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The available data regarding the foundation of Quinta da Boavista is not accurate. Nevertheless, research led by Professor and Historian Gaspar Martins Pereira shows that, by the time of the first demarcation of the Douro wine region, the vineyards located at Quinta da Boavista were signaled as producers of “vinhos finos de feitoria”, the best Port wines, that were meant to be exported.
Also, the presence of Quinta da Boavista is well documented in the renowned maps created by Joseph James Forrester, Mappa do Paiz Vinhateiro do Alto Douro, in 1843, and Douro Portuguez e Paiz Adjacente, in 1848.
From the Pombaline period to the 1850s
It is certain that in the time of Marquês de Pombal, this Cima-Corgo area was devalued by the legislator. However, right after, it became one of the most desirable Douro sub-regions by english exporters due to the excellence of its wines. In the XIX century, there were references to the commercialization of a Vintage Boavista 1866 in the British market, which is a great reference of the quality of the produced wines, according to the historian.
From this character of the Douro and Port wine history, we know he kept a strong connection with the Estate and its owners, being extremely likely to have rent it or bought its entire wine production.
Local stories mention Forrester as responsible for replanting and treating the vines during the oidium outbreak of the 1850’s, with one of the estate’s building being named after him “CasadoBarão” (the baron’s house) up until today.
After Forrester’s death, Quinta da Boavista was bought to the Baron of Viamonte by the heirs of the Baron of Forrester – William Offley Forrester and Frank Woodhouse Forrester, taht along with their uncle Francis Cramp quickly transformed in a strategic operational hub for the Offley house in Cima Corgo, creating one of the biggest references within the Port Wine market. Since the 60’s in the XIX century, and mainly after the decimation caused by phylloxera in the century’s last quarter, Quinta da Boavista benefited from great changes.
NowadaysChallenging Times
Subsequently, two additional estates were bought and merged with Quinta da Boavista – Quinta da Cachucha and Quinta do Ujo. The established buildings and terraces were rebuilt and the vines, olive, orange, and almond groves replanted.
During the 20th century, Quinta da Boavista went through some challenging times with several different owners, however over the years they brought significant expertise to the estate’s wine production.
In 2020, Quinta da Boavista was bought by Sogevinus Fine Wines, one of the largest Douro wine groups.