PRODUCERS OF LEGENDARY PORTS FOR OVER TWO CENTURIES
The name of Dow’s has been closely linked with the finest ports from the Douro Valley for over two centuries.
Since 1912, five generations of Symington winemakers have lived and worked at Dow’s vineyards at Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, producing many memorable wines including the only Vintage Port made this century to receive a perfect 100-point score.
A unique story among the great port houses
In 1798, a Portuguese merchant named Bruno da Silva made the opposite journey to many merchants at the time and travelled to London. There, he began importing wine from Portugal and soon developed a fine reputation.
During the Napoleonic wars when many port companies found themselves in difficult times, Bruno’s was the only company whose transport was granted armed protection across the treacherous Bay of Biscay.
In 1862, Bruno’s son, John da Silva, went into partnership with Frederick William Cosens and together they established Silva & Cosens. The company flourished and, with its expansion, they were joined by George Warre in 1868. The Warre family had been involved in the port trade since its earliest years.
A decade later in 1877, Silva & Cosens merged with another leading port house, Dow & Co. Although a much smaller company, Dow & Co was highly regarded – particularly for its Vintage Ports – and it was decided that the two companies would adopt the name: Dow’s.
With the experience and tasting expertise of James R. Dow, the financial nous of Edward da Silva, and the driving force of winemaker George Warre, Dow’s quickly became one of the leading names in the port trade.
CRAFT AND TRADITION PASSED DOWN OVER GENERATIONS
Continuing the legacy…
Since 1912 when Andrew James Symington became a partner in Dow’s, five generations of Symington winemakers have worked at Dow’s vineyards, creating superbly concentrated wines known for their distinctive drier finish.
