Discovering the Symington Family Legacy in the Douro Valley
The Symington family has called the Douro Valley home for over 130 years. For five generations, they’ve blended a passion for crafting premium ports and wines with a genuine commitment to the land and its people. This isn’t just about making wine; it’s about honoring a rich heritage and nurturing a unique region that’s as much a part of their identity as the vines themselves.
Key Figures and Facts About the Symington Estate
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes the Symington family stand out:
- Owners of four leading port houses: Graham’s, Dow’s, Warre’s, and Cockburn’s.
- Manage a portfolio of Douro wines including Quinta do Vesuvio, Quinta do Ataíde, Altano, and Prats & Symington.
- Recently launched Quinta da Fonte Souto in the Alto Alentejo sub-region.
- Leading vineyard owners in the Douro Valley with 26 Quintas covering 2,255 ha total, 1,024 ha under vine.
- Largest vineyard: Quinta do Vesuvio with 133 ha; smallest: Quinta da Madalena with 7 ha.
- 112 ha of certified organic vineyards—the largest in northern Portugal.
Vineyards Rooted in Tradition and Nature
The Douro Valley is the world’s largest mountain vineyard area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Symington vineyards are planted on steep, terraced hillsides where much of the work is still done by hand—something increasingly rare in the wine world. Their indigenous vines naturally produce low yields but incredibly high-quality grapes, perfectly adapted to the climate and the schistous soils that drain so well. It’s a beautiful balance of nature and tradition.
Historic Vineyards and Family Farming
Many of the region’s historic vineyards belong to the Symington family, including famous names like Vesuvio, Malvedos, Bomfim, and Cavadinha. What’s unique here is that all working family members actively farm their own vineyards alongside those owned by the family company. This hands-on approach keeps the connection to the land alive and thriving, ensuring the highest standards and a personal touch in every bottle.
Innovation Meets Heritage in Viticulture and Winemaking
Innovation is key for the Symingtons. They have a dedicated R&D team running experimental vineyards at Quinta da Cavadinha, Quinta do Ataíde, and Quinta do Bomfim. Their grape variety libraries—53 varieties at Ataíde and 31 at Bomfim—are the largest collections of indigenous grapes in Portugal. These projects aim to preserve viticultural heritage while studying how vines adapt to climate change. Plus, they pioneered the first modern treading lagar in 1998, a game-changer for premium port production, now used in four estate wineries.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to Symington’s Work
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting local agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Creating jobs and supporting local communities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Organic vineyards and minimal intervention policies.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Research on vine adaptation to climate change.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Preserving natural Mediterranean scrub and biodiversity.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborations with universities and community projects.
Community Engagement and Wine Tourism Excellence
The Symington family doesn’t just focus on vineyards and wine—they’re deeply invested in their community. For over a decade, they’ve donated ambulances to Volunteer Fire Brigades in the Douro, supported Bagos d’Ouro (helping underprivileged children), and provided scholarships for viticulture and oenology students at UTAD, Portugal’s top university in this field. They also sponsor the UTAD birds of prey program, releasing rehabilitated birds back into the wild. On the tourism side, their three award-winning visitor centres—Graham’s 1890 Lodge, Cockburn’s Port Cellars, and Quinta do Bomfim—offer passionate, knowledgeable guides and a taste of Portuguese gastronomy at Vinum restaurant. It’s a full-circle experience that celebrates both culture and community.
