05/25/2026
Our resident sommelier narrates his trip to in the gorgeous Porto, Portugal
“Today in Porto, I had the chance to visit one of Portugal’s most legendary producers: Niepoort.
Founded in 1842, this family-run winery has become one of the most respected names in both Port and Douro wines, blending deep tradition with an incredibly modern, thoughtful approach to winemaking.
What makes Niepoort so fascinating is how much the family helped shape the evolution of Portuguese wine. For generations they were known for exceptional Port wines, but Dirk Niepoort helped push the Douro Valley into the global spotlight for elegant, world-class still wines as well. The winery still uses many traditional techniques today, including foot-treading grapes in historic granite lagares, a practice that feels almost sacred when you see it in person.
Some of their most famous wines include Batuta, one of Portugal’s most iconic red wines, known for its structure and incredible aging potential, and Charme, a lighter, Burgundian-inspired Douro red that wine lovers obsess over. Their Redoma wines helped redefine what modern Douro wines could be, while Niepoort Vintage Ports remain some of the most collectible in Portugal. And of course, their “Fabelhaft” wines have become beloved for being approachable, expressive, and endlessly drinkable.
Beyond the wine itself, the entire experience felt deeply connected to history, family, and place. Steep vineyards, centuries-old cellars, the Douro influence everywhere; the kind of visit that reminds you wine is never just about what’s in the glass. It’s culture, story, landscape, and people all woven together.“
