The rich Douro Valley is a dramatic, lush terrain that reigns proudly over the banks of the Rio Douro which flows from its origin in Castilla, Spain into Portugal finally meeting its release into the Atlantic Ocean where the grand city of Porto looks out towards the Americas.

A celebrated place drenched in vinous history, the Douro Valley is most proud of its centuries long Port production and trade. World famous producers proudly mark their vinous accomplishments like the “Hollywood” signs perched on the sweeping terraces, announcing their presence: Grahams, Sandeman, Taylor Fladgate, O Noval, they all decorate the landscape. The picture perfect petite town of Pinhão is no different. Pinhão is tucked away, isolated by the Morão Mountains to the north which restricts the cool flow of the Atlantic influence and keeps the region hot, often forcing harvest in the early months of September for their non-fortifed wines. Rain is very scarce here. In 2017 it rained less in Pinhão than in it did the Sahara Desert that year – not one drop fell from spring flowering to harvest on August 20th.

Miguel Morais is the seventh generation of the grape growing Morais family, deep rooted in tradition and inspired by Nature. A mild mannered, humble and passionate man, he manages the estate’s biodiverse, organically farmed 24 hectares, 17 of which are planted with vineyards. After receiving degrees in Civil Engineering in Porto, Miguel returned to the vineyards in 2007 and fell heavily in love with his family’s estate, which is home to more than 25 native Portuguese ancient grape varieties – some of which are rarely heard of (or pronounced properly). In 2014 he refurbished the 19th century winery on the property, cleaned out the old cement lagars, purchased some big old barrels and got the old stone winery’s antique gravity winemaking flowing once again. It was then that he invited his winemaking friend, the famed Luis Seabra to help launch a new generational direction for the estate. Through their use of abundant natural resources, a transition to organic viticulture and a minimalistic approach to winemaking, the future is bright for this dynamic Douro Valley estate.

While to this day half of their grape growth is sold to the historic Sandeman Port house, the rest of the estate fruit is being used to make the namesake wines of Quinta da Costa do Pinhão. The winery’s first vintage was bottled under its namesake in 2014.