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- Chris Boiling
- 2024-11-12
Symington Family Estates – with ten family members working across the business – has two destinations in the new list of World’s Best Vineyards.
Quinta do Bomfim in Pinhão – at the heart of Portugal’s Douro wine region – is at number 28 while Graham’s Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia sits at number 52.
What we find interesting, here at Canopy, is that the wine tourism offer at both destinations is very different: the more rustic, vineyard-focused experience at Quinta do Bomfim and the more polished, city-adjacent tasting at Graham’s.
We will look at the features of both below, but first we wanted to know Symington’s general philosophy regarding wine tourism.
The company, which has been in the port business for over 140 years and owns port brands such as Dow’s, Warre’s, Graham’s, and Cockburn’s, says: “Wine tourism has evolved into a critical aspect of global wine culture and, for Symington, it has become a powerful tool for both commercial success and brand promotion. Symington’s mission is to continue innovating and enhancing the visitor experience at our wine estates, keeping them at the forefront of wine tourism in Portugal.
“Our mission is to be Portugal’s leading family-owned wine tourism destination, providing exceptional experiences that match the excellence of our wines.”
Nestled on the bank of the Douro River in Pinhão, Quinta do Bomfim is an estate with a rich heritage, celebrated for producing Dow’s legendary vintage ports. This estate has been in the hands of the Symington family for five generations, consistently producing some of the finest ports of the 20th century.
Guests can delve into the history of the estate at the old lodge before exploring the surrounding vineyards and winery. A tasting session with spectacular views of the Douro River completes the visit.
In 2023, Quinta do Bomfim unveiled its Merenda na Vinha, a delightful picnic spot set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Guests can also dine at Bomfim 1896 with food from Pedro Lemos.
Location and history: Quinta do Bomfim, in Pinhão, is the main house for Dow’s Port.
The experience: Visitors to Quinta do Bomfim can enjoy guided tours of the winery, insights into port wine production, views of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and wine tastings, including various port styles
Unique offerings: the Merenda na Vinha (above) – a picnic experience overlooking the Douro Valley; self-guided tours on the hill next to the winery, a chance to see the stone terraces up close, showcasing traditional Douro viticulture.
TripAdvisor comments include praise for the knowledgeable guides and informative tours, appreciation of the beautiful views and well-maintained property, preferences for the older, premium port tastings, and occasional moans about difficulty in booking tours.
Graham’s has been in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across from the centre of Porto, since 1890. It is where Graham’s port wines undergo ageing. A visit to this iconic lodge includes an expert-led tour where you’ll learn about the intricacies of port-making, followed by a curated tasting session with an opportunity also for food pairing, creating a memorable experience for every visitor.
Location and history: the lodge is ideally positioned just 3.5km from the Atlantic Ocean and 300 metres from the Douro River. This strategic location allows the perfect maritime climate for the long-term ageing of port in wooden casks, enhancing its unique characteristics over time. Graham’s was founded in 1820 by brothers William and John Graham, and acquired by the Symington family in 1970. The current lodge building dates from 1890.
The experience: Graham’s offers:guided tours of the historic cellars, various levels of port tastings, the excellent Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar for fine dining, and a wine shop for purchasing bottles.
Unique offerings include premium tasting options (such as vintage ports), gourmet meals at the Vinum Restaurant paired with port wines, and spectacular views over Porto from its hilltop location.
TripAdvisor comments include high praise for the quality of port wines (especially vintage selections), appreciation for the knowledgeable guides and in-depth tours, and positive feedback on the Vinum Restaurant experience (above). The main criticism appears to be the steep walk to reach the lodge.
Quinta do Bomfim in Pinhão – at the heart of Portugal’s Douro wine region – is at number 28 while Graham’s Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia sits at number 52.
What we find interesting, here at Canopy, is that the wine tourism offer at both destinations is very different: the more rustic, vineyard-focused experience at Quinta do Bomfim and the more polished, city-adjacent tasting at Graham’s.
We will look at the features of both below, but first we wanted to know Symington’s general philosophy regarding wine tourism.
The company, which has been in the port business for over 140 years and owns port brands such as Dow’s, Warre’s, Graham’s, and Cockburn’s, says: “Wine tourism has evolved into a critical aspect of global wine culture and, for Symington, it has become a powerful tool for both commercial success and brand promotion. Symington’s mission is to continue innovating and enhancing the visitor experience at our wine estates, keeping them at the forefront of wine tourism in Portugal.
‘Our goal is to create lasting connections with our visitors, transforming them into ambassadors for our wines’“We prioritise offering small, personalised tours that focus on the quality of the experience, in harmony with the outstanding quality of our wines. Our goal is to create lasting connections with our visitors, transforming them into ambassadors for our wines and the beautiful Douro region.
“Our mission is to be Portugal’s leading family-owned wine tourism destination, providing exceptional experiences that match the excellence of our wines.”
Quinta do Bomfim vs Graham’s Port Lodge
Quinta do Bomfim
Nestled on the bank of the Douro River in Pinhão, Quinta do Bomfim is an estate with a rich heritage, celebrated for producing Dow’s legendary vintage ports. This estate has been in the hands of the Symington family for five generations, consistently producing some of the finest ports of the 20th century.
Guests can delve into the history of the estate at the old lodge before exploring the surrounding vineyards and winery. A tasting session with spectacular views of the Douro River completes the visit.
In 2023, Quinta do Bomfim unveiled its Merenda na Vinha, a delightful picnic spot set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Guests can also dine at Bomfim 1896 with food from Pedro Lemos.
Location and history: Quinta do Bomfim, in Pinhão, is the main house for Dow’s Port.
The experience: Visitors to Quinta do Bomfim can enjoy guided tours of the winery, insights into port wine production, views of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and wine tastings, including various port styles
Unique offerings: the Merenda na Vinha (above) – a picnic experience overlooking the Douro Valley; self-guided tours on the hill next to the winery, a chance to see the stone terraces up close, showcasing traditional Douro viticulture.
TripAdvisor comments include praise for the knowledgeable guides and informative tours, appreciation of the beautiful views and well-maintained property, preferences for the older, premium port tastings, and occasional moans about difficulty in booking tours.
Graham’s Port Lodge
Graham’s has been in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across from the centre of Porto, since 1890. It is where Graham’s port wines undergo ageing. A visit to this iconic lodge includes an expert-led tour where you’ll learn about the intricacies of port-making, followed by a curated tasting session with an opportunity also for food pairing, creating a memorable experience for every visitor.
Location and history: the lodge is ideally positioned just 3.5km from the Atlantic Ocean and 300 metres from the Douro River. This strategic location allows the perfect maritime climate for the long-term ageing of port in wooden casks, enhancing its unique characteristics over time. Graham’s was founded in 1820 by brothers William and John Graham, and acquired by the Symington family in 1970. The current lodge building dates from 1890.
The experience: Graham’s offers:guided tours of the historic cellars, various levels of port tastings, the excellent Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar for fine dining, and a wine shop for purchasing bottles.
Unique offerings include premium tasting options (such as vintage ports), gourmet meals at the Vinum Restaurant paired with port wines, and spectacular views over Porto from its hilltop location.
TripAdvisor comments include high praise for the quality of port wines (especially vintage selections), appreciation for the knowledgeable guides and in-depth tours, and positive feedback on the Vinum Restaurant experience (above). The main criticism appears to be the steep walk to reach the lodge.
Similarities:
- Both are standout destinations for wine enthusiasts visiting Portugal.
- Both emphasise the rich history and traditions of the winemaking legacy, spanning generations. They offer visitors the chance to explore the deep historical roots of port production and the family’s role in shaping the industry and brands.
- Both locations provide educational opportunities through guided tours with knowledgeable and highly trained guides, allowing visitors to learn about the nuances of winemaking, port production, and the family’s philosophy.
- Both centres offer curated wine tastings, where guests can experience the quality of Symington’s ports and wines. These tastings are often paired with food, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
- As part of the Symington family’s overall sustainability efforts, both estates have a strong commitment to responsible practices in winemaking and tourism, showcasing their respect for the environment and the Douro Valley.
Differences:
- Graham’s Port Lodge focuses exclusively on its own port wines. As the place where port ages, visitors are immersed in the world of aged ports, such as tawny, ruby and vintage ports.
- Quinta do Bomfim focuses on a wide range of Symington brands including table wines and port, so visitors can explore a broader spectrum of wine styles there. This estate allows guests to experience the production of both port and Douro wines, giving a more diverse tasting experience.
- Graham’s Port Lodge is situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across from Porto, so it’s a short distance for those enjoying the hustle and bustle of a city break. Quinta do Bomfim is in a rural and scenic setting in the Douro Valley, surrounded by vineyards and nature. The experience at Bomfim is more immersive in nature and vineyard landscapes, allowing for outdoor activities like self-guided vineyard tours and picnics. It is approximately 90 minutes from Porto.
- Graham’s Port Lodge plays a central role in the long-term ageing of ports, where wines can rest for decades in ideal conditions. Quinta do Bomfim is where wines spend their initial stages of production, particularly during their first winter before they are moved to Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Graham’s Port Lodge offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional architecture of ageing cellars, including the impressive vast wooden casks and an intimate look at how the ports are stored. Quinta do Bomfim combines contemporary architecture with the estate’s historic features. The vineyard and its facilities, including the Bomfim1896 restaurant (below) and the Merenda na Vinha picnic area, showcase a blend of modern design and natural landscapes, making it a visually unique experience.
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