Niepoort

Niepoort is a family business dating back to 1842. Its winemaking tradition began in the Douro region, with the production of Port wine. Know-how, enthusiasm and an innovative mindset have been passed down from generation to generation, making Niepoort one of the most authentic and notable Portuguese wine producers. 

From 1842 up to today, six generations have been writing Niepoort’s history. What unites them is a passion for wine – a passion which respects traditions but does not shy away from embarking on new paths whenever its unbridled creative drive sounds the call. 

Dirk is the current leader of the family – a role passed down to him by his father, with the challenge to ‘innovate while preserving good traditions”. More than up for the challenge, this fifth-generation member of Niepoort is intensely curious by nature: he carefully observes everything that happens around him, and when he glimpses a unique opportunity, he jumps into action without hesitation. Dirk’s children Daniel, Marco and Ana are following in their father’s footsteps to ensure that the next few chapters of Niepoort’s history continue to be as fruitful as each harvest. 

Without exception, all wines that carry the Niepoort seal reflect the bold and deeply rooted spirit of the family. Each glass encapsulates the terroir’s essence, a wonder which entices curious minds and gives testimony of a profound respect for nature, for the “elders” who, as Dirk acknowledges time and time again, taught him everything he knows, and for the men and women who practise this challenging profession daily. Every step of the process is carefully thought through and is based on the respect for decades of wisdom accumulated along each family member’s journey. 

Dirk sums it up so well: “Our way of making wine is very simple: it requires perfectionism and attention to detail. And that applies to everything in my life.”