The fifth generation, Eduard Dirk Niepoort is ahead of the business, since the formal retirement of Eduard Rudolph Niepoort in 2005. Dirk, born in 1964, discovered the world of wine during the studies in Switzerland. In 1987 Dirk joined his father Rolf Niepoort in the family business and was challenged to innovate maintaining the good traditions. The first important step was the acquisition of the first own vineyards: Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril in Cima Corgo, a region that traditionally produces the best Port Wines;15 hectares of vineyards were newly planted, and 10 hectares 60-year old vines were carefully maintained. Owning Quintas and vineyards in the Douro was an important step in the port wine and the first step for the creation of Niepoort wines. Dirk's passion for wines and the humble respect and curiosity for the DOURO terroir defined the team spirit over the last two decades and is a constant inspiration and challenge to the team. Dirk's sister, Verena Niepoort, joined Niepoort team as director in 2005.

"A blend of indigenous grapes (20% Touriga Nacional, 10% Tinto CÜo and a host of other varieties). From Sophia Bergqvist's finest vineyards, this has deep colouring with a nose of mocha, raspberries and a hint of oak .The palate is beautifully constructed with expressive fruit and finely-wrought tannins. A warm year, fiercely hot in the high summer, but skilful tannin management and husbandry in the vines has ensured structural integrity and potential for cellaring for over five years."

Twenty years ago, high quality red wines from the Douro Valley were almost unheard of. This was the land of Port, one of the world's great classic wines, where the baking slopes of the valley had been painstakingly carved into narrow terraces, worked entirely by hand and planted with indigenous grapes like Tinto Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. The grapes where harvested each autumn, crushed and fermented, then the wines sent many miles down river to the lodges of Villa Nova de Gaia for ageing. When Dieter Bohrmann, a Belgian-based businessman, bought the Quinta do Passadouro (right) in 1991 the historic 18th century estate was already well-known for its Port wines. Based in the highest quality Cima-Corgo region close to the town of Pinh‹o, He inherited ancient vines of between 50 and 70 years-old, all planted on slate soils, and a traditional winery complete with lagars in which grapes were trodden by foot.

"Touriga Nacional, Tinto Roriz and Touriga Francesca share the honours in this early and entirely successful outing for Jorge Moreira's single vineyard Douro. 2004 was a temperate vintage; the wine as a result is drinking well now and will hold for three to five years. Dried fruits, macerated cassis and cloves, hints of white chocolate and wild raspberry."