Caves São João

Caves São João have a story that spans across generations.

Founded in 1920, by brothers José, Manuel, and Albano Costa, it is a family-owned business that initially focused on the commercialization of fine Douro wines and liqueurs. Today, it is the oldest family business still in operation in the municipality of Anadia. In the 1930s, with the prohibition of Porto wine production outside of Vila Nova de Gaia, the company began selling wines from Bairrada. At that time, it also started producing natural sparkling wines using the "Champagne" method, with the important role of French winemaker Gaston Mennesson during this phase.

Caves São João were the first to give their wines the "Reserva" designation, starting to use paper labels covered with natural cork.

Later, they acquired Quinta do Poço do Lobo, a rustic property of about 37 hectares located in the small village of Pocariça, in the municipality of Cantanhede. The estate was then completely replanted with selected grape varieties and carefully divided into parcels.

A visit to Caves São João and Quinta do Poço do Lobo are two must-see spots when visiting Bairrada, as they reflect the region's history.