According to legend, a Newman and Company ship loaded with port wine was driven off course by pirates in 1679 and was forced to winter in St. John’s. When they returned home to London, the wine was found to have improved in flavor. Based on that fact, these historic wine vaults were built.
The Newman Wine Vaults are a wonderful place to visit, where this 200-year-old building with stone barrel vaults is now a national historic site. Guides are available to interpret the province’s long and unique association with port.
You can purchase more than 20 different brands of port wine on site. The Newman Wine Vaults are open to the public mid-June to end September, and other times by arrangement. Its address is 436 Water Street.