Best wine bars in Birmingham: I drank Portuguese wine as old as me - now I get why people splurge on it

As Portugal celebrated qualifying to the Euros 2024, we too found a unique way to join in the festivities. Nestled in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, we discovered a gem of our own - Arch 13 at Connolly’s Wine Bar.

The history of this place is as rich as the wines it houses; Connolly’s, the family behind Arch 13, has been shipping wine into Birmingham since 1906. The bar itself, nestled under the arches on Livery Street, exudes a warm, inviting ambience that promised an evening of delightful discoveries.

The bar, with its rustic charm and warm lighting, exuded a sense of history and tradition. The walls, adorned with wine bottles of various vintages, whispered tales of vineyards far and wide.

It was here, I embarked on my first wine tasting experience.

With the expert guidance of Ed, the resident wine connoisseur at Arch 13 at Connolly’s Wine Bar. Ed curated a special selection of Port wines, each with its unique character.

The evening’s highlight was the selection of Graham’s Port wines. Known for their exceptional vineyards in the Douro Valley and a pioneering spirit in viticulture, Graham’s has crafted a reputation for exquisite ports - a nod to the rich tradition of Portuguese winemaking.

Ed taught me the finer points of wine tasting, going into the nuances of each wine’s taste and the correct methods of sipping wine.

With a wine tasting method in hand, I looked, swirled, smelled, and savoured each wine, allowing the rich aromas and complex flavours to dance across my palate. I had the pleasure of trying the 10-year old tawny port wine and the 20-year old tawny port wine.

I started with the 10-year old tawny port wine, its deep amber hue hinting at its maturity. The wine was a symphony of flavours, with notes of dried fruits, nuts and with hints of honey. It was a delightful introduction to the world of port wine.

Next, I tried the 20-year-old tawny port wine. This was a revelation. The wine was smoother, richer, and more complex. It had a certain depth that the 10-year old lacked. The flavours were more pronounced, with the taste of raisins, figs, and orange. I found myself preferring this one, as its tangy taste was lingering on my palate, more after the last sip.

Portugal is famous for its port wines, and the 20-year-old tawny, in particular, embodies the country’s rich winemaking tradition. Its balance of sweetness, acidity, and depth makes it a delightful choice.

Older wines are generally more expensive because they are rarer and frequently have more complex flavours.

Ed’s expertise was evident in his descriptions, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of wine. His approach was perfect for me as a beginner, making the world of wine tasting accessible and fun.

For my first wine tasting experience at Arch 13, I felt more knowledgeable, not just about port wine, but about the culture and history that it represented. Every glass told a story, and Arch 13 at Connolly’s Wine Bar, was the perfect place to explore those narratives.

For more on Birminghamworld’s wine tasting experience at Arch 13 - Watch: We tasted Portugal's famous Wine at Birmingham's Arch 13 Wine Bar for Euros

Arch 13 At Connolly's Wine Bar is at 220 Livery St, Birmingham B3 1EU