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Found 174 photos matching ″Winemaking″

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Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
Portuguese red wine studio shot.
A bottle of a Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos 1996 Vintage Porto Wine sits over a map of the Demarcated Region of the Douro with the Symignton’s estates indicated, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006. The Symington’s Family Estates produces some of the Porto and Douro finest wines and, with a share of over than 28% on the overall Porto Wine 400 million euros annual business, the Symignton’s became the leaders on the Porto Wine market. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970.
A bottle of a Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos 1996 Vintage Porto Wine sits over a map of the Demarcated Region of the Douro with the Symignton’s estates indicated, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006. The Symington’s Family Estates produces some of the Porto and Douro finest wines and, with a share of over than 28% on the overall Porto Wine 400 million euros annual business, the Symignton’s became the leaders on the Porto Wine market. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970.
A magnificent view of the Douro steep slopes, from the Quinta do Bomfim, near the village of Pinhao, Portugal on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006.
The village of Pinhao and the Douro river valley viewed from the Casal de Loivos belvedere where beneath is located the Quinta do Bomfim, Portugal on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006. Dow’s finest vineyard, acquired and planted by the firm in 1980, is situated in perhaps the most favorable location in the Upper Douro. This Quinta, classified ‘A’ grade, forms the core of Dow’s famed Vintage Ports. In ‘non-declared’ years, this estate produces wines of consistently high quality, which are selected and bottled as Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim. These wines are treated in all respects as Vintage Port and therefore should be stored lying down and decanted before serving. Quinta do Bomfim wines are normally ready to drink from about its tenth year but will also benefit by keeping for many more years.
Symignton’s Quinta do Bomfim estate vineyards, the snaky Douro river and valley viewed at dawn from the Casal de Loivos belvedere, Portugal on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006. Dow’s finest vineyard, acquired and planted by the firm in 1980, is situated in perhaps the most favorable location in the Upper Douro. This Quinta, classified ‘A’ grade, forms the core of Dow’s famed Vintage Ports. In ‘non-declared’ years, this estate produces wines of consistently high quality, which are selected and bottled as Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim. These wines are treated in all respects as Vintage Port and therefore should be stored lying down and decanted before serving. Quinta do Bomfim wines are normally ready to drink from about its tenth year but will also benefit by keeping for many more years.
A British flag seen at the Symington’s Quinta do Bomfim estate house near the village of Pinhao, Portugal on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006, denotes the origins of this Scottish family. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
Quinta do Bomfim vineyards seen at dawn near the village of Pinhao, Portugal on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006. Dow’s finest vineyard, acquired and planted by the firm in 1980, is situated in perhaps the most favorable location in the Upper Douro. This Quinta, classified ‘A’ grade, forms the core of Dow’s famed Vintage Ports. In ‘non-declared’ years, this estate produces wines of consistently high quality, which are selected and bottled as Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim. These wines are treated in all respects as Vintage Port and therefore should be stored lying down and decanted before serving. Quinta do Bomfim wines are normally ready to drink from about its tenth year but will also benefit by keeping for many more years.
A bottle of Dow’s 1970 ruby Porto Wine sits on the dinning table at the Symington’s Quinta do Bomfim estate in Pinhao, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Dow 1970 deservedly ranked amongst the centuries best Vintage Ports. This wine has now reached its full maturity and is ready for drinking. As it ages further, it will begin to gently develop into more a tawny style wine. It is always a memorable occasion to drink a 1970 Dow’s.
A picture of Andrew James Symignton hangs on the wall of the dinning room where a table is prepared for a special dinner at Quinta do Bomfim estate house, near Pinhao, where some of the Symington’s best Douro DOC table wines were sampled along with a special 1970 Dow’s Porto wine, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Two Symington’s private white Douro table wines and three red Douro DOC table wines - Chryseia 2004, Post Scriptum 2004 and a Quinta Roriz 2004) where sampled at dinner. All wines presenting excellent qualities at all levels but the Chriseia 2004 may be considered as an outstanding Douro DOC table wine. The Chryseia 2004, made from a rigorous selection of grapes from Quinta da Vila Velha, Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta do Vesuvio and Prats & Symington’s recently acquired Quinta da Perdiz, with a the total crush over 160,000 kg. The Chryseia 2004 blend represents only 38% of what was vinified and allowed for 36,000 bottles. A further 42% was blended into Post Scriptum de Chryseia, the second wine of Prats & Symington Lda.
Bottles of Symington’s Porto Wines lined up on a counter for a tasting sesseion at the Quinta do Bomfim estate in Pinhao, Portugal on Thursday, oct. 12, 2006. The private Porto Wine sampling, conducted by the Symington’s Public Relations Manager – Mrs. Jacqueline Valsassina, offered a unique possibility to appreciate nine of the best Porto Wines brands made in the Symington’s estates in the Demarcated Region o the Douro – Graham’s (The Tawny and 1980 Vintage), Warre’s (OTIMA 10 and 20 Years and an 1995 LBV), Cavadinha (Single Quinta Port 1992 & 1998), Dow’s (Vintage 2003) and a Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage 2003.
Bottles of Symington’s Porto Wines lined up on a counter for a tasting sesseion at the Quinta do Bomfim estate in Pinhao, Portugal on Thursday, oct. 12, 2006. The private Porto Wine sampling, conducted by the Symington’s Public Relations Manager – Mrs. Jacqueline Valsassina, offered a unique possibility to appreciate nine of the best Porto Wines brands made in the Symington’s estates in the Demarcated Region o the Douro – Graham’s (The Tawny and 1980 Vintage), Warre’s (OTIMA 10 and 20 Years and an 1995 LBV), Cavadinha (Single Quinta Port 1992 & 1998), Dow’s (Vintage 2003) and a Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage 2003.
Bottles of Symington’s Porto Wines lined up on a counter for a tasting sesseion at the Quinta do Bomfim estate in Pinhao, Portugal on Thursday, oct. 12, 2006. The private Porto Wine sampling, conducted by the Symington’s Public Relations Manager – Mrs. Jacqueline Valsassina, offered a unique possibility to appreciate nine of the best Porto Wines brands made in the Symington’s estates in the Demarcated Region o the Douro – Graham’s (The Tawny and 1980 Vintage), Warre’s (OTIMA 10 and 20 Years and an 1995 LBV), Cavadinha (Single Quinta Port 1992 & 1998), Dow’s (Vintage 2003) and a Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage 2003.
Bottles of Symington’s Porto Wines lined up on a counter for a tasting sesseion at the Quinta do Bomfim estate in Pinhao, Portugal on Thursday, oct. 12, 2006. The private Porto Wine sampling, conducted by the Symington’s Public Relations Manager – Mrs. Jacqueline Valsassina, offered a unique possibility to appreciate nine of the best Porto Wines brands made in the Symington’s estates in the Demarcated Region o the Douro – Graham’s (The Tawny and 1980 Vintage), Warre’s (OTIMA 10 and 20 Years and an 1995 LBV), Cavadinha (Single Quinta Port 1992 & 1998), Dow’s (Vintage 2003) and a Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage 2003.
Three bottles of Porto Wine made throughout three distinct processes, for a unique and different type of tasting, sit on a table in the robotic lagares at Quinta da cavadinha in Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The three wines are made from the same grapes from the same Quintas but by the three different processes – Traditional, Robotic and Plunger Lagares. On the nose tasting, there is almost no perceptible difference between the three types of wines while in the tasting tasting the Plunger and the Robotic Lagar types have a more similar texture and flavor, being the Plunger type a bit more bodied. Even thought, the Traditional Lagar wine type doesn’t sit behind the other two, qualitatively speaking, but the wine seems a to be less bodied and richer.
An oak wine cask filled with 2006 wine produced at the Quinta da Cavadinha robotic lagares, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The Quinta da Cavadinha estate, where the Warre’s Porto Wine is produced, was established back in 1670, in the Douro region but it only became part of the Symington family by the year of 1883 when Andrew James Symington was admitted into partnership in the firm of Warre & Co having arrived from Scotland in 1882 and worked alongside the existing members of the Warre family since then.
Grape bunches hang on a “Latada”, a vertical type of vine plantation, viewed at the Quinta da Cavadinha estate, Portugal on Friday, Oct 6, 2006. In this region, the “Latadas” are generally used to build porches and not as a main vine plantation method for production vineyards. The Quinta da Cavadinha estate, where the Warre’s Porto Wine is produced, was established back in 1670, in the Douro region but it only became part of the Symington family by the year of 1883 when Andrew James Symington was admitted into partnership in the firm of Warre & Co having arrived from Scotland in 1882 and worked alongside the existing members of the Warre family since then.
A “Latada”, a vertical type of vine plantation, viewed at the Quinta da Cavadinha estate, Portugal on Friday, Oct 6, 2006. In this region, the “Latadas” are generally used to build porches and not as a main vine plantation method for production vineyards. The Quinta da Cavadinha estate, where the Warre’s Porto Wine is produced, was established back in 1670, in the Douro region but it only became part of the Symington family by the year of 1883 when Andrew James Symington was admitted into partnership in the firm of Warre & Co having arrived from Scotland in 1882 and worked alongside the existing members of the Warre family since then.
Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha main house in Douro viewed from the road that crosses the estate, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The Quinta da Cavadinha estate, where the Warre’s Porto Wine is produced, was established back in 1670, in the Douro region but it only became part of the Symington family by the year of 1883 when Andrew James Symington was admitted into partnership in the firm of Warre & Co having arrived from Scotland in 1882 and worked alongside the existing members of the Warre family since then.
A view of the valley where it is located the Symignton’s Quinta da Cavadinha, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. There are different types of vineyards’ layouts in this estate, which produces some of the finest Warre’s Porto Wine.
Plunger devices used to shatter the grapes for wine producing at Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha estate lagar in Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2003. The Plunger system works by slowly rotating and lowering a fan inside the stainless steel deposit over the grapes. The wine produced with method results in a more consistent or strong density wine, even though, maintaining the excellent qualities and character of the wines. Usually it is used when the six robotic lagares are full and in excess grapes have to be processed.
The robotic stainless steel lagares viewed at the Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha estate in Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The Quinta da Cavadinha lagar has six robotic lagars working, which process approximately 600 000 kg (1 322 773 pounds) of grapes in one month of harvesting. Interesting note is the fine combination achieved of the traditional schistose rock walls with the stainless steel equipment.
The robotic stainless steel lagar shattering device viewed at the Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha estate in Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. This piece of equipment produces a pressure on the grapes of 120 gr/sq cm (27.3OZ/sq inch), similar to the pressure made by the men feet on the traditional method. Producing port in lagares has consistently proved to be amongst the best methods for making the finest quality wines. The Symington family wine makers produce as much wine as possible employing this system and currently make some 2000 pipes (1.068,000 litres / 282 135 US Gallons) in lagares. Due to the increasing difficulties in finding people to tread, the Symington’s have looked to produce wines in a similar fashion but in a mechanized way and maintaining their renowned quality Porto Wines. Charles Symington, wine maker, feels proud of the fact that they were the first company to conceive and build a totally automatic shattering machine that, in the case of Warre’s lagar, represents and investment of more than 135 000 euros (169 000 USD).
The robotic stainless steel lagar shattering device viewed at the Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha estate in Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. This piece of equipment produces a pressure on the grapes of 120 gr/sq cm (27.3OZ/sq inch), similar to the pressure made by the men feet on the traditional method. Producing port in lagares has consistently proved to be amongst the best methods for making the finest quality wines. The Symington family wine makers produce as much wine as possible employing this system and currently make some 2000 pipes (1.068,000 litres / 282 135 US Gallons) in lagares. Due to the increasing difficulties in finding people to tread, the Symington’s have looked to produce wines in a similar fashion but in a mechanized way and maintaining their renowned quality Porto Wines. Charles Symington, wine maker, feels proud of the fact that they were the first company to conceive and build a totally automatic shattering machine that, in the case of Warre’s lagar, represents and investment of more than 135 000 euros (169 000 USD).
A robotic stainless steel lagar control panel detail at the Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha estate in Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Producing port in lagares has consistently proved to be amongst the best methods for making the finest quality wines. The Symington family wine makers produce as much wine as possible employing this system and currently make some 2000 pipes (1.068,000 litres / 282 135 US Gallons) in lagares. Due to the increasing difficulties in finding people to tread, the Symington’s have looked to produce wines in a similar fashion but in a mechanized way and maintaining their renowned quality Porto Wines. Charles Symington, wine maker, feels proud of the fact that they were the first company to conceive and build a totally automatic shattering machine that, in the case of Warre’s lagar, represents and investment of more than 135 000 euros (169 000 USD).
A robotic lagar is lifted to show how the grapes are withdraw from the lagar after being shattered by a mechanical process at the Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha estate in Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Producing port in lagares has consistently proved to be amongst the best methods for making the finest quality wines. The Symington family wine makers produce as much wine as possible employing this system and currently make some 2000 pipes (1.068,000 litres / 282 135 US Gallons) in lagares. Due to the increasing difficulties in finding people to tread, the Symington’s have looked to produce wines in a similar fashion but in a mechanized way and maintaining their renowned quality Porto Wines. Charles Symington, wine maker, feels proud of the fact that they were the first company to conceive and build a totally automatic shattering machine that, in the case of Warre’s lagar, represents and investment of more than 135 000 euros (169 000 USD).
A “Vinha ao alto” vineyard viewed at Quinta da Cavadinha estate in the Demarcated Region of the Douro, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In terms of vineyard layout, planting in the Douro poses a multitude of problems essentially associated with the very steep and rocky terrain which is more suited to goats than grapes. The “Vinha ao alto”, or vertical planting of the rows up the face of the slopes, is the most recent stage in vineyard development. It is generally considered that 30º is the maximum gradient for planting with “vinha ao alto” because of the capabilities of the tractors and the minimization of soil erosion. The “vinha ao alto” is always planted in blocks of a single variety while the two more traditional methods are a more or less random mixture of grape varieties.
Mr. Joaquim Andrade, manager of the Graham’s Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, holds a glass of a tawny Vintage Porto Wine, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Mr. Joaquim Andrade, along with Dr. Isabel Ribeiro, is responsible to maintain, and develop this historical, commercial and marketing area of the Graham’s Symington Family businesses. The Lodge creation, which receives annually more than 80 000 visitors, was one of the dreams of this man who has been working with the Symington’s for more than two decades.
Glasses of different Graham’s Porto Wines sit on a table to be tasted by tourists visiting the producers’ wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The color of Port Wine varies from deep red to light gold; all intermediate tones (red, golden red, gold) are possible. There are several tones of White Port (pale, straw and golden white) that are closely linked to the methods by which they are made. White Ports that have aged many years in wood acquire a golden color similar to that of very old tawnies.
Glasses of different Graham’s Porto Wines sit on a table to be tasted by tourists visiting the producers’ wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The color of Port Wine varies from deep red to light gold; all intermediate tones (red, golden red, gold) are possible. There are several tones of White Port (pale, straw and golden white) that are closely linked to the methods by which they are made. White Ports that have aged many years in wood acquire a golden color similar to that of very old tawnies.
Tourists enjoy the offered Porto Wines at the Graham's Port Lodge and artifacts museum lounge in the producer’s Vila Nova de Gaia cellars, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. According with the manager of this Lodge, Mr. Joaquim Andrade, a new paid Porto tasting space is to be opened till the end of 2006, where visitors may taste the finest Vintage Graham’s Porto Wines for a reasonable price.
Glasses of different Graham’s Porto Wines sit on a table to be tasted by tourists visiting the producers’ wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Tourists are offered a free guided tour of the lodge, where thousands of casks hold Port at various stages of maturation and have the opportunity to taste some of the Ports, whilst enjoying the spectacular views over the old city at Oporto. Graham’s Port Lodge belongs to the Symington family since 1970 when the firm of W & J Graham was acquired.
A Graham’s Vintage Porto Wine accounting book from the years 1899/1900 sit on a desk at the producers’ wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Every detail of the production was recorded in these books, like the workers payments, number of workers, grapes total weight processed art each phase of the wine production and amounts due and paid.
A Graham’s Vintage Porto Wine accounting book from the years 1899/1900 sit on a desk at the producers’ wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Every detail of the production was recorded in these books, like the workers payments, number of workers, grapes total weight processed art each phase of the wine production and amounts due and paid.
Dom Luis I Bridge viewed from a verandah at the Graham’s Porto Wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The bridge, linking the two banks of the Douro River at the UNESCO Heritage area in Oporto, was engineered by a student of Eiffel. The bridge links Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia on two levels. The pier on the lower right is a remnant of a suspended bridge that was dismantled in 1887.
A Graham’s ancient vineyard production log book sit on a desk next to very old Porto Wine bottles at the Graham’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
Tourists enter the Graham's Port Lodge and artifacts museum lounge to start their visits, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Tourists are offered a free guided tour of the lodge, where thousands of casks hold Port at various stages of maturation and have the opportunity to taste some of the Ports, whilst enjoying the spectacular views over the old city at Oporto. Graham’s Port Lodge belongs to the Symington family since 1970 when the firm of W & J Graham was acquired.
A model of a Rabelo boat sits between the wine casks at the Graham’s Porto Wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The Rabelo boats are traditional ships, which, until 1965, transported port along the snaky and treacherous Douro River to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. The journey, of more than 150km (93 miles), could take about 3 days and 3 nights and the four boatmen onboard slept and ate on the vessel during the journey. With a robust build and elegant profile, the beautiful wooden boat originally measured 6 meters (19 ft) in length, with a very high sail and a capacity for 8 wine casks or barrels of Porto Wine. Today, the remaining boats are a reminder of the early stages of the Porto Wine trade.
Vats filled with the finest Porto wines stored at the Graham’s wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The capacity of each of these vats is of approximately 27 500 liters (7 264 US Gallons), but this type of wine aging and storage units can go up to 130 000 liters (34 342 US Gallons).
Wooden stairs, leading to the cellars museum rooms sit between two huge vats of Porto Wine at the Graham’s wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
A traditional grape press seen at the Graham’s Porto Wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
Vats filled with the finest Porto wines stored at the Graham’s wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The capacity of each of these vats is of approximately 27 500 liters (7 264 US Gallons), but this type of wine aging and storage units can go up to 130 000 liters (34 342 US Gallons).
Graham’s Porto Wine matures in the oak casks at the Graham’s Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
A model of the Quinta dos Malvedos estate is seen at the Graham’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Graham's Quinta dos Malvedos is rated among the finest vineyard properties in the Alto Douro and was acquired by the company in 1890. The Quinta's name is derived from the notorious rapids known as the 'Malvedos' or 'bad ways' which existed below the property before dams were built on the Douro River. The flagship of Graham's vineyards, Malvedos embraces the steep gradients which dominate the tiny village of Tua, the cascading stream of the same name and its confluence with the majestic Douro. A single track railway meanders along the river bank. The smell of gum cistus and wild lavender fills the clear mountain air.
A 1994 Vintage Porto Wine cask stored at the Graham’s wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. According with the Wine Spectator, on15th June 1996, the 1994 Graham’s Port was given the classification of 95 –100 Points. The Wine Spectator says “One of the greatest Graham vintage Ports ever. A monster of a wine. Incredibly intense aromas of cassis bush and ripe fruit, full-bodied and super tannic. It’s got what it takes”.
Graham’s Porto Wine matures in the oak casks at the Graham’s Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
1972 Graham’s Porto Wine matures in the oak casks at the Graham’s Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
The Graham’s “jewel of the crown” cellar at the Vila Nova de Gaia facilities, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. The #2 cellar is where some of the Symington’s most valuable Porto Wine bottles are stored. Graham’s Vintage Porto Wines from 1955, 1963, 1966 and much older, to Quinta dos Malvedos Porto Wines, the finest and oldest bottles sit at this locked and highly protected cellar of the Symington Family.
Thousands of Graham’s Vintage Porto Wine bottles stored at a protected wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
Thousands of Graham’s Vintage Porto Wine 2000 bottles stored at a protected wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
Thousands of Graham’s Vintage Porto Wine 2000 bottles stored at a protected wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970. The Symington Family is nowadays the major Porto Wine producer, having a 28% share of the annual 400 million Euros Porto Wine businesses.
Employees prepare the Graham's Port Lodge and artifacts museum commercial area before the tourists start their visits, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. Tourists are offered a free guided tour of the lodge, where thousands of casks hold Port at various stages of maturation and have the opportunity to taste some of the Ports, whilst enjoying the spectacular views over the old city at Oporto. Graham’s Port Lodge belongs to the Symington family since 1970 when the firm of W & J Graham was acquired.
A Graham’s Malvedos Single Quinta Vintage Port 1996 bottle beside its Gold award certificate attributed by the International Wine & Spirit Competition displayed at the Graham’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006. In 1882 Andrew James Symington, a young Scot whose family was well known to the Grahams, took up a position with Graham's in Oporto. Although after a few years he left the company to join another Port shipping business, the firm of W & J Graham was acquired by the Symington family, his descendants, in 1970, which are the producers of the Quinta dos Malvedos Porto Wine.
Porto Wine casks sit on the deck of a Quinta da Cavadinha estate Rabelo boat at the Gaia quay, in Oporto, Portugal on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006. The Quinta da Cavadinha estate, where the Warre’s Porto Wine is produced, was established back in 1670, in the Douro region but it only became part of the Symington family by the year of 1883 when Andrew James Symington was admitted into partnership in the firm of Warre & Co having arrived from Scotland in 1882 and worked alongside the existing members of the Warre family since then.
Porto Wine casks sit on the deck of a Quinta da Cavadinha estate Rabelo boat at the Gaia quay, in Oporto, Portugal on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006. The Quinta da Cavadinha estate, where the Warre’s Porto Wine is produced, was established back in 1670, in the Douro region but it only became part of the Symington family by the year of 1883 when Andrew James Symington was admitted into partnership in the firm of Warre & Co having arrived from Scotland in 1882 and worked alongside the existing members of the Warre family since then.
View of the soil being prepared, at Quinta da Vista Alegre, for the mechanized type of vineyards, a convertion being made at the Douro region Quintas (Estates), Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The mechanized process enables a more profitable use of the terrain for the wine production. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
Bunches of grapes of Tinto Cão chaste hang on the vine at the vineyards at the Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
A bunch of grapes of Tinto Cão chaste hang on the vine at the vineyards at the Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
A sign shows the way to the garden
A detail view of the old vineyards, of Touriga Franca grape chaste, at the Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
The Quinta da Vista Alegre vineyards' patterns seen over the Douro River banks, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
A view of the old vineyards, of Touriga Franca grape chaste, at the Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
A view of the old vineyards, of Touriga Franca grape chaste, at the Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
A truck loaded with boxes full of grapes descends the steep slopes at the vineyards of the Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The harvesting in Douro starts by the beginning of September and ends by the first weeks of October. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
Bunches of Barroca chaste grapes sit inside a plastic box at the vineyards of Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The harvesting in Douro starts by the beginning of September and ends by the first weeks of October. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
Plastic boxes filled with Barroca chaste grapes lined up at the vineyards at Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
A woman holds a bunch of Barroca chaste grapes showing signs of corruption caused by the rain of the first week of October at Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The rain at this stage of the harvesting can destroy a great amount of grapes and because of this it is very important the knowledge of the people while harvesting to avoid bad grapes to get into the Lagar for the winemaking process.
A man walks between the vines to pick the boxes full of grapes at the vineyards of Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. Each box full of grapes weighs about 30 kgs (66 Lbs). People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
Mr. Luciano Branco, farmer, uses a
Mr. Luciano Branco, farmer, uses a
Boxes full of grapes, weighing about 30 kgs (66 Lbs), sit on the vineyards at Quinta da Vista Alegre, waiting to be picked by a truck that has to climb huge the steep slopes, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
A woman carry a box full of grapes, weighing about 30 kgs (66 Lbs), on the steep slopes of the vineyards at Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
Women carry boxes full of grapes, weighing about 30 kgs (66 Lbs), on the steep slopes of the vineyards at Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
A carries a plastic box filled with grapes for the winemaking at Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
The Quinta da Vista Alegre vineyards' patterns seen over the Douro River banks, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
The Quinta da Vista Alegre vineyards' patterns seen over the Douro River banks, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
The Quinta da Vista Alegre vineyards' patterns seen over the Douro River banks, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
A group of people in the harvest duties at the vineyards at Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
A group of people in the harvest duties at the vineyards at Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
A woman, seen at the vineyards, in the grape hand picking process at Quinta da Vista Alegre, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
Bunches of Barroca chaste grapes sit inside a plastic box at the vineyards of Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The harvesting in Douro starts by the beginning of September and ends by the first weeks of October. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
The Quinta da Vista Alegre vineyards' patterns seen over the Douro River banks, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
The Quinta da Vista Alegre old vineyards seen over the Douro River banks, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The company whose shareholders represent the fifth generation of a family, with its origins dating back the 19th century, deep rooted in the Douro region, produces fine Porto Wines and more recently DOC Douro Table Wines. Located in the right bank of the Douro River, between the mouth of the Pinhão river and Covas do Douro, this Quinta occupies today an area of 65 ha, producing the grapes chaste Touriga NAcional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Sousão and Tinto Cão. The company uses now the brand name of VALLEGRE, Vinhos do Porto S.A., where the name VALLEGRE is the joint of names from their two most important estates (Quintas), Valle Longo and Vista Alegre. The produced Porto wines are now sold on more than 20 countries worldwide. One of the singularities of this company is that all its business activities, except marketing, is made in the region where the wine is produced, even the wine bottling process and export packaging is made at the estates. The majority of the other Porto Wine producers bottle their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, 188 kms (116,8 miles) west from the Douro vineyard region. Despite the use of technological advanced equipments for the winemaking process, the company still uses the traditional ‘Lagares’ to produce their top range finest LBV’s and Vintage’s Port wines.
Bunches of Barroca chaste grapes sit inside a plastic box at the vineyards of Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The harvesting in Douro starts by the beginning of September and ends by the first weeks of October. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.
Two men harvest the vineyards at Quinta da Vista Alegre during the harvesting time, Portugal on Saturday, Oct 7, 2006. The harvesting in Douro starts by the beginning of September and ends by the first weeks of October. People who do the grapes' harvesting have to deal with extreme working conditions, from high heat to extremely difficult schistous rocky paths, heavy loads and all day long being bent to pick the grapes manually. Despite these difficulties, men and women, keep singing traditional Portuguese songs while they work, contrasting with the silence of the high hillsides and breath taking landscapes of the Douro valley.