A quiet revolution has been unfolding in Portugal’s Douro Valley, long known for its fortified Port wines. Leading the charge is Dirk Niepoort, a visionary winemaker redefining what the region can offer. At the core of this transformation lies Quinta de Nápoles, a stunning 30-hectare estate acquired by the Niepoort family in 1987—the same year Dirk joined his father, Rolf, in the family business.

For four generations, Niepoort was a traditional Port house, established in 1842 by Franciscus Marius van der Niepoort. Like many classic producers, the family didn’t own vineyards for most of its history, instead sourcing wines from Douro growers and aging them in their Gaia cellars. That changed in the fifth generation when Dirk came aboard and he set out to secure exceptional vineyards and launch a new era of winemaking both in Port and dry wine.

Quinta de Nápoles, nestled in the heart of the Cima Corgo on the left bank of the Tedo River, became the foundation of Dirk’s bold new vision. The estate features vineyards at altitudes between 80 and 250 meters, with vines ranging from 35 to over 80 years old. In 1988, the family added Quinta do Carril, just above Nápoles, further expanding their high-quality vineyard holdings. A new, state-of-the-art winery, completed in 2007 at Quinta de Nápoles, gave Dirk the tools to push the boundaries even further.

From these north-facing, steep-sloped vineyards, Niepoort crafts a range of dry wines that have evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the heavy, oak-laden styles of the early 2000s; in their place are lighter, fresher, lower-alcohol wines (often just 11–13%) that reflect a more modern, terroir-driven aesthetic.

Dirk's pioneering spirit has led him beyond the Douro as well, with vineyard projects in Bairrada, Dão, Vinho Verde, and even Germany’s Mosel Valley. But it’s in the Douro, and especially at Quinta de Nápoles, where the evolution is most evident. Additionally, the sixth generation has joined the operation, with Daniel Niepoort leading the winemaking in Portugal.

If you haven’t tasted Niepoort’s wines lately, it’s time to revisit. The shift in the world’s perception of Portuguese wine is in full swing—and Niepoort is at the center of the transformation.