Grahams launches first NFT with special historic two-bottle cases

Port company Graham’s has launched its first NFT, which will be released with a limited edition run of two-bottle cases of the historic 1970 and 2020 vintages, with only 50 available to buy.

The Symington family chose the Graham’s 1970 Vintage Port as it was the first classic Vintage Port released by the family after their acquisition of the historic port house, along with the Graham’s 2020 Bicentenary Edition Vintage Port which celebrates 200 years since Graham’s was founded.

Together, the two bottles celebrate “the family’s stewardship and commitment to the pursuit of excellence that has spanned 200 years,” the company said.

Each case will be released with a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) which includes a series of unique experience including a private visit to Graham’s principal estate in the Douro Valley, Quinta dos Malvedos

44 of the limited edition cases of Graham’s 1970 & 2020 Vintage Port will be sold exclusively through the Graham’s Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia from 24 July, with the NFT hosted on the Club dVIN platform. A further five cases will be be available on NFT platform Winechain over the next few months (price and unique benefit to be confirmed), with the final case donated to the 2023 Golden Vines Online Auction in support of the Gérard Basset Foundation.

As well as providing a guarantee of authenticity of the wine, the NFT will entitle the purchaser to benefits  once the bottles have been opened and the NFTs burned. These include an allocation for a case of the next classic Graham’s Vintage Port release, and six free guided tours & tastings at the Graham’s Lodge, which the NFT holder can grant to whoever tastes the Vintage Ports with them.

Three of the cases sold through the Graham’s Lodge will offer an additional exclusive private day visit to Graham’s principal estate in the Douro Valley, Quinta dos Malvedos for four people. This includes a guided tour of the vineyards and winery followed by a tutored tasting and lunch at the estate house, which is not open to the public. These special cases are priced at €3,000.

Harry Symington, communications & vintage port senior manager at Symington Family Estates said the family was very excited about launching its first ever NFT with two Vintage Ports of “exceptional quality and represent the pinnacle of what we make in the Douro”, as well as holding “special significance for our family”.

“By attaching an NFT to each case and adding a series of benefits, we aim to build a relationship with those that purchase these rare bottles and provide them with a digital guarantee of authenticity and provenance should they wish to sell them in the future,” he said.

“Given Vintage Port’s ability to age over decades, we believe that NFT technology is particularly suited for this wine, creating a unique opportunity for both fine wine enthusiasts and us as the producer. While the 1970 bottles are likely to be enjoyed soon, the 2020 bottles will probably be cellared for years to come, extending the lifetime of the NFT.”