To mark its 200th anniversary, Graham’s has revealed the Bicentenary Collection: a limited series of rare port sets, housed within a bespoke piece of furniture that bridges that gap between storage and home décor.
While the historic port house’s 200th anniversary was actually in 2020, as with so many other events and occasions, the decision was made to postpone the launch of the commemorative release due to the pandemic. Now, two years later, the brand’s longevity feels more impressive than ever.
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The Bicentenary Collection features a total of 12 ports: six Single Harvest Tawny Ports and six classic Vintage Ports – including two vintages that have never been released before – with every wine personally selected by members of the Symington family, the renowned port-making family that has owned Graham’s since 1970. Each Single Harvest port has been specifically selected and bottled for the collection, while each of the Vintage Ports has been impeccably aged within the Graham’s Vila Nova de Gaia cellars.
For such a collection, only the finest container would suffice. To make the cabinet, Graham’s enlisted Portuguese master joiners, WeWood, who crafted the piece from sustainably sourced rare Santos rosewood. Opening up to reveal a rich interior lined with the classic Graham’s Green, the cabinet presents the six Single Harvest Tawny Ports sat up on the top layer, with the Vintage bottles lay in a lower section.
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Completing the collectible set is a handblown decanter and wine glass set by Jancis Robinson MW in partnership with British product designer Richard Brendon, a two-part Durand corkscrew specifically designed for mature bottles, and a commissioned decanting funnel by Porto-based silversmiths, Ourivesaria Coutinho
Just 30 of the sets will be released, with the first heading to auction at Christie’s of London next spring. As well as the 12-stong collection and the bespoke casing, the winning bid will also include a VIP trip to Portugal to visit the Douro and Porto, which includes a stay at Graham’s flagship property, Quinta dos Malvedos. All proceeds are promised to two charities – the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Santa Casa de Misericordia de Carrazeda – both of which were specially selected to represent the Symington family’s origins.
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The remaining 29 rare port sets will be available on a made-to-order basis, with online registration opening on November, 18.
“The release of the Bicentenary Collection has huge significance for us as a family business, marking not only the illustrious history of Graham’s and the unparalleled excellence of the wines, but our commitment to continuing to build on these foundations for many years to come,” said Johnny Symington, chairman of Symington Family Estates.
“Each wine in the cabinet bears personal significance to a member of the third, fourth or fifth generation of our family, representing as they do the past, present, and future of our business.”
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