Discovering the Douro: Symington Family Estate still wines at the “Wines of Portugal” Manchester Trade Tasting

On a very hot Sunday afternoon I headed across country to Manchester ready for the Wines of Portugal trade tasting.  There is something about the atmosphere in Manchester that really grabs me.  People are friendly, sincere, and very genuine.  I’ve presented Oregon Wines here several times but I’m still getting to grips with the wider portfolio of wines we have from The Douro. Held at the atmospheric People’s History Museum, the event was busy with sommeliers, buyers, and indie retailers looking to unearth the next great Portuguese story. One such story – timeless, rich in heritage and yet rapidly evolving is that of the Douro Valley and in particular the Symington family.

The Douro DOC: More Than Just Port

For many, the Douro is synonymous with Port, but this region is increasingly making waves for its still wines under the Douro DOC designation. Dramatic terraced vineyards, soaring schist hillsides, and a unique Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influence offer massive potential. Areas that have struggled to produce good grapes for Port, can still yield amazingly well balanced red wines. Serve slightly chilled on a hot afternoon and they can be elegant, complex, and refreshing.

From a commercial standpoint, elevating Douro still wines under the DOC umbrella offers growers and producers higher visibility, premium positioning, and a chance to export a compelling regional identity beyond fortified wines. This not only diversifies revenue streams but also builds resilience against seasonal Port demand. It could also, one day, create a classification system so that customers can better understand the wines, their respective quality, and stylistic choices.

Symington Family Estates: Tradition, Innovation, and Terroir

If you passed the Symington stand in Manchester, you might have stopped for a glass of Altano—an honest expression of Douro freshness—or tasted one of the quinta-specific wines that showcase their deep connection to place. The Symington family are not only global leaders in Port, but pioneers of Douro DOC wines.

From Quinta do Vesúvio to Altano Reserva, their portfolio reflects sustainability, precision viticulture, and an unshakable belief in the region’s world-class potential. They are founding members of Primum Familiae Vini, are B-Corp certified, and lead in organic viticulture in the Douro.

This isn’t just heritage—it’s a roadmap!.

Manchester Matters

I realised this today! Regional tastings like this are crucial for connection. Beyond London, markets like Manchester are brimming with independent wine buyers who are driving a really exciting wine conversation away from London. Meeting face-to-face with producers, feeling the grip of Douro tannins, and understanding the micro-climates of Cima Corgo vs. Douro Superior – this is what builds belief.

@SymingtonFamilyEstates @winesofportugal @altano_wines @vinhododouro

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Looking to build your portfolio of Portuguese wines? Start with the Douro DOC and DM me…