among the main attractions are:

• The Wine Experience: an interactive museum that guides visitors through the wine production process, from vineyard to glass. This exhibition offers an in-depth understanding of the different grape varieties, winemaking techniques and the various wine regions of Portugal.
• Planet Cork: dedicated to cork, an emblematic product of Portugal, this museum explores its history, production and applications, highlighting the importance of cork in the wine industry and beyond.
• Porto Region Across the Ages: this museum offers a historical tour of the Porto region, providing context on its cultural and economic evolution, and its close relationship with the wine industry.

In addition to the museums, WOW has a wine school where courses and workshops are held for those interested in deepening their oenological knowledge. The district is also home to twelve restaurants and bars offering wine pairings with local gastronomy, allowing visitors to enjoy a complete culinary experience.

Commitment to excellence

HILODI has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and excellence. The creation of WOW is testimony to a vision that combines heritage preservation with modernity, offering state-of-the-art facilities and interactive experiences that educate and entertain.

Image: WOW

The sustainable approach is evident in the promotion of cork as an environmentally friendly material and the rehabilitation of historic structures for new cultural uses. The dedication to quality is reflected in every detail, from the carefully curated exhibitions to the gastronomic offer that highlights the best of Portuguese cuisine.

The participation of HILODI – Historic Lodges & Discoveries, hand in hand with WOW, at the Valladolid Fair represents a unique opportunity for wine and culture enthusiasts to discover all that WOW has to offer. This cultural district not only celebrates Portugal’s wine tradition, but also invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit their stand at the fair to find out more and plan your next visit to this leading wine tourism destination.