Almost always, two generations have worked together for many years, ensuring a successful handover. The family now looks forward to the future sixth generation, anticipating close collaboration.
The fifth generation: Eduard Dirk Niepoort and Verena Niepoort. Dirk has led the company since Eduard Rudolf Niepoort formally retired in 2005. Born in 1964, Dirk discovered the world of wine while studying in Switzerland. In 1987 he joined his father, Rolf Niepoort, in the family business and was challenged to innovate while keeping good traditions. The first major step was acquiring their own vineyards: Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril in the Cima Corgo, the area that traditionally produces the finest Ports. Fifteen hectares have been replanted and 10 hectares of 60-year-old vines carefully preserved. Owning farms and vineyards in the Douro was an important step for Port production and for creating Niepoort's first unfortified wines. Dirk's passion for wine and his humble respect for and curiosity about the Douro terroir have defined the Niepoort spirit over the past two decades and are a constant inspiration to the team. Dirk's sister Verena joined the company as executive director in 2005.
The fourth generation: Eduard Rudolf van der Niepoort. Rolf was born in March 1927. From childhood he had a keen interest in mechanics, but also a good business sense. In 1950 he joined his father, Eduard, in the family business. His expertise was a valuable addition and helped the company through a financially difficult period. Rolf devoted himself to commercial and human relations inside and outside the company, and was conservative when it came to winemaking. He fondly remembers producing one Vintage Port, the 1970, as if it were entirely his own creation, from start to finish; it is now considered one of Niepoort's greatest Ports. Like every member of the Niepoort family, he is a keen collector: of vintage cars, antiques and above all Portuguese weapons.
The third generation: Eduard Marius Niepoort. Eduard was born in Porto on 14 September 1890. He was extremely skilful and a born scientist. In 1912, on his father's death, Eduard Marius was obliged to join the family business. His son Rolf remembers him as someone "interested in many areas, such as chemistry, physics and mechanics, and a man with an excellent sense of humour". In the words of Elisabete, who worked with him in the administrative area at the time, he was a true "icon of intelligence", a man of integrity who was very careful in his decisions. Eduard Marius left the company as an active partner in 1980 and devoted his time to his many hobbies and collections. He died aged 91, on 3 June 1982.
The second generation: Eduard Karel Jacob. Eduard Jacob was born in Porto in 1848. Niepoort was already a thriving company when Eduard Karel took over the family business and continued his predecessor's work.
The first generation: Franciscus Marius van der Niepoort. The founder, Franciscus, was born in Hilversum, Holland, in 1813. He married Francisca Louisa Elisabeth Ehlers. Franciscus Marius came to Portugal to create Niepoort, a Port wine company. He founded it as a Port merchant, with no land or vineyards of his own, and was mainly a Port trader. He died in Porto on 7 March 1887.
The art of the Master Blender has also been passed down the generations. José Nogueira was the fourth of his family to practise his craft at Niepoort, having worked for the company for more than 50 years. His son José Rodrigo joined the team in September 2006, and they worked together until 2011; he is now the fifth generation of the Nogueira family.
In 2010, Niepoort and the family celebrated Master José Nogueira's "50 years at home".
