Quinta do Vale Meão
Historic Grandeur: Founded in 1877 by the legendary Dona Antónia Ferreira, Quinta do Vale Meão is a foundational estate in Douro winemaking.
Family Legacy, Modern Vision: Still owned by her descendants, the estate is led by Francisco Olazabal, fusing tradition with innovation.
Douro Terroir, Masterfully Expressed: Wines crafted from granite and schist soils, blending structure, freshness, and elegance.
Flagship to Everyday Excellence: From the iconic Vale Meão Tinto to the expressive Meandro and fresh Douro white, the range captures the soul of the Douro.
Quinta do Vale Meão – A Legacy Rooted in the Douro
Few estates in the Douro carry the historical and emotional weight of Quinta do Vale Meão. Founded in 1877 by the legendary Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, affectionately known as "Ferreirinha," the estate was her boldest vision: to create a model vineyard from the ground up in one of the most remote, untamed corners of the Douro Superior. What she achieved was not only a cornerstone of modern Douro viticulture, but a lasting symbol of resilience and foresight.
Today, the quinta remains in the hands of her descendants, led by Francisco Olazabal, a direct descendant and one of Portugal’s most respected winemakers. Under his direction, the estate has entered a new era, where innovation and elegance meet deep respect for tradition. The vineyard is an exceptional 270-hectare property, with about 60 hectares planted to vines. The soils, a mix of granite and schist, along with its position by the Douro River, provide the foundation for wines of structure, purity, and age-worthiness.
Vale Meão’s wines embody the power and poise of the Douro. The flagship Quinta do Vale Meão Tinto is a blend of traditional grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Barroca, offering intensity, precision, and a remarkable sense of place. The estate also produces Meandro, a more accessible yet serious second wine, and a highly acclaimed white wine from Rabigato and Arinto, which adds freshness and dimension to the range.
What sets Vale Meão apart is not just its noble lineage or historic land, but its ability to remain vital, relevant, and emotionally connected to the evolution of Portuguese wine. This is a place where the past is honored not through nostalgia, but through the pursuit of excellence.