Niepoort

The Niepoort family started shipping Port in 1842.

They have remained an independent family-run business ever since, with a longstanding international reputation for the quality and purity of their fortified wines. Porto Niepoort, as the company is often called, has become renowned for its Niepoort white port, Niepoort ruby port, and the prestigious Niepoort Vintage Port. But it was not until Dirk, fifth generation at the helm of the company, introduced a novel approach that Niepoort’s trajectory changed, revolutionising not only the company’s model but also the image of Portuguese wine worldwide. He transformed the company business from Port shipper to one of Portugal’s most iconic producers of both fortified and still wines, including artisan wines and high-quality table wines. This transformation was not just about diversifying the portfolio but about reimagining what Portuguese wines could be, setting new standards for quality and innovation in the region.

Dirk’s first crucial step was to purchase the family’s first own vineyards in 1987 – Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril in Cima Corgo, the Douro sub-region known to produce the best Port Wines. 15 hectares of vineyards were newly planted while 10 hectares of 60-year old vines were carefully maintained. This served as the springboard for the development of a more idiosyncratic fresh style of Port, including Late Bottled Vintage Port, and to the creation of the now extensive and impressive range of still wines Dirk has become so famous for. The acquisition of these vineyards marked a significant shift in the company’s philosophy, moving from purely trading to becoming intimately involved in every aspect of wine production. The old vines, with their deep roots and complex genetic heritage, provided the foundation for wines of exceptional character and depth, while the newly planted vineyards allowed for experimentation with different varieties and growing techniques.

The new Era started in 1991 with the release of the first Redoma red, marking the beginning of Niepoort’s innovative approach to winemaking.

His passion for wine and encyclopedic knowledge, both as a masterful winemaker and discerning taster, of the world’s most prestigious producers and distinctive terroirs fuel his boundless and insatiable curiosity. While his journey began by meticulously exploring and unlocking the full potential and unique expressiveness of the Douro region, including the enchanting and historically rich Vale de Mendiz, he has strategically expanded the family’s viticultural footprint to encompass two other significant Portuguese regions: the distinctive Dão and the characterful Bairrada. These three regions form what is now known as the Niepoort Triangle of terroirs: the rugged Schist (Douro), the mineral-rich Limestone (Bairrada), and the structured Granite (Dão). This thoughtful expansion has enabled Niepoort to craft an impressively diverse portfolio of wines, including the critically acclaimed and widely celebrated Niepoort Douro Branco and Niepoort Douro Tinto, each expressing their unique terroir with remarkable precision.

Niepoort’s distinctive identity – both the personal character of the man himself and the distinguished wine range he has created – is profoundly shaped by his numerous meaningful friendships, strategic partnerships, and innovative collaborations across the wine world. Dirk’s remarkable ability to captivate people’s imaginations and forge lasting relationships is perfectly complemented by his dynamic, energetic nature and his characteristic inability to decline exciting new projects. His ever-expanding portfolio now encompasses an impressive array of special projects crafted in various regions, both within Portugal’s borders and in international territories, always in close collaboration with other passionate winemakers. His chosen collaborators range from internationally recognized iconic winemakers to promising talented newcomers, whom Dirk enthusiastically supports and mentors with characteristic generosity and wisdom.

Dirk’s profound impact on how Portuguese wine and terroirs are perceived, both domestically and on the global stage, cannot be overstated.

Through his introduction of a disruptive yet exceptionally well-informed international perspective, he has facilitated a more authentic and contemporary understanding of Portugal’s diverse regions and indigenous grape varieties. This modern interpretation remains firmly rooted in a deeply respectful and humble appreciation of traditional winemaking methods and cultural heritage, creating a perfect bridge between the old and the new.