118 Port anD the Douro
Bernardo Ferreira (the father-in-law of Dona Antónia) and remained with the Ferreira
family until it was acquired by the Symingtons in 1989. It was in a poor state of repair at the
time and many of the best vineyards had been lost to the flooding of the river in the 1970s.
Predominantly north facing, the entire property covers an area of 325 hectares, of which over
a third is now under vine. Much has been done to revive the property since the Symington
family decided to produce a single-quinta vintage Port from Vesúvio independently of their
other brands. The eight 25-pipe lagares (which are equipped with their own pissoirs should
anyone be caught short whilst treading) have been thoroughly revamped and equipped with
temperature control, essential in this part of the Douro. The old azenha (‘mill’) has been
converted into an air-conditioned lodge for cask ageing. Bottled in all but the most dismal
years (1993 and 2002 are the exceptions to date), Quinta do Vesúvio has quickly risen to
join the premier league of vintage Ports.
Quinta dos Quatro Ventos
numão, 5150 Vila nova de Foz côa
Situated in the narrow Teja valley just above Quinta do Vesúvio, the 200-hectare Quinta dos
Quatro Ventos was purchased in 1998 by Bairrada-based Caves Aliança for the production
of Douro wines. Wines from fifty hectares of vines are made in an adega on the property.
Quinta do Vale de Malhadas
numão, 5150 Vila nova de Foz côa
Grade a
This magnificent but remote quinta adjoins Quinta do Vesúvio on the south side of the
Douro and has been bought by brothers Paul and Dominic Symington. The property was
purchased in a poor state of repair and is currently being restored.
the visitor’s Book
the showpiece quintas belonging to the major Port shippers receive hundreds of guests
each year from all over the world. they all have a visitor’s book which guests are asked
to sign at the end of their visit. some of these are now important historical records, with
detailed comments from family members and guests on the weather conditions during
the year and the quality of the vintage. at dow’s Quinta do Bomfim, the visitor’s books
date back continuously to 1890 with entries from George Warre and James Ramsey
dow. today’s books tend to carry short notes of thanks from trade and press guests
who have spent a few days being shown around the douro. one of these is open to
interpretation: ‘Wonderful weekend, spoilt by the symingtons’. at taylor’s Quinta de
Vargellas it is a tradition to write a poem in the visitor’s book.