Since its foudation on the 10th september 1756 by Royal Charter of D. José I, King of Portugal, under the auspices of his Prime Minister, Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal, the importance of this chartered Company was reflected by the valuable services to the community, being the most relevant, the demarcation of the Douro region – the oldest wine appellation in the world.
Since 1960, Real Companhia Velha has been run by the Silva Reis family, who have dedicated their efforts to the production of both Port and Douro wines, focusing on the study and development of the Douro terroir. The Company owns 5 quintas in the Douro valley – Quinta das Carvalhas, Quinta de Cidrô, Quinta dos Aciprestes, Quinta do Casal da Granja and Quinta do Síbio – with a total vineyard surface of 557 ha.