History

INSPIRING AND INHOSPITABLE, FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT

The first record of the Quinta da Ferradosa dates to the end of the nineteenth century, when it was owned by the Borges family.

In the early twentieth century the vineyard was bought by the Real Companhia Velha, the oldest Port Wine company.

After the construction of the Valeira damn further down the river caused the water levels to rise, a large area of the Quinta da Ferradosa’s vines was submered. This in turn affected the winegrowing potential and hindered accesses to the Quinta.

In the 90s, the Quinta was purchased by Joaquim Manuel Calem, owner of AA Cálem & Filho Lda. – one of the main Portuguese companies that produced and exported port wine, – founded by his great-great grandfather. The business was kept in the family until being sold, along with the brand name, in the twenty-first century. The properties however, were kept and managed by the family.

Joaquim Manuel Cálem, father of the current proprietor, had a great passion for Ferradosa, where he planted thirteen hectares with the regions three main grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. He was also responsible for the installation of electricity in the property, having in mind great plans for the rehabilitation of the existing granite ruins, aiming to return the Quinta to its former glory days.

In 2006, Joaquim Manuel passed away, leaving the property to his son, also named Joaquim. Bearing the same desire to invest in this remote, inhospitable and inspiring property, it is in the hands of Joaquim, the son, that the vineyard is flourishing and becoming the Douro’s most romantic Quinta.