Wine house
Sandeman
Sandeman is a historic Portuguese wine house specialized in fortified wines (Port and Sherry), founded in 1790. It is known for its historic cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, for the Quinta do Seixo in the Douro and for the iconic brand image 'The Don'.
- Vila Nova de Gaia · Douro · Portugal
- Since 1790
- 7 products
The story
Founded in 1790 by George Sandeman as a wine merchant in London, the company soon specialized in Port and Sherry. Over the following centuries the Sandeman family developed an international network and ageing lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia where numerous barrels are still stored. In 2002 the brand became part of Sogrape; today Sandeman combines historical heritage with modern production at Quinta do Seixo in the Douro.
Production philosophy
The maison combines tradition and innovation: defending the origins of its wines, careful barrel ageing and a strong brand identity (symbolized by the 'The Don' image). Sandeman aims to promote Douro fortified wines and wine tourism experiences linked to its cellars and quintas.
Territory
Douro region (production and Quinta do Seixo) and ageing cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Awards and recognition
Sandeman Quinta do Seixo 2017 received a 100-point score from Wine Enthusiast (reported by the company).
Production method
Production and commercialisation of fortified wines (Port and Sherry). The range includes younger wines (Ruby, White) and barrel-aged wines (Tawny and vintage ports), with vinification followed by ageing in casks in the historic cellars and in dedicated production facilities such as Quinta do Seixo.
Ageing
Ageing in barrels/casks in the historic cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and in vinification/ageing facilities at Quinta do Seixo; Tawny styles rely on prolonged barrel ageing.
Characteristics
- Type
- Wine house
- City
- Vila Nova de Gaia
- Categories
- Port
- Sherry
- Fortified wines
- Ruby Port
- White Port
- Aged Tawny
- Vintage Port
- Raw materials
- wine grapes (drupes, Douro grapes)
- Representative products
- Sandeman Porto Fine Ruby
- Sandeman Porto Fine White (Sandeman White)
- Sandeman Porto Tawny 10 Years Old
- Sandeman Porto Very Old Tawny Cask 33 (limited edition)
- Sandeman Quinta do Seixo (Vintage Port / Single Quinta)
What makes it distinctive
- Founded in 1790 by George Sandeman
- Historic ageing cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia with thousands of casks in stock
- Iconic brand image 'The Don' (created in 1928)
- Part of the Sogrape group since 2002
- Quinta do Seixo: estate and modern winery in the Douro used for flagship wines
- Special editions such as the 'Cask 33' and notable scores for selected Vintages (including company-reported top scores)
