Niepoort is an independent Portuguese family-owned winery and one of the most respected producers of Port wine and premium still wines in Portugal. Founded in 1842, the company combines traditional winemaking with innovative approaches and has played a key role in the international recognition of Portuguese quality wines. Today, Niepoort is run by the sixth generation of the family.
The history of Niepoort began in 1842, when Dutch merchant Franciscus Marius Niepoort emigrated to Portugal and founded a Port wine trading company in Porto. For many decades, the family business focused exclusively on purchasing, ageing, and exporting Port wine without owning vineyards.
A major turning point came in 1987, when Dirk Niepoort joined the family business. With the acquisition of Quinta de Nápoles, Niepoort began cultivating its own vineyards for the first time. Shortly after, the first dry Douro wines were produced, helping establish the Douro Valley internationally as a region for high-quality still wines.
In the following years, Niepoort expanded into other Portuguese wine regions such as Bairrada, Dão, Vinho Verde, and Alentejo. Despite its international success, the company remains independent and fully family-owned.
Niepoort operates across several major Portuguese wine regions:
Niepoort produces both traditional Port wines and a wide range of still wines.
Still red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines from Bairrada, Dão, Vinho Verde, and Alentejo.
Niepoort’s viticulture philosophy focuses on expressing the identity of each terroir. Many vineyards consist of old vines with a wide range of traditional Portuguese grape varieties.
In the Douro region, key varieties include:
The approach emphasizes gentle winemaking, minimal use of new oak, early harvesting, and a focus on elegance, freshness, and longevity rather than excessive concentration.
Niepoort is considered one of the most influential wine producers in Portugal. Dirk Niepoort, in particular, has played a major role since the late 1980s in reshaping modern Portuguese still wines and elevating the international reputation of the Douro Valley beyond Port wine.
The winery is widely recognized for its terroir-driven philosophy and its pioneering use of indigenous grape varieties, inspiring many Portuguese winemakers.
Niepoort offers wine tourism experiences at several locations:
Niepoort wines have received numerous international awards and high ratings from leading wine critics, including: