Churchill's Port

Churchill's was founded in 1981 by Johnny Graham, who was 29 years old at the time, making it the first Port company established in 50 years. The house takes its name from the founder's wife, Caroline Churchill. The Graham family carries a winemaking legacy in the Douro Valley spanning over 200 years. In 1999, Churchill's acquired Quinta da Gricha in the Cima Corgo sub-region, cementing its identity as a fully estate-grounded producer. Churchill's remains the last fully independent British Port house operating today.

• Founded 1981 by Johnny Graham, age 29, the first new Port house in 50 years
• Named after founder's wife Caroline Churchill
• Quinta da Gricha acquired in 1999 in the Cima Corgo sub-region
• The Graham family has produced Douro wines for over 200 years

Quinta da Gricha covers 50 hectares in the Cima Corgo sub-region, classified as a Grade A vineyard. The site sits at elevations between 150 and 400 meters, with soils defined by graphite and mineral-rich earth on the former site of tin mines. A north-facing exposure combined with natural wind regulation gives the quinta a cooler, fresher microclimate than many Douro vineyards. This translates directly into the house's signature dry, firm style with lively acidity.

• 50 hectares in Cima Corgo, classified Grade A
• Elevation ranges from 150 to 400 meters
• Graphite and mineral soils on former tin mine land
• North-facing exposure creates cooler, fresher growing conditions

Churchill's works with a broad palette of traditional Douro varieties across both red and white wines. Red varieties planted at Quinta da Gricha include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. White varieties include Rabigato, Viosinho, Côdega, and Malvasia Fina. Grade A grapes are sourced exclusively from the best Douro vineyards, ensuring consistent quality across the full range.

• Red varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão
• White varieties: Rabigato, Viosinho, Côdega, Malvasia Fina
• All grapes sourced exclusively from Grade A Douro vineyards
• Supports both Port production and dry Douro table wines

Churchill's relies on traditional foot-treading in granite lagares built in 1852 for all Port production. The house uses native yeast fermentation and keeps brandy additions to a minimum, reflecting a philosophy of minimal intervention. This approach underpins the dry, fresh character with firm grip that distinguishes Churchill's Ports from richer, more extracted styles. The full range spans vintage Port, ruby, tawny, Late Bottled Vintage, Crusted, white Port, and dry Douro table wines.

• Foot-treading in granite lagares dating to 1852 for all Ports
• Native yeast fermentation throughout
• Minimal brandy addition reinforces fresh, dry style
• Range includes vintage, LBV, Crusted, tawny, ruby, white Port, and Douro table wines

Approximately 80% of Churchill's production is exported, reflecting the house's strong international standing despite its relatively small size. Key markets include the United Kingdom, United States, Sweden, and Brazil. The house is based in Vila Nova de Gaia, the traditional hub for Port lodges, as well as at Quinta da Gricha in Cima Corgo.

• Around 80% of production is exported
• Principal markets: UK, US, Sweden, and Brazil
• Operations based in Vila Nova de Gaia and Quinta da Gricha
• Family-owned and family-run throughout its history