Newman Wine Vaults, St. John's: Hours, Address, Newman Wine Vaults Reviews: 4/5
Newman Wine Vaults
Newman Wine Vaults
4
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
105 reviews
Excellent
44
Very good
40
Average
16
Poor
4
Terrible
1
yyesiamtrish2
Victoria, Canada1,333 contributions
Couples
Great stop for a short visit. Very interesting and well presented display of the wine vault and history of Newman and Company port. Katherine, the on site tour host, was very knowledgeable and informed on many topics, including the art of port making, and the history of the company and wine vault. The port tasting was delicious and appreciated. Well worth your time, and can fully view the display areas in about 30 minutes.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bucko007
Sudbury, Canada455 contributions
Couples
Very informative tour of the vault. Danielle our guide was very good. We went early in the morning before it got busy. That end of Water street is pretty quiet. It was cool to see some original artifacts. A small sample of Port wine at the end. It was good.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris A
Alexandria, VA38 contributions
Couples
We weren't really big wine drinkers when we came here in 2014 but it was still really fascinating to learn about the wine trade in Newfoundland from way back when. The samples of port at the end of the tour were a plus. This is a quick stop and admission is free if you have a Parks Canada pass. I highly recommend visiting.
Written April 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlbertaChristiegirl
Calgary, Canada2,221 contributions
Couples
My husband & I visited the Newman Wine Vaults on Discovery Day so admission was free (normally $6.00 & you can take a guided tour).
On this day, we toured the vaults on our own but there were several staff offering us the history of the vaults. The practice of aging Newman's Port in Newfoundland dates back to 1679, when a Portuguese boat loaded with port wine bound for London ended up in the Atlantic Ocean. After weathering severe Atlantic storms, the captain decided to head for St. John's, where the ship stayed for the winter months. The cargo of port wine was safely stored in caves in the Southside Hills of St. John's.
The following spring the ship left for England again & it was soon discovered that the port that had over-wintered in Newfoundland had acquired a bouquet, a smoothness and a flavor that it did not have before. From that point on, Newman and Company decided to age its port wine in Newfoundland. The practice continued at the wine vaults on Water Street from the early nineteenth century onwards. The wine was aged in the vaults by the Newman's until at least 1893, possibly until 1914.
We enjoyed the 45 minutes we spent here, reading the history & simply touching and feeling the old stone & history. We are glad we took the time to tour this historic part of St. John's.
As a tourist, it is conveniently located just outside downtown St. John's on Water Street, it's an easy walk. Other options include using The Link and/or Hop on Hop Off bus stops right here on their route.
On this day, we toured the vaults on our own but there were several staff offering us the history of the vaults. The practice of aging Newman's Port in Newfoundland dates back to 1679, when a Portuguese boat loaded with port wine bound for London ended up in the Atlantic Ocean. After weathering severe Atlantic storms, the captain decided to head for St. John's, where the ship stayed for the winter months. The cargo of port wine was safely stored in caves in the Southside Hills of St. John's.
The following spring the ship left for England again & it was soon discovered that the port that had over-wintered in Newfoundland had acquired a bouquet, a smoothness and a flavor that it did not have before. From that point on, Newman and Company decided to age its port wine in Newfoundland. The practice continued at the wine vaults on Water Street from the early nineteenth century onwards. The wine was aged in the vaults by the Newman's until at least 1893, possibly until 1914.
We enjoyed the 45 minutes we spent here, reading the history & simply touching and feeling the old stone & history. We are glad we took the time to tour this historic part of St. John's.
As a tourist, it is conveniently located just outside downtown St. John's on Water Street, it's an easy walk. Other options include using The Link and/or Hop on Hop Off bus stops right here on their route.
Written July 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
photogs2
Fort Qu'Appelle118 contributions
Couples
We were going by and saw the old stone building and thought we might have a look. Well, we learned about the history of Port in Newfoundland from 300 years ago to the 20th century. Our guide Ann was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed our time there. There was even a wee sample of the Newman’s port. It’s only available in Newfoundland and a couple of other spots in Canada. We’re taking some home.
Written June 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Keith M
Cambridge, Canada58 contributions
Couples
Went to this little gem because of good reviews on this site. Tour of small building was just a perfect way to spend half an hour. Very informative and interesting story, with a sample of port when finished and voucher for free chocolate at shop in town. Won't blow your socks off but if you like history and wine, this inexpensive outing is perfect.
Written November 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John B
Toronto, Canada2,969 contributions
Couples
For many years the port maker Newman aged its product in the Wine Vaults alongside St. John's harbour. The historic building is well worth a visit (beautiful stone vaulted ceilings) and you get a chance to sample some of the Newman Port (no longer aged here!) and chocolate from the local manufacturer. It costs $6 per person to enter and there are some small exhibits in addition to presentations given by staff.
Written October 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dottawa212
Ottawa, Canada41 contributions
Couples
This is a small location but a very interesting history. The guides are very knowledgeable and the tasting was fun! buy joint ticket with Commissariate House and enjoy two interesting locations describing pieces of St. John's history.
Written October 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MartyBMW1600
Mascouche, Canada150 contributions
We've visited the Vault and got a unique experience of history by the person in charge. Charming, attentive and took her time to explained the history of the Vault and Porto tasting. Enjoyed our time over there. Thanks to the Vault.
Written July 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
britriches
Edmonton, Canada16 contributions
Couples
Yes, the wine vaults are small, but the history is pretty neat! We stopped by after visiting a couple of nearby antique shops. After reading other reviews it seems like others may not have been as engaged with their guide or we were just really lucky the day we went because our guide was full of information about the history of the Newman family and the vaults themselves. We spent at least 30 mins on a tour of the two little rooms asking questions and learning about her extensive knowledge on the history of the place. The sample of port was lovely as well. I look forward to trying out some of the tasting events they host throughout the year.
Written July 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
How much do you charge to get pictures done their for a wedding?
19arjaykay46
Courtenay, Canada117 contributions
You'd have to approach them directly. I was just a tourist
Frequently Asked Questions about Newman Wine Vaults
- Newman Wine Vaults is open:
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Newman Wine Vaults:
- (0.08 mi) JAG
- (0.14 mi) Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre
- (0.12 mi) Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland
- (0.33 mi) Murray Premises Hotel
- (0.19 mi) 2-bedroom home in beautiful downtown St. Johns
- Restaurants near Newman Wine Vaults:
- (0.08 mi) Exile Restaurant and Lounge
- (0.09 mi) Magic Wok Limited
- (0.08 mi) Grab a Bite
- (0.08 mi) Taste East
- (0.22 mi) St. John's Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar