Fladgate CEO: ‘Asia presents many opportunities’
The Fladgate Partnership taps into thirst for ‘high value, authenticity and food pairings’ among Asian consumers to build presence in emerging markets, says CEO Adrian Bridge.
With a portfolio featuring some of the biggest names in Port, including Taylor’s, Croft and Fonseca, The Fladgate Partnership passionately champions the Portuguese fine wine category with a commitment to terroir and provenance while embracing innovation and new product development.
“Port is often viewed as a mature category of fine wine, but we see it differently,” Bridge explains. “Our history is filled with innovations, starting with the first Extra Dry White Port in the 1930s, followed by Late Bottled Vintage in 1970, Croft Pink (the first rosé Port) in 2008, and the first super-premium Tawny Port, Taylor’s Scion, in 2010. Most recently, we launched Taylor’s Very Very Old Port, aged more than 80 years.”
Over the past 10 years, the demand for special-category Ports has grown and aged Tawny Ports, limited-edition releases and Single-Quinta Vintage Ports have seen encouraging demand, not just in established markets like the UK and US, but also in emerging markets in Asia.
For Bridge, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan pose great potential for growth. “With the growth of the middle and upper classes, increasing exposure to Western cuisine and wine culture, and a resurgent luxury market, Asia presents many opportunities.”
Development varies significantly across countries, he warns, but “consumers here highly value authenticity, quality and food pairings”. In South Korea, Fladgate is increasing its presence by investing in local resources and personnel. The company is actively participating in trade fairs and local events, including presence at James Suckling Great Wines of the World and in travel retail.
The perfect pairing
In September 2023, Fladgate made a strategic shift by acquiring IdealDrinks, a company renowned for producing high-quality Portuguese wines. For Asian consumers, Portuguese still wines are becoming increasingly appealing due to their distinctiveness, strong value and excellent food compatibility. The unique indigenous grape varietals, along with international varietals that have a Portuguese twist, contribute to the category’s growing interest.
“There is a notable interest in Portuguese table wines featuring indigenous grapes like Alvarinho and Loureiro, as well as internationally recognised varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Consumers appreciate these familiar choices while curious about the distinct flavours offered by Portugal’s terroir,” Bridge explains.
“Wines from Portugal offer good acidity, which pairs well with Asian cuisine, balancing spice and rich dishes, while moderate alcohol complements delicate flavours. For example, Alvarinho is great with sushi and Thai dishes, while Douro reds pair well with Korean BBQ.”
Premier destination
For those looking to experience winemaking firsthand, The Fladgate Partnership offers comprehensive, immersive and interactive attractions in the heart of Portugal. The World of Wine (WOW) in Porto is a premier destination for wine enthusiasts, featuring dedicated destinations and museums such as The Wine Experience, which was voted the world’s best wine experience in 2025. In addition, specialised wine workshops, diverse dining options with stunning views of the Douro River and in-depth educational tours are available.
For Port lovers, Fladgate provides unique experiences at the Taylor’s and Fonseca visitor centres, including VIP tastings. The Fladgate Partnership invites visitors to stay or dine at The Yeatman Hotel, which has recently secured its second Michelin star for its gastronomic restaurant for the ninth consecutive year.
For those travelling to the Douro Valley, the company offers visitor centre experiences at Fonseca’s Quinta do Panascal and Croft’s Quinta da Roêda, as well as accommodations at hotels like The Vintage House in Pinhão and the Manor House boutique hotel in Celeirós. With the new roads and motorways, the Douro Valley has never been more accessible..
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