Dow’s House

The name of James Ramsey Dow has been known since the mid-nineteenth century, for his contribution to scientific research and publication of an important treatise on powdery mildew. But it was the merge of his company Dow & Co with Silva & Cosens in 1877 that allowed a consolidation and expansion that made the brand become a reference until the present day. The adoption of Dow’s name as the brand name derives from the recognition garnered Dow’s & Co, at the time, as a producer of outstanding Vintage Port house
Already in 1868, George A. Warre, whose reputed family was involved in the trade of port, had become a partner of the two founders of Silva & Cosens. And, it was the combination of the leading spirits of these families, which led to the expansion of Dow’s through replanting of vineyards after the devastation caused by phyloxera.
Later, in 1912, George A. Warre major partner in Dow’s decided to return to England and invited Andrew James Symington to manage the Dow’s farm and their cellars in Gaia. The approach to Symington family, came later, in 1961, to become owner of this house he knew and helped preserve the character and tradition of the creative families increasing recognition of the DOW’S mark as one of the most important and respectable producing Port wine houses.