Exclusive Bairrada Sparkling Wine & Art Tour: Discover the Secrets of Caves do Solar de São Domingo & Aliança Underground Museum

A Journey Through Portugal’s Sparkling Wine Paradise

Since 1937, Caves São Domingos has been a cornerstone of Portuguese winemaking, renowned for its sparkling wines, aged brandies, and Bairrada and Dão wines. With over two million bottles of sparkling wine and hundreds of French oak barrels aging its famous grape brandies, it continues to lead the market in quality.
Wine tourism at Caves São Domingos attracts thousands of visitors each year, offering a captivating experience through its historic galleries, extensive wine collection, and a vibrant wine shop, hall, and tasting museum

ALIANÇA offers an exceptional experience where wine and art come together. Founded in 1927 and located in the heart of Portugal’s renowned Bairrada region, the Aliança Underground Museum stands as a true testament to the country’s storied winemaking legacy. Inaugurated in 2010, the museum is housed within the company’s historic subterranean galleries, carefully preserved for over 80 years. It combines the passion of “Art, Wine, and Passion,” featuring eight permanent collections that include archaeology, ethnography, paleontology, ceramics, and Indian culture, all curated with care by José Berardo.

This distinctive museum offers the first-ever underground space where sparkling wines, still wines, and brandies age alongside these art collections, creating a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, culture, and craftsmanship.

Come and explore this extraordinary symbiosis of art and wine, where two attractions are experienced simultaneously.

 

About the experience

Highlights

  • Expert-Led Guided Tours: Enjoy a personalized tour of the Caves do Solar de São Domingo and Aliança Underground Museum, discovering the rich history and artistry of Bairrada’s winemaking tradition.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Access: Explore the winemaking process from grape to bottle, with a closer look at modern aging technologies and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
  • Curated Wine Tastings: Delight in tastings of Bairrada’s finest wines, including sparkling wines, reds, and aged brandies, expertly selected to showcase the region’s unique flavors.
  • Traditional Bairrada Lunch: Savor a traditional Bairrada lunch with local specialties like suckling pig, paired perfectly with wines from the region.
  • Exclusive Wine Pairings: Enjoy carefully curated wine pairings with each course, enhancing the flavors of both the wine and the dishes.
  • Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from passionate winemakers and sommeliers, learning about the history and techniques that make Bairrada wines stand out.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich history of Bairrada, with a visit to the Aliança Underground Museum, where art and wine blend seamlessly, and explore the centuries-old wine cellars.
  • Memorable Souvenir: Take home a bottle of Bairrada’s finest wine or brandy from the exclusive wine shop as a keepsake from your tour.

Full Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bairrada, one of Portugal’s most prestigious wine regions, where tradition and innovation seamlessly blend in the world of winemaking. This exclusive tour takes you to two iconic destinations: the historic Caves do Solar de São Domingo and the renowned Aliança Underground Museum, offering an immersive and enriching experience.

At Caves do Solar de São Domingo, witness the winemaking process firsthand, guided by expert winemakers. From grape harvest to fermentation, gain in-depth knowledge of how Portugal’s sparkling wines are crafted with precision and passion. Explore cutting-edge wine-aging technology, including Wi-Fi-connected bottles for real-time aging tracking. This is where tradition meets innovation, providing a rare glimpse into the future of winemaking.

Next, step into the Aliança Underground Museum, a stunning wine cellar housing over 80 years of winemaking excellence. Discover the rich history of Bairrada’s sparkling wines as you tour the underground galleries filled with millions of aging bottles. With expert sommeliers leading wine tastings, indulge in the finest Bairrada wines, perfectly paired with local delicacies that showcase the region’s vibrant flavors.

Throughout the day, enjoy a traditional Bairrada lunch featuring local specialties, all paired with wines from the tour. This authentic dining experience is an essential part of your journey, allowing you to savor the flavors that define Bairrada.

Welcome reception with a guided tour of the Cellar galleries

Tasting of São Domingos Grande Reserva Baga Sparkling Wine, Reserva Baga/Touriga Nacional Red Wine, and São Domingos Aged Aguardente Velhíssima

Charcuterie board with cheese, cured meats, regional rustic bread, paired with wines and dark chocolate with aguardente

Tasting of Aliança Baga Bairrada Reserva Brut Sparkling Wine, Classico Red, and Antiquissima Reserva Old Brandy

Traditional Bairrada lunch featuring Leitão da Bairrada and regional specialties, paired with local wines

With passionate winemakers sharing their insights, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the innovations shaping the region’s wine industry, while also honoring the time-honored traditions that make Bairrada’s wines internationally acclaimed.

This is more than just a wine tour—it’s an immersive exploration of craftsmanship, innovation, and tradition in every bottle. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a newcomer to Portuguese wine culture, this tour will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Bairrada’s exceptional wines.

At Kara Tours, we specialize in crafting exceptional, tailor-made experiences that create memories to last a lifetime.

Get ready for a journey rich in history, culture, and flavor. The Bairrada region awaits—allow us to show you its wonders like no one else can.

Includes

  • At your request, at the time of your booking, my wife will prepare homemade Masala Indian tea for your tour.
  • Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned luxury van
  • Homemade Fresh Orange and Apple juice Served Onboard
  • Complimentary drinks and beverages on board
  • All fees and Tax
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Unlimited bottled water provided
  • A variety of gourmet snacks on board
  • ​Free on-board Wi-Fi access
  • Mobile chargers, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are provided for your comfort.
  • Expert-guided, personalized 2-hour tours of each cave
  • Enjoy a traditional farm-to-table lunch in a paradise setting in Bairrada.
  • Lagendry Port and Douro Brandy served throughout the Journey
  • Guided Tour
  • Photos

Not Included:

  • Tips (optional)

Not Suitable for:

  • Wheelchair users
  • Children under 12 years

Meeting Point

The meeting point is at the Entrance of the Sá da Bandeira Theater.

Important Information

Know Before You Go:
This tour will take place rain or shine.
Vegetarian options available if informed in advance. In the morning.

What to Bring:
Camera
Comfortable shoes

Not Allowed:
Smoking inside the vehicles
Pets

Additional information:
Check-in details
Please arrive 10 minutes early,

Book Now

Low Season: December, January and February

High Season: March, April, May and November

Special Season: June, July, August, September, October