Wine News: Taylor's Portonic

Porto at Night taken from Jardim do Moro.

Taylor's Serves Up "Portonic" In Recyclable Cans  

Portugal is an historic country on the Atlantic seaboard of the west coast of the Iberian peninsula and it has captured the world's attention. Whether the attraction to Portugal is for its affordability, beauty or history, it seems that Taylor’s Port has also found its moment in the sun. Taylor's is an iconic brand with a storied past, making tawny, ruby, white and vintage port - most especially the sweet, powerful, age-worthy, collectible vintage wines. Tradition aside, Taylor's recently launched Portonic, a port based cocktail in the ready-to-drink category (RTD), available only in recyclable aluminium cans. Will Port be rolling off the tongues of new, young enthusiasts? With sustainable practices on one hand and consumer focus on the other, Taylor’s is looking to the future.

An Iconic Brand

Adrian Bridge, CEO, Taylor's Port Wine & the Fladgate Partnership

In Lisbon and Porto, Taylor’s Visitor Centers are open to the public, providing a storied history set entertainingly to a drink that has global recognition. Taylor’s dates back to 1692 when Job Bearsley opened a merchant business in Porto, seizing the opportunity to ship this sweet, fortified wine to the King of England for royal guests, noblemen, and aristocrats. Today, Taylor’s Port is available at fine wine shops worldwide and is as iconic as Buckingham Palace. In fact, Taylor's holds a Royal Warrant of Appointment and is a proud supplier to the King of England and the royal household.

What started four centuries ago with Job Bearsley continues today with Adrian Bridge. From the renovated Taylor’s Visitor Centers to the "World of Wine" or WoW in Porto's newly Cultural District and the framework of the Porto Protocol Foundation, Adrian has led the charge as Taylor’s embraces consumers preferences and sustainable practices simultaneously. After visiting Taylor’s in Porto, it’s clear that this 400-year-old brand will continue to thrive. 

Port with a Twist

Chip Dry (white) Port & Tonic and Pink Port & Tonic at the Women in Wine Expo 2024

In the past decade, Taylor’s, a company entrenched in the age-old port wine business, has worked towards a new sustainable vision. In 2022, Taylor’s launched Chip Dry & Tonic and Pink Port & Tonic called "Portonic" in 250 ml recyclable aluminum cans. The design of attractive floral patterns on a white and a pink background captures the eye. The small serving size is a manageable portion. Attractive and convenient packaging hit the mark with a younger crowd and women, especially those attending the Women in Wine Expo hosted at Taylor's in May 2024. The taste is dry, with light bubbles and freshness from flavours of mint and citrus - clearly a winning combination from a traditional family recipe. When visiting the Taylor's visitor centers, ask for it by name. 

A Formula for Longevity

Chip Dry White Port & LBV 2019 Tasted at the Taylor's Guest Center in Porto.

Taylor's continues its commitment to their iconic brands while developing new innovative products. By offering convenient, lower alcohol, lightweight and recyclable packaging and entering the (RTD) ready-to-drink category, Taylor's is taking an iconic wine - Port -  into the future to new consumers who might not otherwise consider port. Taylor's Chip Dry & Tonic and Croft Pink Port & Tonic are delicious cocktails and aimed squarely at a younger consumer which is a pathway to Port's longevity, something that Taylor's seems to have mastered.

Thanks for Reading

Port & Tonic in cans may not be available in your market. If you are interested, speak to your local wine shop and find out what the options may be. At the very least, pick up a bottle of white Port and a six pack of tonic and you'll be set for summer sipping. Thanks for reading, Please leave a comment if you liked or have questions. I always appreciate it if you share my stories with your wine loving friends. MUAH!