| Region of production: | Douro |
| Winery Location: | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| Year Established: | 1877 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Quinta do Bomfim (53 ha): Bomfim means “good end.” Grade A, southwest-facing vineyard located in Cima Corgo. Purchased in 1896.
- Quinta Senhora da Ribeira (21 ha): Grade A, north-facing vineyard in Douro Superior situated 15 miles upriver from Bomfim. Originally purchased in 1890, sold in 1954, and reacquired in 1998.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Quinta do Bomfim: Bomfim makes up the core of the Vintage Ruby in excellent years and a Single Quinta bottling is produced in non-vintage years. Inaugural vintage 1978.
- Quinta Senhora da Ribeira: Together with Quinta do Bomfim, Senhora da Ribeira makes the majority blend of Dow’s Vintage Port in declared years. Quinta Vintage Port is made in non-declared years and released en primeur. Inaugural vintage 1978.
Summary
Bruno da Silva, a Portuguese merchant who made his base in London and imported wine from Oporto, founded the company in 1798. In 1877, it merged with Dow & Co, and Dow’s became the official brand name. The company was purchased by the Symington Family Estates in 1961. Dow’s visibility in the US soared after its 2011 Vintage Ruby Port was awarded the Wine Spectator 2014 Wine of the Year award. It remains one of the major houses, dominating the Vintage Port market. Dow’s is a member of Primum Familiae Vini.
Style & Vinification Techniques
The house has a reputation for a drier and more tannic style. Most of the quintas are equipped with winemaking facilities. The winery at Senhora da Ribeira has been modernized with robotic lagares but also uses some traditional foot treading.
Producer Website: Dow’s Port