Sandeman
Summary
Sandeman, a historic Port house founded in 1790 and now owned by Sogrape Vineyards, produces a comprehensive range of Port styles and Douro DOC wines from its 99-hectare Quinta do Seixo estate in the Cima Corgo subregion, where traditional Portuguese varieties grow on steep, schist-dominant slopes. The producer maintains classic Port traditions like foot treading in granite lagares, traditional aging protocols for different Port styles, and the solera system for Aged Tawnies, while thoughtfully incorporating modern innovations like robotic lagares and sustainable vineyard practices.
Heritage & Leadership
Sandeman was established in 1790 when Scottish entrepreneur George Sandeman founded his wine trading business in London with a £300 loan from his father. The company began by trading Port and Sherry wines between Portugal, Spain, and England. In 1805, Sandeman expanded operations by establishing a permanent presence in Porto, Portugal, to secure direct access to Port wine production. The company remained family-owned for seven generations until 2001, when it was acquired by Sogrape Vineyards, Portugal's largest wine company.
Under Sogrape's ownership, Sandeman has maintained its historical focus while benefiting from increased investment in vineyard holdings and production facilities. The company's visual identity features the distinctive "Don" silhouette—a caped figure in a Portuguese student's hat—created in 1928 by artist George Massiot Brown. This logo, one of the world's first registered trademarks, continues to represent the brand globally.
Vineyards & Wines
Sandeman's primary vineyard estate is Quinta do Seixo, located in the Cima Corgo subregion of Portugal's Douro Valley. This 99-hectare property sits at elevations ranging from 100 to 400 meters above sea level, with vineyards planted on steep terraces carved into the schist-dominant slopes. The estate features predominantly south-facing aspects that maximize sun exposure in this hot, dry region.
The vineyards are planted with traditional Douro varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. Many vineyard sections contain old vines exceeding 50 years of age. Sandeman produces a comprehensive range of Port styles, from Ruby and Tawny Ports to Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) and Vintage Ports. The company also produces Douro DOC table wines from the same vineyard sources.
Philosophy & Practice
Sandeman balances traditional Port production methods with modern technology. For premium Ports, the company continues to employ foot treading in granite lagares for the initial fermentation, a practice that gently extracts color and tannin without crushing grape seeds. For other products, modern robotic lagares replicate the gentle pressure of human feet while increasing production efficiency.
The fortification process follows traditional methods, with grape spirit (77% alcohol) added to halt fermentation and preserve natural grape sugars. Aging protocols vary by Port style: Ruby Ports mature in large wooden vats for minimal oxidation, preserving vibrant fruit characteristics, while Tawny Ports age in smaller 550-liter oak casks to encourage controlled oxidation, developing nutty, caramel flavors. Vintage Ports age two years in wood before bottle aging, while Aged Tawnies (10, 20, 30, and 40 Years Old) follow the traditional solera blending system.
At Quinta do Seixo, Sandeman has implemented water conservation measures and integrated pest management systems to reduce environmental impact, though the company has not pursued formal organic or biodynamic certification for its vineyards.