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Cockburn Port Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

Cockburn’s is one of the classic Port Houses, established in 1815 in the beautiful Douro Valley Region. Authorities initially demarcated the Port Wine region in 1756, predating the Bordeaux classification by almost 100 years.

Robert Cockburn first came to Portugal to fight in the Peninsular campaigns under Wellington. He was the brother of a very well-known Scottish law lord. When he returned to Porto after the campaigns, he found inspiration to create his own Port firm, which is known today as Cockburn Smithes. The Cockburns had a military tradition, and many family members were in the British Navy, including Captain Dunlop, who, after marrying Miss Cockburn, went back to active duty and fought in the Crimean War.

The Smithes joined the company in the 1850s, and their descendants are still crucial in the company’s decision-making today. Amongst the Portuguese growers, Cockburns is known as “Casa Smeet,” as “Cockburn” doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily. An ambitious Spaniard, Sebastian Gonzales Martinez, who had gone to London to sell Port, Sherry, and Cigars from Havana, founded the famed ultra-luxury Port firm Martinez Gassiot in 1790, which is also linked to Cockburn’s. John Peter Gassiot, an Englishman, joined forces with Mr. Martinez back in 1822. Harvey’s Group acquired both port houses in the 1960s.

Cockburn’s first established its vineyard holdings in the steep, rugged, beautiful hillsides of the Douro Superior. They own various Quintas on these spectacular hillsides, including Quinta dos Canais and Quinta do Tua. Cockburn’s has also pioneered viticulture on the flatter ground away from the river for high-quality grapes used for the Cockburn’s Special Reserve. Cockburn’s is also one of the thirteen members of the legendary Factory House, a private club in Oporto established for the “Gentleman” of the Port Trade over 250 years ago. The lovely building was designed by John Whitehead, a scientist and mathematician who became famous for the weighty granite staircase he built, which has stood with no support since 1790! The Factory House still holds its traditional Wednesday Lunches, where guests can enjoy elegant Portuguese dishes served with top Ports (including Cockburn’s) in the noble surroundings of this historic venue.

Private Wine Tours in the Douro Valley

Private Wine Tours in the Douro Valley

Explore the Douro Valley with private quinta visits, superb Port and table wine tastings, refined regional dining, and elegant stays amid terraced vineyards.

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Author

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Genevieve Mc Carthy

Genevieve, originally from San Diego, California, has spent the last 25 years living in Europe, primarily in Spain, Ireland, and Italy. She has a background in the wine industry, having worked for a top wine importer in Ireland and a prestigious winery in Italy's Franciacorta region. In 2003, Genevieve founded Cellar Tours, a boutique wine tours company based in Madrid, Spain. She holds wine education credentials from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London and has a strong network within the European wine industry. Genevieve's specializes in organizing VIP tours to exclusive wineries that are not accessible to the general public. With a passion for food and wine, fluency in multiple languages, and expertise in luxury travel and tourism, Genevieve has built a successful career in creating unique wine experiences.

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