In the eastern part of the Douro, near the Spanish border, we find Quinta do Vale Meão, birthplace of Barca Velha, the most famous and highly acclaimed Douro. The quinta is owned by Francisco Javier de Olazabal, the great-great-grandson of Dona Antonia Ferreira who bought the quinta in 1877. The former director of the Ferreira port house started making wine from his son, oenologist Xito (Francisco) Olazabal in 1998 this exceptional terroir. Their first wine, Meao 1999, was immediately named the best Portuguese wine of 1999. It is the most famous quinta in Portugal and is also part of the famous Douro Boys. All wines that they make now guarantee an authentic experience of the Douro wines, naturally made from the typical Portuguese grape varieties from the Douro region. Quinta do Vale Meão belongs to the top of Portugal and you can taste why it is!