In 2023, Esporão celebrated its 50th anniversary. From the dream of two men, Joaquim Bandeira and José Roquette, was born a project ahead of its time, that continues to disassemble, to guarantee consistency and a very close relationship with nature. The journey began with wine production at Herdade do Esporão and has grown over these last fifty one years to encompass olive oil and craft beer production, as well as tourism. Esporão is now on the market in more than 50 countries, carrying the Portuguese culture throughout the world.
With a presence in four Portuguese regions, Alentejo (Herdade do Esporão), the Douro Valley (Quinta dos Murças), Vinho Verde (Quinta do Ameal) and Porto (Sovina), the company fulfills its mission: to make the finest products from what nature provides.
This mission is inseparable from Esporão’s dedication to organic farming which, starting in 2007, has entailed the total cessation of the use of herbicides and pesticides on all crops. Esporão’s vineyards now represent 18% of all Portuguese organic wine grape production. All its vineyards and olive groves have been certified organic. Due to its location, Quinta do Ameal uses integrated production and completely foregoes herbicide use.
Esporão’s concern with sustainability has spread to partners, to the community and to society. The embrace of change and innovation, in combination with the respect for tradition and for the land, have brought important recognition including the prestigious Sustainability of the Year award at The Drinks Business Green Awards 2013, and the European Business Awards for the Environment in the category of Products and Services in 2014. José Roquette received a Green Lifetime Achievement award at The Drinks Business Green Awards in 2018. In 2022, the Herdade do Esporão restaurant was awarded not only a Michelin Star but also a Michelin Green Star, both of which were renewed in 2023 and 2024. Esporão has also received the Green Emblem from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and has been listed as one of the 50 Most Admired Wine Brands in the World by Drinks International for four years running.
