Churchill’s

Overview

Churchill’s is an independent Port house founded by Johnny Graham in 1981. The company takes its name from his wife, Caroline Churchill. Production centres on Quinta da Gricha in the Cima Corgo, acquired in 1999. The house deliberately pursues a comparatively dry, fresh and structured Port style.

Fact table

Property Details
Founded 1981
Founder Johnny Graham
Headquarters Vila Nova de Gaia
Owner Graham family / Churchill’s
Main estate Quinta da Gricha
Region Douro, Cima Corgo
Website https://drinkchurchills.com/

History

Johnny Graham founded Churchill’s in 1981 at the age of 29. It was a rare new company in the traditional Port trade. In 1999 Churchill’s acquired Quinta da Gricha, which became the centre of its own production. The next generation of the family is now also involved in the business.

Vineyards, estates and production

Quinta da Gricha lies on the south bank of the Douro between Pinhão and Tua and is predominantly north-facing. Vineyards range roughly from 150 to 400 metres altitude and the oldest vines are more than 80 years old. High-quality Ports use traditional granite lagares, foot treading and native yeasts. A longer fermentation before fortification is an important production feature.

Style and Port wines

Churchill’s produces Vintage, Quinta da Gricha Single Quinta Vintage, Ruby, Reserve, LBV, Tawny and White Port. The house style is deliberately drier and more structured, with freshness and natural acidity.

Significance and special features

Churchill’s combines a young company history with the long wine tradition of the Graham family. Independence, Quinta da Gricha and a clearly defined winemaking philosophy shape the identity of the house.

Key facts

  • Founded in 1981.
  • Founder Johnny Graham.
  • Family-run and independent.
  • Quinta da Gricha acquired in 1999.
  • North-facing Cima Corgo vineyards.
  • Old vines more than 80 years old.
  • Traditional granite lagares and foot treading.
  • Native yeasts and longer fermentation.
  • House Vintage and Single Quinta Vintage.
  • Also produces dry Douro wines.

Sources

  • Churchill’s – Our story: https://drinkchurchills.com/pages/our-story
  • Churchill’s – Port and Winemaking: https://drinkchurchills.com/pages/port-and-winemaking
  • Churchill’s – Quinta da Gricha Vintage Ports: https://drinkchurchills.com/pages/quinta-da-gricha-vintage-ports
  • Churchill’s – Port collection: https://drinkchurchills.com/collections/ports
  • The Big Fortified Tasting – Churchill’s: https://www.thebft.co.uk/index.php/business-directory/item/churchills
  • The Drinks Business – Quinta da Gricha 2021: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/06/churchills-releases-quinta-da-gricha-2021-vintage-port/