Sandeman is a renowned producer of port wine, with a rich history dating back to 1790. The company was founded by George Sandeman, who was born in Scotland but moved to Portugal to establish his business. Sandeman quickly became known for its high-quality port wines, which were exported all over the world.

The style of production used by Sandeman is traditional and time-honoured. The grapes used to make their port wines are grown in the Douro Valley, which is known for its unique microclimate and soil. The grapes are hand-picked and then crushed by foot in granite lagares, which is a traditional method that has been used for centuries. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for several years, during which time it develops its characteristic flavour and aroma.

Sandeman produces a range of different port wines, including tawny, ruby, and vintage ports. Tawny ports are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, and have a smooth, nutty flavour. Ruby ports are aged for a shorter period of time, and have a more fruity flavour. Vintage ports are only produced in exceptional years, and are aged for up to 40 years before being bottled.

Sandeman is also known for its distinctive branding, which features a silhouette of a man wearing a cape and a wide-brimmed hat. This image has become synonymous with the Sandeman brand, and is instantly recognisable to wine lovers all over the world.

Overall, Sandeman is a producer of high-quality port wines with a rich history and a traditional style of production. Their range of different port wines caters to a variety of tastes, and their distinctive branding ensures that they stand out in a crowded market.

Port is a fortified wine that hails from the Douro Valley in Portugal. The region has been producing wine for over 2,000 years, with the first recorded mention of Port wine dating back to the 17th century. The wine is made by adding brandy to the fermenting grape juice, which stops the fermentation process and leaves the wine with a higher alcohol content.

There are several different styles of Port, including Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, and Late Bottled Vintage. Ruby Port is the most common style and is aged in large oak barrels for two to three years before being bottled. Tawny Port is aged in smaller oak barrels for longer periods of time, resulting in a more complex and nutty flavor profile. Vintage Port is made from grapes from a single vintage year and is only produced in exceptional years. Late Bottled Vintage Port is made from grapes from a single vintage year but is aged in barrels for longer periods of time before being bottled.

Some of the top Port producers in the Douro Valley include Quinta do Noval, Taylor's, and Graham's. Quinta do Noval is known for its Vintage Port, which is made from grapes grown in the Quinta do Noval vineyard. Taylor's is one of the oldest and most respected Port houses in the region, with a history dating back to the 17th century. Graham's is known for its Tawny Port, which is aged for longer periods of time than most other Tawny Ports.

Port is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. It pairs particularly well with strong cheeses, chocolate, and desserts. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, Port is a wine that is sure to impress.