Kopke's path as a winegrower is entwined with the history of its location. The Douro was destined to become the chosen stage for this marriage between the will of man and nature took place. The purchase of a farm in the Douro, in 1781, marks the transition from a wine buying company to a major producer. Port Wine gradually become the focus of the company and soon represents its main business. Nicolau Kopkë & Co. is an example for innovation, producing and shipping its wines within the same company. In 1828 Cristiano Nicolau Kopkë, great-great-grandson of the company's founder Nicolau Kopkë and grandson of Cristiano Kopke, sided with the Liberal Party during the civil war, thus linking the company and the family to the cause. This dedication to the concept of social progress will be shared by all the family's successive generations. He was graced with the title of Baron of Vilar in 1836 and, ten years later, his nephew Joaquim Augusto Kopke was made Baron of Massarelos. Two centuries after the arrival of the family in Portugal, their commitment to the development of the country had been rewarded. The company changed its name to C. N. Kopke in 1841, remaining as such to this day. In the centuries to come, Kopke will endeavour to honour its legacy, that was built with passion throughout generations.
