Niepoort started without land or vinyard, but as a Port Seller in the 1800. Later he started his own Port called Niepoort. Now five generation further, Eduard Dirk Niepoort and Verena Niepoort. Eduard Dirk Niepoort 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 the team spirit over the last two decades and is a constant inspiration and challenge to the team. Dirk's sister, Verena Niepoort, joined Niepoort team as executive director in 2005.