Wine production in the Douro Valley has a very long history. However, contrary to popular belief, port wine production is relatively young. It was not until the 18th century that port wine made a global name – prior to that the Douro was famously known for its red table wines.
Our collective goal is to cultivate appreciation for the remarkable quality and character of Douro table wines and to showcase the very best wines, our region along the Portuguese Douro River has to offer to the world. Thus, we, a blend of colorful personalities and passionate characters have come together to make up a perfect ‘Cuvée’ of wine makers to collect our shared strengths in order to reach our goal.
João Ferreira Álvares Ribeiro and Francisco Ferreira of Quinta do Vallado, one of Portugal’s most well-known wineries, produce high quality wines and welcome thousands of guests each year to both of their breathtaking hotels in the midst Douro Valley.
Cristiano van Zeller (Van Zellers & Co.), the relaxed bear of the group, has a small, but impressive Quinta, situated on top of the steep valley. At his winery, he produces well structured, elegant wines as well as his infamous ports. He’s a storyteller par excellence and you can listen to his stories for hours while enjoying the spectacular view!
Francisco “Xito” Olazábal (Quinta do Vale Meão) is the traditional one of the group. He is, after all, a direct descendant of Dona Antónia – THE legendary Grande Dame of the Douro. Combined with his passion, the result of Xito’s craft are wines with an incredible finesse and fascinating softness, no matter the vintage. In his private life he’s an elegant gentleman and a great golfer.
The wines of Tómas and Miguel Roquette (Quinta do Crasto) are made by oenologist Manuel Lobo, who combines a traditional approach with scientific precision. The winery works so accurately that the wines created are brilliant representations of the variety and the terroir. To deepen the understanding of the atmosphere that the vines flourish in, one can simply stay at the relaxed, scenic hotel of Quinta do Crasto. An experience not to be missed! (If you visit, don’t forget to check out our tips for your trip.)
Last, but not least, we have Dirk van der Niepoort (Niepoort), the creative mind of the ambitious group. His innovative spirit and deep appreciation of the region’s traditions have been the dual drivers for the development of the Douro valley during the last decades. His passionate belief in the Douro’s potential led many other winemakers to produce port and moreover table wines with a motivation like his, but with their own unique signature.
Are you looking for an enlightening wine-discussion paired with a stay in one of the best and most architecturally pleasing hotels in the whole Douro? Then you have to visit the Ferreiras! Their passion for the region is contagious and you will not leave the valley without being impressed by the local cuisine with fruit and vegetables from their own garden.
Find out more...Some experts call Niepoort is the initiator of the modern Douro. Consequently, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try his wines in their home. Although the gape elixir is always on their creative minds, you might catch one of the Niepoorts for an inspiring chat about their globally acclaimed wines.
Find out more...In addition to the impressive quality of the wines, you won’t forget a meeting with the Roquettes: Their hospitality and joie de vivre, combined with the mystical location of the winery are an experience not to be missed!
Find out more...Cristiano van Zeller is one of the Douro Valley’s most important ambassadors. With great passion and convincing authority, he spins tales like no other. Cristiano is the communicator par excellence and leaves and indelible image of the Douro and its wines all over the world.
Find out more...You want to drink the same wine as the royalty of China? Then come and visit the Olazábals. Not only do they produce amazing and highly-rated wines, but you have to experience this diamond of a spot!
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