Vintage Port refers to authentic Port from Portugal that is made entirely from a single vintage. Each port house makes their own decision on whether not to declare a particular vintage. Production is small and represents only about two percent of all Port produced in the Douro region.

There are five principal grapes allowed in vintage port, the same as in other styles of Port. These are: Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional.

A vintage port is aged for a maximum of two and a half years; when it is released, it has a deep, inky purple color and is deeply concentrated. These are not wines for immediate consumption, but rather wines that need at least a decade or two before they are ready for drinking.

While every vintage is special, certain years such as 1963, 1966, 1970, 1980 and 1994 are exceptional; some of these will peak near their fiftieth birthday. Enjoy on their own or with walnuts or aged cheeses.