O-Port-Unidade serves as a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation in the Port wine-making industry. Initiated by Axel Probst, a seasoned wine expert and author, this charity project encapsulates the spirit of unity among the top growers in the Douro Valley, with an aim to produce a remarkable Vintage Port while assisting local communities.
The inception of O-Port-Unidade arose in 2013, when Probst orchestrated an event where 25 prominent growers contributed grapes to create a unique Vintage Port. The endeavor was a volunteer effort to support the charity Bagos D’Ouro, established to benefit underprivileged children in the region, and raised an impressive €100,000 at the time.
Fast forward to 2023, the project reemerged with an expanded roster of 28 growers, now contributing vinified Port instead of just grapes. A blind tasting panel, featuring esteemed figures from notable wine houses, was formed to ensure the best blend. The resulting Port was registered with the IVDP in May 2025, generating optimism around the expected financial returns, which are predicted to surpass those of the earlier project.
The blend consists of contributions from key producers across the Douro Valley, emphasizing the collaboration among various grape varieties, highlighting the region’s complexity and depth. The final product, described as having a youthful vibrancy balanced by a rustic touch, motivates anticipation for its evolution in the bottle.
The ambitious project, championed by Probst, is not just a testament to the extraordinary wines of the Douro Valley but also a noble effort to uplift the local community. Through O-Port-Unidade, the legacy of wine making in this iconic region is intertwined with charitable contributions and the timeless pursuit of quality.
For more details on Axel Probst and his endeavors, you can visit his profile here.