D'Oliveiras wins IWSC 2025 Sweet/Fortified Wine Producer Trophy

Today, under the guidance of Luís D'Oliveira and his nephew Filipe - the company's winemaker - their cellars hold Frasqueiras and vintages spanning over a century, some predating both world wars. 

The IWSC Sweet/Fortified Wine Producer Trophy recognises excellence in one of wine's most demanding categories, where patience is measured in decades rather than years. D'Oliveiras exemplifies this philosophy through their traditional canteiro ageing system, where wines slowly develop complexity under Madeira's subtropical sun. 

Filipe D'Oliveira's approach reflects generations of accumulated wisdom. Each year, specific wines are selected for long-term ageing, with every stage personally overseen - from grape selection in the vineyard through to the delicate canteiro process. As he describes it: "Wine is treated like a second child" - a philosophy that reflects the dedication behind each bottle. 

This ongoing commitment has earned international recognition at both the IWSC, and beyond throughout the years. Our IWSC judges particularly appreciated D'Oliveiras' balance of tradition and drinkability. Wine Judging Committee member Alex Hunt MW observed: "D'Oliveiras was the one you could actually drink in quantity. It is not just academically impressive, it is genuinely pleasurable." 

The family's extensive collection includes wines aged for over 100 years, representing both viticultural heritage and living history. Each vintage tells the story of Madeira's unique terroir and the D'Oliveira family's perpetual commitment to quality. 

In an era when many producers seek shortcuts, D'Oliveiras continues the patient work of creating wines that will outlive their makers.  

Congratulations to D'Oliveiras.