Sandeman

Sandeman is one of the world's leading Port houses, owned by the Guedes family since 2002. You'll recognise the brand by its distinctive 'Don' logo—created in 1928 with a cape inspired by University of Porto student dress and a sombrero nod to the family's Jerez connections. What sets Sandeman apart today is serious investment in both vineyard and winery, combined with winemaking expertise: their head winemaker, Luís Sottomayor, received the Fortified Winemaker of the Year accolade at the 2022 International Wine Challenge.

About Sandeman

Sandeman's home is Quinta do Seixo, a state-of-the-art winery built in 2007 and positioned on a hilltop overlooking the Douro River's south bank, just downstream from Pinhão. The estate spans 108 hectares, with 71 planted under vine. Many plots hold the highest 'A' classification under the Cadastro vineyard register system, which ranks quality based on 12 parameters including soil type, grape variety, vine age, and density. Some vines here exceed 100 years old and are extremely low-yielding, producing intensely concentrated fruit.

The winery's philosophy centres on expression of site and vintage quality. This is evident in the Single Quinta Vintage releases: the 2022 showcases how vintage conditions shape the final wine—a warm, dry winter followed by record summer heat (46.5°C in Pinhão) was tempered by cooler September weather and rain, resulting in excellent acidity and a complex profile with blackberry, spices, and stony minerality. The 2018 vintage represented an exceptional growing season in Luís's career, earning a Gold Medal at the 2023 International Wine Challenge. Vintage Port is produced only in truly outstanding years, making each release a marker of exceptional growing conditions and winemaking skill.

The blend draws on classic Port varieties—Sousão and Tinto Cão alongside Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca—each selected for its capacity to balance power with elegance. The field-blend plots of century-old vines contribute depth and complexity that younger vineyards cannot match. This commitment to old vines and selective harvesting underpins Sandeman's reputation for consistent quality across its range.

Sandeman Wines in Our Collection

Sandeman's range spans entry-level daily drinkers through to collector-grade aged Tawnys. The NV Founder's Reserve Ruby Port (87pts) offers approachable, fruity appeal for everyday enjoyment. For those exploring aged styles, the NV 10-Year-Old Tawny (89pts) delivers refinement without the investment of older releases, with broad critical support including 91pts from James Suckling and the Decanter World Wine Awards.

The NV 20-Year-Old Tawny Port (91pts) is a benchmark expression: Wine Enthusiast rated it 95 points, Wine Spectator awarded 92, and it has earned consistent high marks across 23 critic scores. This wine balances the richness of age with vibrant acidity. For serious collectors, the NV 30-Year-Old Tawny (92pts) and NV 40-Year-Old Tawny (93pts) command respect—the 40-Year-Old reached 97pts in the Decanter World Wine Awards and 96pts from Wine Enthusiast.

The 2016 Vintage Port (94pts) won particular acclaim: Wine Enthusiast gave 99 points, Wine Spectator 96, and Jancis Robinson 95. The 2018 Vintage Port (93pts) earned 96pts from Wine Enthusiast and Tom Cannavan, plus a 94-point Decanter World Wine Awards Gold. For those seeking the estate's single-vineyard expression, the 2022 Quinta do Seixo Port (93pts) showcases the 100-year-old vine parcels with 94pts from James Suckling and 95pts from Andreas Larsson.

Food Pairing

Younger Ruby and Founder's Reserve styles pair well with dark chocolate, walnuts, and blue cheese—ideal for cheese boards or after-dinner nibbles. Aged Tawnys, particularly the 20-Year-Old and beyond, match dried fruit, caramelised nuts, and rich custard-based desserts. The Single Quinta Vintage Ports, with their spiced berry profile and structure, work alongside game terrines, beef carpaccio, or dark chocolate with sea salt. White Port offers elegance with lighter appetisers and almond-based pastries.

What makes Sandeman Port different from other producers?

Sandeman owns Quinta do Seixo, a 108-hectare estate with 71 hectares under vine, including plots over 100 years old graded 'A' under Portugal's Cadastro system. Winemaker Luís Sottomayor won Fortified Winemaker of the Year in 2022. Significant investment in the state-of-the-art 2007 winery ensures consistent quality across the range.

Which Sandeman Port should I buy for cellaring?

Vintage Ports are made only in outstanding years: the 2016 (Wine Enthusiast 99pts) and 2018 (Wine Enthusiast 96pts) are both critically acclaimed. Aged Tawnys—20-Year-Old, 30-Year-Old, 40-Year-Old, and 50-Year-Old—develop complexity over decades and command high scores from major critics.

What is Quinta do Seixo Port?

Single-vineyard Vintage Port from Sandeman's own estate on the Douro's south bank near Pinhão. Nearly half the blend comes from a small field of 100+-year-old vines producing intensely concentrated fruit. The 2022 earned 93pts and showcases the estate's terroir with notes of blackberry, spices, and minerality.

Who makes Sandeman wines?

Sandeman is owned by the Guedes family since 2002. Head winemaker Luís Sottomayor leads production at Quinta do Seixo, a state-of-the-art winery on the Douro River in Portugal's Pinhão region.

What style of wine does Sandeman make?

Sandeman specialises in Port wines—Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage styles—made from classic varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Sousão, and Tinto Cão. Scores range from 86–94 points, reflecting rich, warming dessert wines.

How much does Sandeman wine cost?

Sandeman Ports range between £15.35 and £157.75. Entry-level Ruby and Tawny start around £15–£18; aged expressions from 10 to 40 years span £25–£158, depending on maturity.