Smith Woodhouse Port

Smith Woodhouse is not a name you’ll find on every wine list, but for lovers of characterful Port, it immediately rings a bell.

The story of Smith Woodhouse begins in 1784 with Christopher Smith. As a member of the British Parliament and Lord Mayor of London, he started shipping Port wines from the Douro Valley. During the 19th century, the Woodhouse brothers joined the venture, and the house took on the name we know today.

Though it never followed the commercial path of the bigger Port houses, Smith Woodhouse quietly grew into one of the most reliable and consistent names in the region. In 1970, the estate was acquired by the Symington family, who continued its niche character and style with great care and respect.

The strength of Smith Woodhouse lies in its origins. The wines come primarily from Quinta da Madalena, a vineyard set deep in the sheltered Rio Torto Valley, a tributary of the Douro in the Cima Corgo. The microclimate here is gentler, allowing for a slower ripening process. This results in a wine style that is both balanced, floral and ripe, with aromas of roses and violets. The oldest plots are planted in a traditional field blend, with old vines and very low yields, lending the wines depth and complexity.

Smith Woodhouse Ports are often tasted blind alongside the greats, and consistently stand out – both in quality and in value. A hidden gem for those who appreciate Port with finesse and a story of its own. We're proud to represent these wines on the Belgian market with Santé Wines.