The history of winemaking in the Douro Valley, where Alto da Serra is located, stretches back to antiquity, with evidence of viticulture from the Roman occupation and beyond. This region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is globally renowned for its Port wine, a tradition that truly flourished after the Treaty of Windsor in 1386 between England and Portugal. The 18th century saw Port's popularity surge, leading to economic prosperity but also speculation. This prompted the Marquis of Pombal 1756 to introduce sweeping reforms, including a state monopoly on Port sales, defining the vineyard boundaries with stone markers known as 'marcos pombalinos', and even classifying vineyards by quality. While Port was the initial focus, Douro table wines have, in more recent times, carved out their own significant global presence, driven by pioneering efforts and a collective passion among winemakers to produce exceptional unfortified wines from this unique and challenging terrain.
At the heart of Alto da Serra's winemaking philosophy are the talents of Luis Soares Duarte and Joana Roque do Vale. Luis Soares Duarte, an accomplished and respected figure in the Portuguese wine industry, brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Douro's terroir to the estate. His journey is far from conventional, encompassing a diverse background that has uniquely shaped his approach to winemaking. He is known for his commitment to allowing the grapes to express their true character, often through a philosophy of minimal intervention. Working alongside him is Joana Roque do Vale, a winemaker with extensive experience across Portugal and even in Bordeaux. Her connection to wine runs deep, stemming from childhood roots in a family of producers. With over 25 harvests under her belt, Joana has been instrumental in transforming operations at various estates, demonstrating a clear vision for quality and a profound respect for the nuances of different terroirs. Together, their combined expertise guides Alto da Serra's production of both Douro wines and Port.
Alto da Serra's dedication extends beyond the bottle to a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Given the region's unique and fragile landscape, producers in the Douro Valley, including those who produce both still wines and Port, are increasingly focusing on environmental responsibility. This involves adopting viticultural practices that preserve the delicate ecosystem of the steep Douro terraces. Such efforts commonly include reducing the reliance on chemical treatments, implementing efficient water management techniques like drip irrigation, and promoting biodiversity within and around the vineyards to support local flora and fauna.
Many estates in the Douro, reflecting a broader shift in the Portuguese wine industry, are embracing a holistic approach to sustainability. This encompasses not only environmental stewardship but also social and economic responsibility. This commitment translates into practices such as supporting local communities through employment, ensuring fair labor conditions, and contributing to the long-term economic viability and cultural preservation of the region's distinct viticultural landscape. The drive to produce wines that are both exceptional in quality and environmentally and socially conscious is a defining characteristic of leading producers in the Douro Valley.
