The fifth generation: Eduard Dirk Niepoort and Verena Niepoort. Dirk has been at the helm of the company since Eduard Rudolph Niepoort's formal retirement in 2005. Dirk, born in 1964, discovered the world of wine during his studies in Switzerland. In 1987, Dirk joined his father, Rolf Niepoort, in the family business and was challenged to innovate while maintaining good traditions. The first important step was the acquisition of their own vineyards: Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril in the Cima Corgo, a region that traditionally produces the best Port wines. 15 hectares of vines were newly planted, and 10 hectares of 60-year-old vines were carefully maintained. Owning Quintas and vineyards in the Douro was an important step for the production of Port wine and for the creation of the first non-fortified Niepoort wines. Dirk's passion for wine, humble respect, and curiosity about the Douro terroir have defined the spirit of Niepoort for the past two decades and are a constant inspiration for the team. Dirk's sister, Verena, joined the company as CEO in 2005.
The fourth generation: Eduard Rudolf van der Niepoort. Rolf was born in March 1927. From childhood, he had a great interest in mechanics, but also possessed a good business sense. In 1950, he joined his father, Eduard, in the family business. His experience was a valuable asset, and he was able to overcome a difficult period financially. Rolf dedicated his interest to commercial and human relationships within and outside the company, and was conservative when it came to wine production. Rolf nostalgically remembers the production of a Vintage Port, the 1970 one, as if it were his own creation, from beginning to end. Currently, it is considered one of Niepoort's greatest Ports. Like all members of the Niepoort family, he is a great collector: vintage cars, antiques, and especially Portuguese weapons.
The third generation: Eduard Marius Niepoort. Eduard was born on September 14, 1890, in Porto. He was extremely skilled and a born scientist. In 1912, due to his father's death, Eduard Marius Niepoort was obliged to join the family business. Rolf Niepoort, his son, remembers his father as a person "interested in various areas, such as chemistry, physics, and mechanics, and was a man with a fine sense of humor." In the words of Elisabete, who worked with him and was already involved in administration at the time, he was a true "icon of intelligence," an upright person who was very thoughtful in his decisions. Eduard Marius left the company as an active partner in 1980 and dedicated his time to his many hobbies and collections. Eduard Marius Niepoort passed away at the age of 91 (on June 3, 1982). His grandchildren, Dirk and Verena, remember his strictness regarding their studies and cherish the memory of a grandfather with endless collections of books, stamps, coins, and train tickets!
The second generation: Eduard Karel Jackob. Eduard Jackob was born in 1848 in Porto. Niepoort was already a thriving company when Eduard Karel took over the family business and continued the work of his predecessor.
The first generation: Franciscus Marius van der Niepoort. The founder, Franciscus, was born in 1813 in Hilversum, Netherlands. He married Francisca Louisa Elisabeth Ehlers. Franciscus Marius came to Portugal to create the Niepoort company, a producer of Port wine. He founded the company as a Port wine seller, without owning land or vineyards. He was primarily a Port wine merchant. He died in Porto on March 7, 1887.
The art of Master Blender has also been passed down through generations. José Nogueira was the fourth in his family to practice his art at Niepoort, having worked for the company for over 50 years. His son, José Rodrigo, joined the team in September 2006 and they worked together until 2011, currently representing the fifth generation of the Nogueira family.
