We are an independent family business since 1842. Through five generations, the business passed successfully from one Niepoort to the next Niepoort and in most cases older and younger generation worked side by side for a long period. At this time, we are enthusiastically looking forward to the future sixth generation, anticipating close collaboration.
The fifth generation: Eduard Dirk Niepoort and Verena Niepoort. Dirk is ahead of the business, since the formal retirement of Eduard Rudolph Niepoort in 2005. Dirk, born in 1964, discovered the world of wine during the studies in Switzerland. In 1987 Dirk joined his father Rolf Niepoort in the family business and was challenged to innovate maintaining the good traditions. The first important step was the acquisition of the first own vineyards: Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril in Cima Corgo, a region that traditionally produces the best Port Wines; 15 hectares of vineyards were newly planted, and 10 hectares 60-year old vines were carefully maintained. Owning Quintas and vineyards in the Douro was an important step in the Port wine and the first step for the creation of Niepoort wines. Dirk's passion for wines and the humble respect and curiosity for the Douro terroir defined Niepoort spirit over the last two decades and is a constant inspiration and challenge to the team. Dirk's sister, Verena, joined Niepoort team as executive director in 2005.
The fourth generation: Eduard Rudolf van der Niepoort. Rolf was born in March 1927. He is a fan of mechanics since a kid, but he also has a good sense for business. In 1950 he joined with his father Eduard Niepoort in the family business. His experience was a valuable complement and he was able to overcome a financial difficult period. Rolf focused on the commercial and human relations inside and outside the company and was conservative related to the wine making. Rolf remembers with nostalgia the making of one Vintage port, the 1970, as it was his own creation since the beginning, to the end. Nowadays it is considered to be one of the greatest ports from Niepoort. As all Niepoort's also Rolf is a fan of collections: old cars, antiques and especially Portuguese weapons.
The third generation: Eduard Marius. Eduard Marius Niepoort, born the 14th September 1890 in Porto, was very skilful and a natural scientist . In 1912 due to the death of his father Eduard Marius Niepoort was forced to enter the family business. Rolf Niepoort, his son, remembers his father as “Interested in different subjects like chemistry, physics or mechanics and a man of fine humour”. According to Elisabete, who worked with him, already linked to the administrative area at the time, he was a true "icon of intelligence", an upstanding person who carefully weighed up the decisions he made.
Eduard Marius left as an active partner in 1980 and dedicated his time to his many hobbies and collections. Eduard Marius Niepoort died at the age of 91 (03.06.1982). His grandchildren, Dirk and Verena, remember his severity concerning their studies and keep the memory of a grandfather with never-ending collections of books, stamps, coins and tram tickets!
The second generation: Eduard Karel Jackob. Eduard Jackob was born in 1848 in Porto. Niepoort was already a prosper business when Eduard Karel Jacob van der Niepoort took over the family business. He just continued the work of his predecessor.
The first generation: Franciscus Marius van der Niepoort. The founder, Franciscus, was born in 1813 in Hilversum in Holland. He was married with Francisca Louisa Elisabeth Ehlers. Franciscus Marius came to Portugal to be part of Niepoort business in Port Wine. He started the company as a Port seller, with no land or vineyards. He was primarily a negociant of port wines. Died in Porto on 7 March 1887.
The art of Master Blender has also passed from generation to generation. José Nogueira was the fourth of his family to pursue his art in Niepoort, having worked at the company for over 50 years. His son José Rodrigo joined the team in September 2006 and they worked together until 2011. He is currently the fifth generation of the Nogueira family.
In 2010, the Niepoort family celebrated the "50 Years of Service" of the Master Blender José Nogueira.
