Producer Profile
Dow's
Dow’s have been producing legendary ports for over two centuries. Cementing their status as one of the finest producers in history. Part of Symington Family Estates, the Douro Valleys leading vineyard owner. Dow’s have a reputation for excellence, as they are part of a family business founded on commitment and innovation.
In 1798, a Portuguese merchant named Bruno da Silva made the opposite journey to many merchants at the time and travelled to London. There he began importing wine from Portugal and soon developed a solid reputation. In 1862, Bruno’s son, John da Silva went into partnership and established Silva & Cosens. The company flourished and grew, eventually joining Warres. Then, in 1877, they merged with another port house, Dow & Co. It was decided that the company would adopt the name Dow’s. They quickly established themselves are one of the leading names in the Port trade.
Since 1912, five generations of Symington winemakers have lived and worked at Dow’s vineyards at Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. Producing many memorable wines, including some of the highest ever awarded Vintage Ports. The Dow’s name has long-been associated with carefully crafted ports, with a distinctive, drier profile.
Dow’s Vintage Port represents the pinnacle of winemaking. It is only produced I exceptional years – typically two or three times per decade. Over many years, the Symington family have focused of strengthening Dow’s reputation as a Vintage Port producer. Their efforts were rewarded with the 2007 vintage when they earned a perfect 100-point score. This was swiftly followed with the success of the 2011 vintage, which was awarded the number one spot in Wine Spectators ‘Top 100 Wines’.
