When it comes to Portuguese wine, few names carry as much run winery has been around for over 180 years, but thanks to the rebellious spirit of Dirk Niepoort, it’s gone from a traditional Port house to one of the most exciting and forward-thinking names in European wine.
The Niepoort story begins in 1842 when Franciscus Marius Niepoort, a Dutchman, started importing Port to northern Europe. Over time, the family shifted from selling wine to making it, building a reputation for high-quality Port wines stored in historic cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto. But the real shake-up came in the 1980s, when Dirk Niepoort—fifth generation and a bit of a rule-breaker—took the reins. Rather than sticking strictly to the Port trade, Dirk started exploring Portugal’s incredible range of native grape varieties and diverse landscapes. His mission? To prove that Portuguese wine wasn’t just good—it could be world-class.
A WINE REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Dirk Niepoort has never been afraid to challenge the status quo. While many winemakers at the time were chasing international trends, planting popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Dirk went in the opposite direction. He championed local grapes that had grown in Portugal for centuries—grapes most people outside the country had never heard of. He also focused on farming his vineyards more naturally. That means no chemical fertilisers, no pesticides, and letting nature do most of the work. His team even follows biodynamic farming principles, working with the rhythms of the moon and stars. It might sound a bit out-there, but the results speak for themselves: pure, expressive wines that taste like the place they come from.
THREE WINES THAT TELL THE STORY
Today, Niepoort makes a wide range of wines across Portugal, and three bottles in particular help tell his story—each one from a different region, and each one with a different personality.
First up is Rótulo Tinto, a red wine from the Dão region, in the heart of Portugal. The area is cooler and greener than the hot Douro Valley, and this wine reflects that—it’s fresh and light, with red berry flavours and a gentle earthiness. It’s made from a blend of local grapes with names like Jaen and Alfrocheiro, and it’s a perfect match for roast chicken or a casual Friday night in.
Next is Drink Me Branco, a white wine from the famous Douro Valley. The label is playful, and so is the wine—it’s bright, zesty, and just a little bit wild. Made from a mix of native white grapes, it’s got a citrusy kick with a slightly savoury edge. It’s brilliant with seafood, salads, or a sunny afternoon.
And then there’s Tiara, also from the Douro, but more refined. This white is all about elegance—think white flowers, delicate fruit, and a clean, mineral finish. It comes from old vines grown high up in the hills, and it’s made with a gentle hand—no oak, no frills, just beautifully balanced wine. Tiara is proof that Portugal can make white wines as fine and sophisticated as any in Europe.
PUTTING PORTUGAL ON THE WORLD MAP
Dirk Niepoort’s influence has gone far beyond his own vineyards. He’s inspired a new generation of Portuguese winemakers to believe in the value of their own traditions, grapes, and land. Today, Portugal is one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world—and Niepoort is a big reason why. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned sipper, a bottle from Niepoort is always an adventure. It’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about a story that stretches back generations, and a future that’s only getting brighter.
