Pereira D'Oliveira
D'Oliveiras, officially known as Pereira D'Oliveira, is a historic Madeira wine producer with roots tracing back to 1820. The company was originally founded by João Pereira D'Oliveira, a significant landowner and grower in São Martinho, Madeira. Over the years, the company has remained under the ownership of the D'Oliveira family, maintaining a legacy that spans multiple generations. Today, it is managed by Mr. Luis Pereira d'Oliveira, a fifth-generation descendant of the founder, who is renowned for his dedication to the craft of Madeira wine production.
The D'Oliveiras company is celebrated for its extensive collection of vintage Madeiras, with some of the oldest wines dating back to the 19th century. This includes an array of Verdelhos, Malvasias, Buals, and Sercials, among other varieties. The family has also preserved rare grape varieties such as Terrantez and Moscatel. The company's wine lodge, located in a 17th-century building in Funchal, houses these historic wines, offering a unique experience for visitors who can taste wines from as far back as the 1850s.
D'Oliveiras has a significant stock of old Madeiras, totaling approximately 1,600,000 liters, which is considered one of the largest and most unique collections in the world. This extensive stock is a result of the family's historical preference for selling their wines locally rather than exporting them, a practice that only changed about 30 years ago.
The winemaking process at D'Oliveiras is characterized by traditional methods, reflecting the family's commitment to maintaining the authentic taste and quality of Madeira wine. Mr. Luis Pereira d'Oliveira, known for his old-school approach, plays a crucial role in preserving these methods. The wines are noted for their powerful aromatics, lush mouthfeel, and remarkable structure, with a distinctive citrus character that is essential to great Madeira.
D'Oliveiras' emphasis on traditional winemaking and the preservation of historic vineyards suggests a focus on maintaining ecological balance and heritage. The company's long-standing family ownership and commitment to quality further reinforce its dedication to sustainable practices in the wine industry.
Portuguese wine
Frequently asked questions
The entire country of Portugal is divided into 14 different wine regions, including in the Azores and Madeira islands. Some of Portugal's most famous winemaking regions include the Douro Valley (known for Port) and Vinho Verde (known for its light, refreshing white wines).
Portugal is becoming more well known for its orange wines, talha wines (traditionally made in clay pots), and palhete (made by blending red and white grapes together).
Portugal is best known for its fortified wine, called Port wine. It is produced in the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as the world's first demarcated wine region, established in 1756.
Vinho Verde in northern Portugal is another popular winemaking region characterized by rolling hills and lush landscapes. It's known around the world for low-alcohol, refreshing white wines, although the region traditionally focused more on red wines made with the fruit-forward vinhão grape.
The Portuguese island of Madeira, with its subtropical climate, is renowned for its fortified wines. Winemaking here dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese
explorers brought grape varieties from around the world.
Our sustainable, natural wine shop is located in the Marquês neighborhood in Porto, Portugal. We also ship to countries around the world, including within Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and more. Review our Shipping Policy to learn more.
In recent years, there has been a notable shift toward sustainable viticulture and the production of natural wine in Portugal. Many winemakers are implementing organic farming practices and embracing biodiversity to maintain soil health and reduce chemical inputs. This commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also enhances the quality of the wines, allowing the unique characteristics of the terroir to shine through. For example, some winemakers are now utilizing ancient terracotta amphorae for fermentation (called talha in Portuguese). This method preserves regional cultural heritage, enhances the wine's character, and aligns with sustainable practices by reducing reliance on modern materials.