Taylor’s Port

The name Taylor’s, whispered in the hushed halls of this lodge, echoes with a history older than the river that flows below. It whispers of trade, innovation and a love affair with the art of Port wine that has spanned centuries. In a nutshell, Taylor’s is one of the oldest Port houses in Portugal, founded in 1692 by Job Bearsley, an Englishman who travelled to the Douro Valley in pursuit of fine wine. Its story unfolds like a tapestry, woven in the heart of Porto with threads of tradition and daring ventures. The lodge is a testament to their enduring legacy. It is a place where stories and aromas mingle, where generations of passion for Port wine seep into every corner. The Taylor’s family story is peppered with individuals who defied the odds and bravely carved their path into the rich history of Port wine. Take Bartholomew Bearsley, the first Englishman to buy a property in the Douro Valley in 1744. He secured some of the finest grapes, ensuring Taylor’s reputation for quality. Then there is Joseph Taylor, a man who literally saved the company during Napoleon’s invasion of Portugal. This lodge sits proudly overlooking the Douro, a silent sentinel reflecting on years of dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s as if the building itself is a living archive, holding the legacy of Taylor’s family and a testament to their enduring love for the craft of Port wine. It’s a story that unfolds with every sip, every vista, every story whispered by the lodge itself.