Casa Ferreira was founded in 1751 by the Ferreira family from Régua, producers and traders of Port Wines. In the 18th century, their business grew significantly, especially in wines of the highest quality, acquiring and nurturing some of the main estates in the Douro region.
With a history spanning over 270 years, Ferreira stands as the leading Portuguese brand of Port Wine, currently owned by Sogrape, a Portuguese family company renowned for its quality wines, ranging from the famous Mateus Rosé to Barca-Velha.
With a legacy rich in values, Sogrape continues to strengthen Ferreira’s position as the quintessential “Portuguese brand”, the benchmark for high-quality Port wines, a symbol of a country and a culture that it proudly dignifies. Ferreira is the only Port Wine House that has always remained in Portuguese hands, and its impressive journey had a significant contribution in the 19th century, thanks to Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira.
Belonging to the fourth generation of the Ferreira family in Douro, who excelled in vine cultivation and Port Wine production, Dona Antónia was an heiress to great wealth but didn’t confine herself to managing her riches. At the age of 33, after becoming a widow, she took over the family business and developed what would become Casa Ferreira – a mission she accomplished with exceptional brilliance, showcasing extraordinary entrepreneurial skills. Dona Antónia passionately and intensively invested in the Douro region, which she loved, without expecting any support or protection from the state.
As a respected negotiator and landowner, she adeptly navigated the increasing challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male world, proving to be far ahead of her time. Dona Antónia deepened the values and culture of a traditional family business and, always open to innovation, kept an eye on the evolving developments in the wine industry, blending tradition with new wine production techniques and even vineyard management and bottling systems. Quality was paramount for her, a crucial factor for the company’s reputation. She became a true symbol of entrepreneurship and is now a unique figure in the history of the Douro region. Her courageous attitude solidified her good reputation in the world of wine, making her an iconic woman cherished by all, especially her fellow countrymen.
Leaving an invaluable example of kindness and citizenship, “Ferreirinha” was known to be generous with the poor and weaker but proud in the presence of the rich and powerful. She felt equally at ease in the homes of humble workers as in the Royal Palace. Her humanistic profile stood out in a particularly challenging time for the Douro and the country, when the phylloxera plague, destroying vast vineyards and the dreams of many impoverished farmers, brought desolation and misery to thousands in the Douro region. Dona Antónia responded firmly in the fight against this plague by researching advanced wine production processes, establishing new large vineyards, and making substantial land and wine purchases from fearful and financially strapped owners, sharing the proceeds of her innovation investment with the needy. In this field, her dedication also translated into dozens of projects that created many jobs and helped numerous families secure their livelihoods.
A prime example of altruism and generosity toward the needy, her social concerns extended far beyond supporting the families of her land and winery workers, reaching out to the entire region. She contributed to the construction of hospitals and other social solidarity institutions. One of her life’s maxims was precisely: “Each person on their land should do everything for the good of humanity.” Due to her humanistic character, the Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira Awards were established, honoring women who have made a difference in Portugal’s economic, social, and cultural development since 1988.
Today, Casa Ferreira, an authentically Portuguese establishment recognized for its legacy and contribution to the history of Port Wine and the Douro region, has become a reference in Port Wines and boasts a diverse portfolio: from rich and velvety Vintage Ports to smooth and versatile Tawny Ports.
The Ferreira cellars are located on the banks of the Douro River, in the historic center of Vila Nova de Gaia, within a vast and emblematic building dating back to the early 18th century. Within its walls, the story of Ferreira since 1751 is recounted, tracing back to the Douro region and the life and contribution of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira to the sector and the wines of the House, as well as the production and aging process. The Quinta do Porto, where the vines grow before Ferreira’s wines mature in the cellar over time, is located in Sabrosa, in the Cima Corgo sub-region. Its total area covers 36 hectares, of which 24 hectares are entirely dedicated to vineyards. The altitude ranges from 80 to 350 meters, and the main grape varieties cultivated are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz. The vineyards are a blend of traditional terraced vineyards, constructed robustly, and plateaus.
