Dow’s Port – A Legacy of Great Port Wines from the Douro Valley

Founded in 1798, Dow’s Port is one of the oldest and most respected Port wine houses in Portugal. For over two centuries, it has been synonymous with top-quality Ports from the Upper Douro Valley. Since the early 20th century, the Symington family has continued the legacy of the Silva and Dow families, upholding a tradition of excellence across five generations.

Dow’s is known for producing Ports with depth, richness, and a drier finish than most, offering an elegant, refined style that stands apart from other houses.

Exceptional Vineyards in the Douro Valley

Dow’s sources its fruit from two of the Douro’s most renowned estates:

• Quinta do Bomfim – Located in the Cima Corgo subregion, this historic vineyard has been a cornerstone of Dow’s Vintage Ports since the 1890s. The site offers a perfect balance of sun and freshness, contributing to the wines’ structure, complexity, and age-worthiness.

• Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira – Situated in the hotter, drier Douro Superior, this vineyard yields powerful, concentrated grapes with ripe tannins and excellent color. Its location provides a distinctive character to the Ports produced here.

Grape varieties include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz, each adding complexity, balance, and personality to the blends.

Signature Style and Legendary Vintages

Dow’s Ports are full-bodied and aromatic, with a firm structure and a trademark dry finish. The house is highly regarded for its Vintage Ports, several of which are considered among the greatest of the modern era:

• 2007 Vintage – Widely praised for its power, purity, and longevity

• 2011 Vintage – A benchmark year, celebrated for its balance, elegance, and richness

In addition to Vintage Ports, Dow’s produces a full range of Ruby and Tawny Ports (10, 20, 30 Years Old), Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), and special single-vineyard releases.

Wine Tourism and Estate Experience

Visitors are welcomed at Quinta do Bomfim, where they can enjoy guided tours, vineyard walks, tastings, and wine-paired meals. The estate features two dining options: the rustic and seasonal Casa dos Ecos, and the fine-dining experience Bomfim 1896 by Pedro Lemos, a collaboration with a Michelin-starred chef.