Tours and Other Tourism Services

For more than two centuries, The Factory House has stood as one of Europe’s most distinguished wine institutions, a place of tradition and influence at the heart of the global Port trade.

Completed in 1790 and overlooking the Douro River in Porto’s historic center, this historic building has served as the ceremonial and social heart of the British Port trade. Built by British merchants’ resident in the city — whose association dates back to at least the 17th century — this became the headquarters of what is today the British Association, formally constituted in 1811 and continues to function as a working institution, hosting formal dinners, tastings, and meetings that shape the traditions of one of the world’s greatest wines.

Visitors will explore the Adam-style Ballroom, unique double dining rooms, underground cellar, and a private library containing rare books, maps, and archival materials that trace the rise of Portugal as a maritime trading power. Among the House’s many artifacts is a visitors’ book signed by officers of the Duke of Wellington’s Anglo-Portuguese army following the liberation of Porto in 1809 — evidence of the building’s place not just in wine history, but in European history.