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The Recognition
In 1781 the Real Companhia Velha, also known as Royal Oporto Wine Company, presented its Portos to the Imperial lips of Catherine of Russia, through large shipments made in steamers freighted for the purpose.
This was the star of Portuguese Sea voyages to the Baltic ports and trade with that country. As a result of the Company's action, exports of the famous wines of the Douro Region underwent considerable and successive increases.
During the French Invasions (1809), Napoleon's troops requisitioned the wines of Real Companhia Velha which thus came to be part of the rations of the French soldiers. Almost at the same time (1811), Lord Wellington and his troops were also consuming the Company's Porto Wines. The outstanding element in this was the supply of 300 barrels from the Company's warehouse at Régua, to the army then stationed in Lamego.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, whole fleets loaded with Real Companhia Velha Portos left for Brazil where the Company enjoyed the exclusive right to supply the wines of the Upper Douro. In 1851/52, the Company had stores of its wines at almost the whole world under the protection of the Portuguese Diplomatic Missions.
It also had the exclusiv right to supply Porto Wine to the tavern keepers of the City of Porto. To carry out this tremendous trade expansion the Company had to built several frigates to protect the Portuguese navigation from the Pirates that roamed about Portuguese coast.
For the training of the crews, the Company started in 1762 the Navy School and later on The Royal Navy and Trade Academy which had the purpose to teach drawing, navigation, international trade and languages such as English and French.
Some years later, the Royal Academy was integrated in the "Academia Politécnica do Porto" which is at the origins of Porto University.
In 2006 Real Companhia Velha celebrates 250 years of existence and uninterrupted activity on behalf of the Porto Wine trade. Behind, there is a fabulous history and a glorious past. For the future there is the continuous commitment for quality and the confidence of a well established company with the vigour and the vision to make further history. Since its foundation by Royal Charter of King Dom José in 1756, many Kings have reigned in Portugal and the importance of Real Companhia Velha is well demonstrated through the numerous services to the community and the support of the majestic privileges granted by Queen D. Maria I, King D. João IV, Queen D. Maria II and King D. Pedro.
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