Van Zellers & Co Vineyards

Van Zellers & Co focuses on producing wines from very different terroirs, within the Douro region. The vineyards are found in the Torto, Pinhão and Douro valleys, where some of the oldest and most diverse vineyards are found. Here the singularity of each parcel can be the origin of a single vineyard wine, or a part of a greater blend. Our vineyards have an average age of 60 to 80 years of age, some with more than 20 grape varieties per hectare. This diversity is what makes our wines unique.
Our viticultural practices respect the environment, foster biodivetsity and combat erosion. We always aim to preserve for the future, what we have received from the past.

Vinha de Valença

Bordered by a small stone pathway, that leads to the hilltop of Valença, is a 3,7 hectare vineyard on a gentle slope facing Pinhão with stunning river views. Here, we have found the perfect base for our Ports and for VZ Douro Red. Winds flow through the vines throughout the year giving way to very healthy grape development. The North and Eastern sun exposure allows for a slower maturation period producing balanced and elegant wines.

• Vineyard area: 3,7 hectares / 9 acres
• Grapes: Mixed planting Red
• Altitude: between 450 and 490 m
• No of varieties: Over 20
• Approximate age: over 25
• Sun Exposure: North and East
• Van Zellers & Co first harvest: 2019

Vinha de Casal de Loivos

We have always treasured long-term relationships. To our great satisfaction, one day Cristiano received a phone call from Sr. Bartolomeu. Sr. Bartolomeu is a retired worker from Quinta do Noval, who worked alongside Cristiano for 13 years and knew him since he was born. He needed someone to oversee a number of vineyard plots near the village of Casal de Loivos, above Pinhão. Cristiano was both touched and honoured by the trust placed in him, and therefore Van Zellers & Co manages this conglomerate of 6 small parcels.

• Vineyard area: 3.9 hectares / 9 acres
• Grapes: Mixed planting Red
• Altitude: between 270 and 420 m
• No of varieties: Over 10 (mainly Touriga Franca)
• Approximate age: over 40
• Sun Exposure: South
• Van Zellers & Co first harvest: 2018

Vinha das Silvas

In 2003, in one of Cristiano’s many drives through the valley, he saw, on the wilder and off the beaten track margin of the Torto river, a very old vineyard, over 80 years of age. Surrounded by centenary old olive trees, at 250 metres altitude, this very old field blend had a northern exposure, which conferred to it an added sense of mystery. Cristiano, and Sandra Tavares da Silva at the time, decided to ferment this plot in a single lagar. The result was outstanding, a wine like no other they had tasted. The first reaction was to say: “this wine will look great on our CV’s!” This is how CV-Curriculum Vitae Douro Red, one of the region’s most iconic wines, was born.

• Vineyard area: 3 hectares / 7 acres
• Grapes: Mixed planting Red
• Altitude: At 250 m
• No of varieties: Over 20
• Approximate age: Around 80 years of age
• Sun Exposure: North
• Van Zellers & Co first harvest: 2003

Vinha da Alampassa

Facing the Silvas vineyard, this east facing parcel seems to mirror its northern facing counterpart. With a field blend of indigenous grape varieties the wines that are produced from here are deep, seductive and colour rich. On its best years, it is the base of our Vintage Ports.

• Vineyard area: 1,85 hectares / 4 acres
• Grapes: Mixed planting Red
• Altitude: between 200 m
• No of varieties: 4 varieties (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca)
• Approximate age: over 35 years of age
• Sun Exposure: East
• Van Zellers & Co first harvest: 2003

Vinha da Fonte da Gafa

Faraway from the Douro river, high up in the mountains close to Murça, this one hectare vineyard finds the ideal location for the growth of white grapes. Here, where the winds flow stronger, the nights are cooler and the days are milder, the white grapes ripen slowly, maintaining their fresher, fruitier character. Our first harvest here was in 2013. The uniqueness of this very old field blend could only have one destiny: CV-Curriculum Vitae Douro White

• Vineyard area: 0,97 hectares / 2 acres
• Grapes: Mixed planting White
• Altitude: 400 m
• No of varieties: around 10
• Approximate age: 70 years of age
• Sun Exposure: North
• Van Zellers & Co first harvest: 2013

Home

On one of the many times Cristiano and Joana drove past the Têdo river, they were always seduced by the name of a small village called “Adorigo”. It is placed high up on the mountain, where privileged views of the Douro river can be enjoyed. It is a small plot of land, with centenary old olive trees, old terraced walls where our family home may grow.

Warehouse

• Van Zellers & Co. Lodge 4 – Port and Douro wines’ vinification, storage and ageing (wood casks and larger vats) and bottling. Tasting room.
• Van Zellers & Co. Lodge 9 – Port and Douro wines’ storage and ageing in oak barriques, storage and ageing in bottle, labelling, packaging and shipping.