Dow's, Porto Vintage DOC

About Dow`s

Dow’s is a distinguished producer of Port wine, with roots tracing back to 1798 in Portugal’s Douro Valley. The house was founded by Bruno da Silva, a Portuguese merchant who established himself in London and began importing wine from his homeland. The company, originally known as Silva & Cosens, merged with Dow & Co. in 1877, adopting the Dow’s name. This union brought together two families with deep ties to the Douro, setting the foundation for Dow’s reputation for producing some of the finest Ports in the region.

Today, Dow’s remains under the stewardship of the Symington family, who have been involved in the Port trade for over five generations. The family’s hands-on approach and commitment to traditional winemaking methods have been instrumental in maintaining the house’s legacy. Dow’s owns two of the Douro’s most celebrated vineyards: Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. These estates are located in the Upper Douro, an area recognized for its schistous soils and steep terraced vineyards, ideal for growing high-quality grapes. The combination of these prime terroirs and meticulous vineyard management ensures the exceptional character of Dow’s Ports.

Dow’s is especially noted for its Vintage Ports, which are only declared in exceptional years. These wines are known for their distinctive drier style, achieved by allowing fermentation to continue slightly longer before fortification. This approach results in Ports with remarkable structure, depth, and longevity. Dow’s Vintage Ports are celebrated for their dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and aromatic complexity, often displaying notes of violets, mint, and spice. The house also produces aged Tawny Ports, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), and other styles, each reflecting the unique Dow’s signature: elegance, balance, and a persistent, dry finish.

Innovation and sustainability are central to Dow’s philosophy. The Symington family has invested in modern winemaking facilities while preserving traditional practices, such as foot-treading in granite lagares for some of their top wines. Environmental stewardship is also a priority, with initiatives focused on biodiversity, water management, and renewable energy across their estates. These efforts ensure that Dow’s remains a responsible guardian of the Douro’s heritage and landscape.

Dow’s Ports have received international acclaim, with several vintages earning top scores from critics and prestigious awards. The 2007 and 2011 Vintage Ports, in particular, have been lauded for their exceptional quality and aging potential. Dow’s commitment to excellence extends to every stage of production, from vine to bottle, resulting in wines that are both expressive of their origin and capable of long-term cellaring.

In summary, Dow’s stands as a pillar of the Port wine world, blending centuries-old tradition with forward-thinking practices. The house’s dedication to quality, its exceptional vineyards, and the expertise of the Symington family continue to define Dow’s as a leading producer of Ports that capture the essence of the Douro Valley.