The Origin

About Us

Adega Velha

references, exclusive and with unique characteristics. Quality, prestige and authenticity are the main pillars that have been driving the brand since its origin. The Adega Velha is a very special building at Quinta da Aveleda. The constant temperature and humidity of the space, together with the reduced lighting, are determining factors to produce the Adega Velha.

Adega Velha is an old brandy, aged in french oak barrels, obtained through the distillation of wine. The wine used has the Denomination of Controlled Origin, from the region of Vinhos Verdes. The region is distinctive for its native grape varieties, freshness, and maritime influence enabling the production of a unique brandy. Adega Velha combines tradition and innovation, with a portfolio of 4 distinct references, exclusive and with unique characteristics. Quality, prestige and authenticity are the main pillars that have been driving the brand since its origin. The Adega Velha is a very special building at Quinta da Aveleda. The constant temperature and humidity of the space, together with the reduced lighting, are determining factors to produce the Adega Velha.

18th and 19th Century

At the end of the 18th century, Francisco de Horta Machado, the first Portuguese Ambassador to Imperial Russia, brought an elegant bottle from St Petersburg, which had caught his attention by its unusual character. In the following century, the bottle would be offered to Manoel Pedro Guedes, owner of Casa d'Avelleda, as a celebration of the first wine productions on the property.

Early 20th Century

In the darkness of the Adega Velha, Roberto Guedes carried out the first experiments with Vinho Verde distillations. The tests of these barrels, presented by António Guedes to Amândio Galhano, who sent samples to Cognac resulted in the desire to develop a singular brandy.

End of the 20th Century

In 1971, one of the first Vinho Verde brandies was born - Adega Velha, in honor of the place where everything started. Amber coloured and resulting from a long rest in french oak casks from the Limousin region, António Guedes found the perfect nectar for the bottle kept since the time of his great-grandfather.

Early 21st Century

The excellence of Adega Velha made it a very famous and wanted brandy all over the country. The success of the first edition was such that the available production rapidly sold out.

Today

Adega Velha´s history remains unchanged. Inheriting the prodigious knowledge and memory of the master winemakers Adega Velha is still produced as a true masterpiece.