João Cálem Hoelzer has been working for 30 years in the Port wine trade, also was a member of the tasting panel and trained in cellar management. Apart from some years studying and working abroad had always been at the Quinta. It is in 1990’s when he started running the winery. The Quinta de Val da Figueira is located near Pinhão in the heart of Douro (Cima Corgo). Dating back for five generations, the winery produces its wine in the traditional way – foot trodden in stone tanks “lagares”. The State covers 30 hectares of land that includes vineyards, olive trees and other Mediterranean flora. Vineyards make up 16 hectares in total. The majority of the vineyards are near 30 years old with 10% of the total, still planted with traditional low yield vineyards, which are over 70 years old. João selects the best grape varieties of the estate to display their maximum expression. He produces a single red wine Reserva with a tiny production and a 10 year old Tawny Port.