The Alves de Sousa family has been producing wines for several generations, initially suppling fruit and wine to other port companies. When Domingos Alves de Sousa inherited his family’s quintas in 1987, he began producing wine under the family name. After studying viticulture in Bordeaux and his native Portugal, acquiring additional properties and constructing a modern cellar at Quinta da Gaivosa, he released his first vintage in 1991. Since then, Domingos and his wines have gained critical acclaim.

Notably, he was named “Producer of the Year” by Revista de Vinhos in 1999 and 2007; he is the only person to have won this prestigious award twice. Today, Domingos and his son, Tiago, run the estate of five quintas producing both still and fortified wines.

The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is one of the world’s oldest and most strikingly beautiful wine regions. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the historic heartland of Port production and increasingly known for high-quality still wines.

The region is defined by the Douro River and its steep, terraced vineyards carved into rugged schist hillsides. The climate is hot and dry in summer, with cold winters and low annual rainfall—particularly in the eastern Douro Superior. These harsh conditions, combined with poor, rocky soils, result in low yields but highly concentrated, characterful grapes.

The Douro is divided into three sub-regions: Baixo Corgo, with a cooler, wetter climate and lighter wines; Cima Corgo, the traditional core of premium Port production; and Douro Superior, the driest and most remote, now producing increasingly sought-after wines.

Port is typically made from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, each contributing distinct qualities. The most important include Touriga Nacional (structure and aromatics), Touriga Franca (elegance), Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo – backbone), Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. Grapes are often foot-trodden in traditional lagares before fortification.

Malvasia Fina is a traditional Portuguese white grape variety, widely grown in the Douro Valley and Dão regions. It is one of the key white grapes permitted in white Port production and is often blended with other local varieties such as Viosinho and Gouveio. Malvasia Fina typically produces light- to medium-bodied wines with moderate acidity. Its aroma profile includes delicate notes of citrus, peach, and orange blossom, sometimes with a hint of spice or nuttiness, especially when aged. Viticulturally, it is an early ripening variety but can be sensitive to drought and prone to losing acidity in warmer conditions.

Viosinho is a high-quality Portuguese white grape variety primarily grown in the Douro Valley and, to a lesser extent, the Trás-os-Montes and Dão regions. Traditionally used in blends for both white Port and dry wines, it is valued for its vibrant acidity and aromatic lift. Viosinho typically displays floral and stonefruit aromas, along with notes of green apple, citus zest, and subtle herbal undertones. It adds freshness, structure, and ageing potential to blends. Viticulturally, Viosinho is relatively low-yielding and can be sensitive to drought and disease, requiring careful site selection and canopy management to achieve optimal results.

Gouveio, also known as Godello in Spain, is a traditional Portuguese white grape variety mainly grown in the Douro Valley and occasionally in the Dão and Trás-os-Montes regions. It is an important component in both white Port and dry white blends, valued for its natural acidity and structure. Gouveio typically produces fresh, medium- to full-bodied wines with aromas of citrus peel, green apple, and floral notes, often accompanied by a subtle mineral edge. It can age well, developing richer, more complex flavours over time. Viticulturally, Gouveio is relatively hardy but can be sensitive to wind and overly vigorous growth.