DFJ Vinhos, founded in 1998 by renowned Portuguese winemaker José Neiva Correia, stands strong with a deep commitment to quality. Their Portada Reserva White was judged as the best wine from Portugal at the USA Wine Ratings 2024 reflecting DFJ Vinhos’ dedication to crafting wines that resonate with consumers worldwide. His craft is evident in his approach to blending varieties, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land. José's vision for the future of winemaking is as innovative as his past contributions, and his passion continues to drive the brand’s success.

José Neiva Correia’s journey into winemaking started long before DFJ Vinhos was established. In the 1980s and 1990s, José was already a key figure in Portugal’s wine industry, working as a consultant for several companies. The inspiration to create his winery came from his work with D&F Wine Shippers, then the largest importer of Portuguese wines in the United Kingdom. In 1998, José partnered with Dino Ventura and Fausto Ferraz to form DFJ Vinhos, adding his "J" to the brand. By 2005, José became the sole owner, and under his leadership, DFJ Vinhos flourished.

Image: José Neiva Correia

Reflecting on the foundation of DFJ Vinhos, José shares, “Creating the wines that people love to share!” This guiding principle is at the heart of DFJ Vinhos' mission to deliver wines that bring people together. He believes that blending grape varieties enhances the wine's potential, saying, “When we bring different grape varieties together, we can make something more perfect and give people even more pleasure.”

DFJ Vinhos is known for its meticulous attention to detail in blending wines. Whether working with two varieties or as many as seven, the goal is always to find harmony and complexity in every bottle. As José puts it, “A blend of varieties can lead to perfection. A blend of varieties is helpful when nature is not consistent. Many DFJ wines are blends of 2, 3, or even 7 varieties.”

Portada Reserva White: A Masterful Blend 

The Portada Reserva White, named the best wine from Portugal at the 2024 USA Wine Ratings, exemplifies DFJ Vinhos' excellence in blending and quality. Produced in the Lisbon region, this wine combines five grape varieties: Fernão Pires, Arinto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viosinho. The result is a fresh and elegant wine with vibrant tropical fruit flavors and balanced acidity. Scoring 92 points and winning a gold medal, judges at the USA Ratings praised its aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, and golden apple, leading to a citrusy, flinty finish.

The Portada Reserva White showcases DFJ Vinhos' skill in crafting wines that appeal to a global audience.

The Lisbon region, where Portada Reserva White is produced, benefits from a maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The proximity to the ocean helps to moderate temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain their natural acidity. This unique terroir contributes to the wine's distinct freshness and character, making it a standout among Portuguese wines.

Image: Single estate Romao and Ice Mountain, Lisbon region.

Responding to client demands for an upgrade in quality, DFJ Vinhos worked to offer blends with more taste, elegance, and pleasure, resulting in the Portada Reserva line. These wines reflect the care and passion that José and his team put into every bottle.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of DFJ Vinhos' operations. With a certified zero-water usage policy on its single estates and a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, DFJ Vinhos is a leader in environmentally friendly winemaking. “Our goal at the vineyard is to help nature create the best grapes in a sustainable way,” José emphasizes. Their efforts in this area have earned the winery significant recognition, further bolstering its reputation on the global stage.

DFJ Vinhos has seen remarkable growth since its inception, now exporting over 99% of its 10 million bottles annually to more than 50 countries. A key element of the winery's strategy is its collaboration with international partners, who provide critical feedback and market insights. “We seek to find partners with proven skills to promote and distribute wines. They are our eyes to give us feedback on market opportunities and what we should offer in terms of wines,” José explains. This proactive approach ensures that DFJ Vinhos can adapt to consumer preferences, resulting in a broad portfolio that caters to diverse tastes.

The USA is one of DFJ Vinhos' key markets, with the winery's products available in several major retail chains through partners like Tri-Vin Imports. Participating in wine competitions, such as the USA Wine Ratings, has also been instrumental in raising the winery’s profile. “It helps to participate in competitions that offer confidence in the work of judging wines. That’s why we participate in USA Wine Ratings as it is an important tool in our work and that of our importers,” José notes.

2024 USA Wine Ratings: Portada Reserva White, 92 Points - Best In Show By Country Category.

As DFJ Vinhos looks ahead to the next five years, the focus remains on refining blends, creating new ones, and continuing to push the boundaries of sustainable winemaking. The winery is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint while continuing its legacy of producing wines that delight consumers around the world. “We achieved sustainability certification this year, but we are working to improve more and more,” José says. His dedication to both the craft of winemaking and the preservation of the environment ensures that DFJ Vinhos will remain a leading name in the industry for years to come.

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With a strong foundation built on innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for tradition, DFJ Vinhos continues to win the hearts of consumers around the world. As José Neiva Correia and his team look to the future, their commitment to blending perfection, expanding global reach, and promoting sustainable practices ensures that DFJ Vinhos will remain a cherished name in wine for generations to come.