It's 1679. Place yourself in the mindset of a Portuguese ship's captain with a full cargo of port. Now, place yourself on one of the most beautiful islands of the world. No, not in the Caribbean - you're in Newfoundland, Canada, and in avoiding pirates (those rascally knaves), you've veered to St. John's and had to winter over. 

Spring arrives, and you return to England, cargo intact (a few bottles may or may not have been sampled in Newfoundland. Or, maybe you just drank the screech). When you hit the shores in the UK, you've found that your port has never tasted better...so much so that you change your business a bit, and age your port in St. John's wine vaults before sending it to London.

Fast forward to 1998 (you're a time traveler!) - the last of Newman's port aged in Newfoundland is served at the Newman Wine Vaults, hosted by the Newfoundland Historic Trust. 

The building is in the capable hands of the Historic Trust, and today you can visit this magical place - and taste a sip of port! 

Newman Wine Vaults is located on the city trolley tour, but you can also easily access it via a short walk (a few blocks) from the city tourism office downtown (where we always start). There are guided tours of this small space, which I highly recommend, as the history of the liquor trade here is amazing. You'll peer around corners, stand on your tiptoes, and feel the coolness of the wine vault sink into your bones. 

Take a look around with me - and take yourself back in time. It's easy to do, on this island, where history lives in tandem with the now. 

This unassuming building will surprise you inside

These blue signs always signal treasure to me

Look up! Ancient Roman building practices always last

Why yes, please

Doors to secret treasure port aging rooms

A ventilation door up high in the wall (above and below)

Recovered artifacts

You can take a test to see how right your nose is for port

History and some delicious port

More vaulty rooms

And a peek inside

More artifacts, courtesy of The Rooms

Ok. THAT SIGN IS SO COOL

See that long wooden ladder with 3 rungs? I thought and thought but never would have guessed - it was put between the ship and the shore, and barrels rolled down it.

That barrel was TALL

There were some historical signs, but listen to the guide - they are amazing!

If you're lucky (we had a private gathering), you'll also have some Newfoundland Chocolate Company chocolate to go with your port

Learn more:

http://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/society/newman-wine-vaults.php

http://www.seethesites.ca/the-sites/newman-wine-vaults.aspx

Tips:

• If you get the Provincial Historic Sites Pass, you will save money on visiting 3 or more sites - well worth it. 
• The building is handicap accessible - with sloping floors and ramps.
• Plan on around 30 minutes to explore this spot, with a guide, and sample some port.  

Read more about Newfoundland: Travel Writers' Secrets: Top Newfoundland Travel Tips

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators