| Region of production: | Douro |
| Winery Location: | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| Year Established: | 1751 |
Vineyard Holdings
875 ha (520 ha planted) throughout Douro Superior, Baixo, and Cima Corgo.
- Quinta da Leda (76 ha): Grade A/B vineyard located in Douro Superior that provides the base for Barca Velha. Purchased in 1990.
- Quinta do Caedo (20 ha): Grade A vineyard located in Douro Superior with both east- and west-facing slopes. Purchased in 1990.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Vintage Ruby: Approximately 1,200 case production from Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Barroca.
- Dona Antonia Reserve: Produced as a Tawny Port and a White Port.
- Barca Velha: Produced from Quinta da Leda fruit since 2001. Inaugural vintage 1952.
Summary
Founded by Jose Ferreira in 1751, Ferreira is often called “the Portuguese brand” as it’s the only house that has stayed under Portuguese control since its inception. Under the ownership of granddaughter Dona Antónia Adelaide, Ferreira expanded and became a reference point for Vintage Port and Douro wines. The house was owned and operated by the family until its purchase in 1998 by the Guedes family, owners of Sogrape Vinhos. Ferreira is well known for introducing what is considered the Duoro’s first great table wine, Barca-Velha, in 1952. In addition, their Dona Antonia Reserva is the top premium Port sold in Portugal. Production is over a quarter million cases annually.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Ferreira specializes in Tawny Port, and its Vintage Port tends to be lighter in style. The fruit is hand-harvested, partially destemmed, and lightly crushed. The house employs a longer than average maceration time in lagares before and during fermentation.
Producer Website: Ferreira