The Delaforces are an old family of Huguenot origin which can trace its history back over 400 years. Their involvement in the port business dates from 1834 when John Fleurriet Delaforce came to Oporto to set up the new firm of Martinez Gassiot on behalf of its partners. In 1868 his son George Henry Delaforce founded his own firm, the House of Delaforce. In the years that followed, Delaforce rapidly became established as one of the leading port wine companies developing its sales in Germany, France, England, Ireland, Russia and the Scandinavian countries, as well as in Portugal itself. Between 1894 and 1906 the company was distinguished with a warrant as supplier of port wine to the Portuguese Royal Household. Over the years, Delaforce has developed a reputation for its outstanding blending and ageing skills which express themselves in the company’s renowned aged tawny ports, His Eminence’s Choice and Curious & Ancient. Both brands were originally created in the 1930’s. The house is also celebrated for the elegant and finely-constituted Delaforce vintage ports produced from grapes grown in the Roncão and Rio Torto areas of the Douro. Today, Delaforce is owned and run by Real Companhia Velha, also known as Royal Oporto, who have over 250 years of existence and uninterrupted activity in the Port Wine Trade. Almost every port style is represented in the Delaforce range of wines which are sold throughout the world. Its distinguished portfolio of products continues to earn the company its recognition as the master of the port blend. Tradition and the continuing commitment to real quality and individuality are the main foundations of the House of Delaforce. 1834 The year when John Fleurriet Delaforce left London at the age of 26 to start work in the Port trade in Oporto, thus beginning the long history and tradition that is being continued one hundred and seventy five years later. Our vineyards in the Douro Valley 1868 The firm of Delaforce starts when his son, George Henry Delaforce, sets up in business under his name and develops trading relations with many European countries, including Scandinavia and Russia, England and Ireland, Germany and France. 1903 Delaforce Sons & Co. is started when Henry and Reginald Delaforce go into partnership, taking over from their father, and introducing the era of famous Delaforce Vintage Ports and later in the 1930s, the marketing of unique brand names such as “His Eminence’s Choice” and “Curious & Ancient”. 1968 to 2001 Delaforce became part of the International Distillers & Vintners Group (IDV) after a long partnership in the UK with its founding member, Twiss, Browning & Hallowes, and with the agreement of the partners, brothers Victor and John Delaforce. David Delaforce then became Managing Director and the brand’s expansion continued in Portugal and its main international markets. The Present Delaforce is now owned by Real Companhia Velha of Oporto and the Douro Valley, where it is one of the largest vineyard owners and has an important history in the Port trade going back to 1756. The company is dedicated to promoting the Delaforce brand as the quality, premium Port with a very special tradition, and has maintained the family link to this end.