Distillery, Ales And Port Wine Tales

OVERVIEW

Hear fascinating tales of St. John’s long association with alcoholic beverages and sample several of the best ones as you make your way through town. Your immersion will include a stop at Newman’s Wine Vaults, where port from Portugal was first aged in its stone vaults in the late 1700s after a ship carrying the wine had to winter in St. John’s. As you will discover during your tasting of ruby port, it was a serendipitous event. Named for the oak-hulled steamers once used in Newfoundland’s seal hunts, Wooden Walls Distilling is a newer venue but no less intriguing. Its wonderfully atmospheric interior is an ideal setting for a tour and tasting of its handcrafted spirits – mostly vodkas – which are produced in small batches to ensure their artisanal quality. On the outskirts of town, in the picturesque fishing village of Quidi Vidi, you will sample a flight of beers at Quidi Vidi Brewery, which will likely include its 1892 traditional ale.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample port wine, handcrafted spirits and locally brewed beers at three historical venues.
• Discover how the beverages pay homage to St. John’s seafaring past.
• Enjoy enlightening tours of port wine vaults, a distillery and a brewery.
• Pass some of St. John’s most historical landmarks while traveling between venues.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.