Biographical Note

Dirk Niepoort is the fifth generation of a Dutch family established in Portugal in the mid XIX century. The Niepoort House was founded in 1842 by Franciscus Marius van der Niepoort, born in 1813, in Hilversum, Holland. In five generations, the handing over was done successfully and without major surprises. Until the late ’80s, the business consisted in buying wine from local farmers in Douro, ageing the Port Wine in the cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia and finally selling it worldwide.
Dirk Niepoort, was born in 1964 in Porto, attended the German School until the 12th grade, having followed his studies in economics in St. Gallen in Switzerland and in spite of the family business, he was not particularly interested in wine or in the wine business.
It was during an internship in Switzerland Moevenpick at the end of his degree that everything began. Dirk discovered the world of wine and the enthusiasm to fully understand what is behind the production of great wines has become his way of life.
In 1987, Dirk joins his father Rolf Niepoort in the family business. The biggest challenge for him was and continues to be, managing the balance between tradition and innovation. And his first step towards innovation was the acquisition of vineyards in 1987: Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril in Cima Corgo region, which traditionally produces the finest Port Wines.
Dirk needed however to understand what was being done elsewhere in the world, and to satisfy his curiosity and willingness to learn, began a series of trips to discover the great wine regions: France, Germany, Austria, Spain, California, Australia. He discovered, met, learned, applied and transformed Niepoort in the company, which is currently a symbol of quality worldwide, represented in over 50 countries.