Altano celebrated 25 years with pre-launch of the new Reserva wine labels
08/01/2026Altano, the Symington family's first DOC Douro wine, presents the new visual identity for the Altano Reserva Branco and Tinto labels, reinforcing the connection between innovation, territory, and authenticity.The Altano brand, a pioneer among the Symington family’s DOC Douro wines, marks its 25th anniversary with the pre-launch of the new image for the Altano Reserva Branco and Tinto labels. The visual update includes a new bottle format and highlights the Scops Owl (Mocho-d’Orelhas) as a central element, now depicted in full flight and captured through watercolor, conveying elegance, movement, and dynamism.
The launch involves the Altano Reserva Branco 2023 and the Altano Reserva Tinto 2022. The white reveals complexity and unctuousness, combining the freshness of the Douro with the structure and aging potential from barrel aging, while the red presents a dense and structured profile, designed to evolve in the bottle and accompany more robust dishes, reflecting the region’s typical and modern expression.
“Altano’s 25th anniversary represents a very special milestone for us at Symington. This was our first DOC Douro wine and marks the beginning of a new stage in how we relate to this extraordinary region,” says Cláudia Monteiro, Brand Manager at Symington Family Estates, highlighting the brand’s commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and quality.
The new image was revealed at an exclusive dinner at DAM Lisboa, led by Chef Maurício Varela. The occasion also featured a collaboration with artist Jorge Colombo, known internationally for his illustrations for The New Yorker, who created a work inspired by the Douro and the spirit of Altano, reinforcing the brand’s artistic and singular character.
More than just a wine brand, Altano represents the contemporary Douro—sustainable, accessible, and inspiring—and the 25-year celebration is also a tribute to the long tradition of the Symington family, which for over 140 years has been dedicated to the production of Port and DOC Douro wines.
Leo d’Honor 2021: the return of a classic from Casa Ermelinda Freitas
06/01/2026Casa Ermelinda Freitas presents the new vintage of the iconic Leo d'Honor 2021, a rare wine produced only in exceptional years and considered the great emblem of Fernando Pó wines.At the beginning of November, Casa Ermelinda Freitas launched the latest vintage of its most iconic wine: Leo d’Honor 2021. True to its tradition of excellence, this legendary wine is made exclusively from Castelão grapes from old vines over 60 years old, carefully selected and only produced in truly exceptional years. Since the first edition in 1999, only eight vintages have reached the market: 1999, 2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015 and now 2021.
The origin of Leo d’Honor’s graphic and symbolic identity dates back to the coat of arms of Fernando Pó, a unique wine-growing region historically linked to the family. The figure of the lion — inspired by the emblem adopted by the 16th-century navigator who gave the land its name — represents strength, character and prestige. The name ‘Leo d’Honor’, which also echoes the name ‘Leonor’, seeks to affirm this wine as the lion of honour of Fernando Pó, the ultimate expression of the region and the Castelão grape variety.
On tasting, Leo d’Honor 2021 reveals a deep and concentrated aroma, where the Castelão grape variety reaches its splendour with notes of black fruits, jams and spices. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, followed by 12 months in the bottle, it has a complex structure, firm and elegant tannins, and subtle nuances of tobacco and chocolate from the ageing in wood. The finish is persistent, harmonious and markedly sophisticated.
It is a wine designed for the table — ideal for accompanying stewed meat, game dishes, oven-roasted meats, strong cheeses or foie gras, where its depth and elegance are fully expressed.
Matriarca recently opened The Attic Bar and The Wine Academy in Porto
05/01/2026Matriarca, an emblematic space of the Symington family, recently inaugurated the full opening of its building, now offering a complete wine and gastronomic experience with the addition of The Attic Bar and The Wine Academy, joining the existing The Wine Bar, The Dining Room, and The Cellar Shop.The Attic Bar, located on the third floor, is dedicated to signature Port wine cocktails inspired by the life, travels, and rituals of the family matriarch, Beatriz Leitão Carvalhosa Atkinson. The menu features the Signature Collection, with cocktails at €12 and non-alcoholic options at €8, and the Recrafted Collection, which reimagines international classics using Port wine as a base. Among the proposals, highlights include the floral and delicate Lúcia, the complex Âmbar, and the exotic Ambrósia, alongside creations inspired by the seasons and personal family memories.
On the top floor, The Wine Academy offers a comprehensive program for beginners, hospitality professionals, and corporate groups. The academy provides introductory wine tasting courses, Port wine cocktail workshops, special tastings with rare wines, and paired dinners, as well as experiences tailored for companies, with groups of up to 11 people.
Vicky Symington, a member of the family’s fifth generation and wine tourism marketing manager, emphasized that the opening marks “a meeting point for all who value wine, gastronomy, and the know-how that spans generations.” Teresa Symington Caxide, head of the hospitality area, added that Matriarca aims “to demystify wine and create memorable moments that reflect the essence of our project.”
The recent opening of The Attic Bar and The Wine Academy is also an excellent example of urban wine tourism, demonstrating how it is possible to reconcile wine tradition with innovative experiences in the heart of the city of Porto. With this complete offering, Matriarca seeks to be a benchmark for wine tourism and wine innovation, attracting both wine enthusiasts and the general public interested in gastronomy, culture, and unique experiences.
Four Decades later, Symington launches Vintage Ports 1985
04/01/2026The Symington family has announced the launch of an extremely limited edition of 1985 Vintage Ports from the houses of Dow’s, Graham’s, and Warre’s, sourced directly from the private cellars they maintain in Vila Nova de Gaia.Considered one of the great classic years of the late 20th century, 1985 was marked by a hot, dry summer followed by a nearly perfect harvest, producing concentrated, powerful wines with high aging potential. After 40 years of maturation under controlled conditions, the wines now revealed exhibit enormous complexity and a flawless point of evolution, according to the family.
For decades, Symington has maintained the practice of reserving small quantities of Vintage Port for prolonged aging, releasing them only at three moments: during the initial en primeur sale, as Library Releases (20–30 years), and later, as Private Cellar Releases (from 40 years onward). Head winemaker Charles Symington monitors the evolution of these lots, just as his father did before him.
Each bottle released now was individually assessed and, if necessary, re-corked. To mark the occasion, new labels and packaging were created, inspired by the historical identity of the three houses, reinforcing the wines’ origin and state of preservation. All units are numbered and indicate the dates of bottling, re-corking, and release. The total lot includes only 800 bottles of Dow’s, 200 of Graham’s, and 1,000 of Warre’s, described by the company as “some of the last remaining reserves of 1985 Vintage Port” from the family cellars.
“After each en primeur release, our family has always set aside a small quantity of Vintage Port to be released again decades later. With these 1985 Private Cellar Releases, we are sharing wines that have been part of our family’s life for 40 years,” said Harry Symington of the 5th generation, adding that these examples demonstrate “the extraordinary capacity of Vintage Port to gain complexity while maintaining its vitality.”
Of Scottish, English, and Portuguese descent, the Symington family has been producing Port since 1882 and currently has ten members actively managing the four historic houses—Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s, and Warre’s—as well as the Douro wine brands Quinta do Vesuvio, Quinta do Ataíde, Altano, and Prats & Symington (Chryseia). In 2017, it expanded its activity to the Alto Alentejo with Quinta da Fonte Souto.
The company is one of the main vineyard owners in the Douro, with 28 estates totaling 2,490 hectares, of which 1,076 are vineyards. It is a founding member of Primum Familiae Vini and was recognized in 2020 as the world’s 7th most admired wine brand by Drinks International magazine.
Symington highlights its commitment to sustainable practices, managing all vineyards with minimal intervention and maintaining 130 hectares certified as organic, the largest area of its kind in the North of the country. The company was the first in the sector in Portugal to obtain B Corp certification and was named Ethical Company of the Year at the 2019 Drinks Business Green Awards.
Quinta da Lagoalva launches new references and vintages
02/01/2026Quinta da Lagoalva, one of the oldest agricultural estates in the Tejo wine region, has presented new references that reinforce the renewal of its portfolio, a process intensified over the last three years. The producer is now debuting a premium sparkling wine and a 10-year-old fortified abafado wine, while simultaneously launching new vintages from its Reserva and Grande Reserva ranges.The new Quinta da Lagoalva Dona Isabel Juliana Espumante Grande Reserva Bruto white 2021, the estate’s top-of-the-range sparkling wine, joins the existing Pet Nat and Reserva Bruto, now forming a portfolio of three sparkling wines. Produced using the traditional method and aged for 36 months in the bottle, it presents aromas of baked bread and dried fruit, fine bubbles, and marked acidity.
Also new to the market is the Quinta da Lagoalva Vinho Licoroso Abafado 10 Anos, made exclusively from Fernão Pires. With an amber color, it reveals notes of dried fruit and flowers, the result of prolonged aging in used French oak barrels.
The brand also presented new vintages of its iconic references: the Lagoalva Reserva Arinto & Chardonnay white 2024, the Lagoalva Reserva Alfrocheiro & Syrah red 2023, and the Quinta da Lagoalva Grande Reserva Syrah red 2023. The wines continue to highlight the typical profile of the region, combining freshness, structure, and wood aging in the red versions.
Originating from vineyards in the lezíria (riverside plains) and clay soils, these new editions reinforce Quinta da Lagoalva’s commitment to producing distinctive wines, with attention to enological detail and the preservation of the Tejo’s identity.
Ravasqueira launches first certified organic wine
01/01/2026Ravasqueira has presented the Reserva da Família Bio 2023, the estate's first wine with organic certification, produced exclusively from Touriga Nacional, reinforcing the commitment of the producer and the WineStone group to sustainable viticulture in harmony with nature.Ravasqueira has just launched the Reserva da Família Bio 2023, the first wine from the estate to obtain organic certification, marking a new step in the sustainability strategy of the Alentejo producer and the WineStone group. Produced exclusively from the Touriga Nacional grape, the wine originates from the “Vinha da Ribeira” (Riverside Vineyard), one of the most emblematic plots of the Monte da Ravasqueira.
According to the company, this launch reflects an approach focused on respect for the land and the valorization of terroir. For David Baverstock, chairman winemaker at WineStone, the new wine “represents the essence of Ravasqueira,” uniting tradition, knowledge, and a continuous will to evolve, from the vineyard to the winery.
The grapes from this plot, farmed using organic production methods, were harvested manually and kept cold, followed by a maceration period of eight to ten days. Part of the lot was aged for one year in French oak barrels, contributing to the wine’s complexity and balance.
The Ravasqueira Reserva da Família Bio 2023 presents an intense and elegant aromatic profile, marked by floral notes of violet and rockrose, characteristic of Touriga Nacional, accompanied by red and black fruit such as blackberry and blueberry, as well as subtle nuances of vanilla and spices.
The edition is limited to approximately 3,500 bottles and is already available on the market. The production strictly follows the principles of organic agriculture, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem balance. In the vineyard, fertilization uses natural organic matter, and pest control is carried out through natural methods, while soil management prioritizes the preservation of fertility and water resources. In the winery, only certified grapes are used, with minimal intervention and reduced use of sulfites.
This launch occurs within a broader context of commitment to sustainability. In early 2025, Ravasqueira was distinguished with the National Reference for Sustainability Certification of the Vitivinicultural Sector, developed by the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho and ViniPortugal. The distinction recognizes practices aligned with sustainable environmental, social, and economic principles.
Situated within an estate spanning approximately 3,000 hectares, owned by the José de Mello family for over 80 years, Ravasqueira continues to preserve a mode of production that combines traditional agricultural techniques with precision agriculture, seeking to do more—and better—with fewer resources.
Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto 2021 hits the market with 92 Robert Parker points
31/12/2025Tapada de Coelheiros has launched the new vintage of its emblematic red wine, the 2021, distinguished with 92 points by the international publication Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate. The wine, produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet, stands out for its complexity, elegance, and structure.The 2021 agricultural year, marked by high rainfall and a mild summer, favored a slow and complete ripening, resulting in intense red wines with ripe fruit and subtle spice notes.
The Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto 2021 presents an intense ruby color, aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, spices, and cedar, and aging in wood that imparts nuances of vanilla. On the palate, it reveals fine tannins, freshness, notes of dark chocolate, spices, and a long finish with suggestions of coffee and toasted wood. Produced from pre-selected grapes from the estate, the wine results from regenerative agriculture practices, which, according to the agricultural director João Raposeira, reflect “a healthy life cycle for the soil and for the quality of the wines.”
For winemaker Luís Patrão, this new vintage is “the living expression of the territory and the meticulous work of the team,” now recognized by international critics.
Casa de Santar relaunches Vinha dos Amores Encruzado 2017 as Dão Nobre
31/12/2025Casa de Santar Vinhos has announced the relaunch of its iconic Vinha dos Amores Encruzado 2017, now distinguished with the Dão Nobre seal. This is a special, limited, and numbered edition that reinforces the wine's status as a benchmark of excellence in the Dão region.The “Dão Nobre” classification, awarded by the Tasting Panel of the Dão Regional Wine Commission (CVR Dão), recognizes only wines that achieve the highest quality standards, reflecting rigor, authenticity, and aging potential. The Vinha dos Amores Dão Nobre 2017 is produced exclusively from the Encruzado grape, standing out for its complexity, freshness, minerality, and elegance. The wine, under the winemaking of Paulo Prior, has already received multiple international distinctions: 90 points Robert Parker (2019 and 2021), 93 points Wine Spectator (2022), 92 points James Suckling (2023 and 2024), and 93 points Wine Enthusiast (2024). In 2022, it was also recognized as ‘Best Wine of Portugal’.
This limited edition includes 1,000 bottles of 75cl and 500 Magnum bottles (1.5 liters), all numbered and with a special neck tag. The recommended price is 45 euros for the standard bottle and 99 euros for the Magnum. It is available in restaurants, wine shops, specialty stores, and online, distributed by Vinalda. The Vinha dos Amores Dão Nobre 2017 presents an intense citrine color with greenish tones, aromas of white-fleshed fruit jam, and a fresh, harmonious, and persistent taste.
Duorum launches Vinha das Abelhas 2022, a limited and sustainable edition
30/12/2025Duorum has recently presented Vinha das Abelhas 2022, a premium wine limited to 1,973 bottles, produced from a field blend of 15 native Douro grape varieties. This single vineyard wine is the brand's second vineyard-specific wine, following Vinha dos Muros, and is aged for about 18 months in 300-liter French oak barrels, followed by one year in the bottle.The name honors bees, which are fundamental for biodiversity and Duorum’s sustainable viticulture, with hives located near the vineyards to support pollination and soil health. The harvest is entirely manual and sustainable, reflecting the company’s environmental commitment.
The wine, signed by winemakers João Perry and João Maria Portugal Ramos, exhibits great complexity and terroir expression. The recommended price is 50 euros, and it is available at wine shops and specialty stores.
Duorum, founded in 2007, operates in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior regions, with vineyards on terraced slopes ranging from 150 to 500 meters, focusing on native grape varieties and combining tradition with internationally recognized environmental practices.
QM Super Reserva Sparkling Wine: Quintas de Melgaço’s proposal for a memorable New Year’s Eve
30/12/2025Quintas de Melgaço suggests the QM Super Reserva Sparkling Wine 2022 as the ideal companion for end-of-year toasts, combining the delicacy, complexity, and tradition of the Vinho Verde region.The QM Super Reserva Sparkling Wine 2022, produced by Quintas de Melgaço, emerges as a sophisticated proposal for celebrating the arrival of the new year. Made exclusively with Alvarinho grapes, the queen of the Vinho Verde region, this sparkling wine follows the classic method, with a minimum aging of 24 months in the bottle, ensuring complexity and elegance in the final profile.
In the glass, it presents a yellowish color, fine and delicate bubbles, a slightly floral aroma, and notes of dried fruit. Versatile in pairing, it accompanies shellfish, fish dishes, and also meats such as kid goat or suckling pig, making it a memorable option for moments of conviviality with family or friends.
Signed by winemaker Jorge Sousa Pinto, the QM Super Reserva Sparkling Wine should be served between 8°C and 10°C, being ideal for the midnight toast. This sparkling wine represents the tradition, freshness, and quality that characterize Quintas de Melgaço’s wines, promising to mark New Year’s Eve with distinction and flavor.