The Symingtons purchase highly coveted Quinta da Sarbordela

Published: 09 December, 2013

Symington Family Estates has bought the much coveted 30 hectare Quinta da Sabordela vineyard in the Douro valley which will now be incorporated in to the neighbouring Quinta do

Symington Family Estates has bought the much coveted 30 hectare Quinta da Sabordela vineyard in the Douro valley which will now be incorporated in to the neighbouring Quinta do Bomfim estate.

Generations of the Symington family have long hoped to bring the Quinta da Sabordela into its opertation as its vines are alongside the premium quality vines of Quinta do Bomfim. The acquisition will now increase Bomfim to 80.5 hectares.

In a statement the Symingtons said: "The family has wanted to acquire this vineyard since 1912 when the Symingtons originally became partners in Dow's Port, as a significant part of it is surrounded by Quinta do Bomfim. The exceptional quality of the Bomfim vineyards has been known to generations of the family; hence the desire to secure this adjoining estate, an opportunity that occurs very rarely in any great wine region."

Bomfim's vineyards will now stretch from the Douro river bank up the valley side to an altitude of 350 metres and to the edge of the historic village of Casal de Loivos. It is hoped the higher altitude vines will help add structure and complexity to Dow's Ports, and go some way to alleviating the impacts of global warming that are having an increasing impact in the region.

Bomfim is also currently building a new winery, complete with six 'lagares' (open treading tanks) which will be ready for the 2014 vintage. A visitor reception facility will also be opened at Bomfim in the spring of 2015, with access to the vineyards for walkers.

The Symingtons added: "Some may see us as eccentric, but our vineyards are our single most important asset. So we will continue to invest in them for the quality of our wines, despite these very difficult economic times for the Douro and for Portugal."

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