Real Companhia Velha

Real Companhia Velha is one of the oldest and most significant wineries in Portugal, especially renowned for the production of Port wine and wines from the Douro region. It was founded on September 10, 1756, by a royal charter of King D. José I of Portugal, under the auspices of his Prime Minister, Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal. The formation and evolution of Real Companhia Velha had a substantial influence on wine production and regulation in the region. The company rendered valuable services, primarily through the demarcation and regulation of the Douro wine region, recognized as the oldest legally protected wine region in the world. Since 1960, the company has been managed by the Silva Reis family. They focus on the production of Port and Douro wines and the exploration and development of the Douro terroir. Real Companhia Velha owns five significant vineyards (Quintas) in the Douro Valley: Quinta das Carvalhas, Quinta de Cidrô, Quinta dos Aciprestes, Quinta do Casal da Granja, and Quinta do Síbio. These vineyards cover a total area of 557 hectares.