Meet the Winemaker (Episode 78): Joao Ferreira Alvares Ribeiro, Quinta do Vallado, by Debra Meiburg

Set in the heart of Portugal's most famous wine region, the Douro, is Quinta do Vallado. Established in 1716, the winery, has been in the Ferreira family for six generations. In 1993, the family embarked on the production and marketing of own- label wines and a restructuring of the vineyards. New vines were planted in clearly defined areas, breaking with the tradition of mixing different varieties in the same vineyard.

Comprising over 70 hectares, Quinta Do Vallado is a unique mix of old and new with 50 hectares of vines aged 6-15 years and 20 hectares with vines of more than 80 years old. Today, Quinta Do Vallado is a highly acclaimed vineyard renowned for its quality production. The vineyard produces more than 40 grape varieties with predominant ones being Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, Barroca and Touriga Franca.

Owner João Ferreira Álvares Ribeiro explains that their success has been both a surprise and a motivation to produce better and better wine.