On Saturday, October 18 at 1:00 PM, the Sport Club Português Museum became the stage for an unforgettable gathering — Great Wines of the Douro Valley, a celebration of Portugal’s most acclaimed wine region and the extraordinary winemakers shaping its global rise.
The event’s goal was clear: to highlight for our community the world-class wines now emerging from the Douro Valley, a region recently crowned 2025 International Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. The magazine praised the Douro’s “dynamic winemaking, stunning landscapes, and rich heritage in both Port and dry wines,” capturing perfectly what our guests experienced firsthand.
A Meeting of Masters
It was nothing short of historic to welcome — under one roof — three of Portugal’s most respected winemakers: Miguel Roquette of Quinta do Crasto, Jorge Serôdio Borges of Wine & Soul, and Francisco “Xito” Olazabal of Quinta do Vale Meão. Each represents a pillar of the modern Douro, carrying forward family traditions while crafting wines that are captivating critics and collectors across the globe.
The Museum itself looked stunning — warm lighting reflecting off polished wood and glass displays, each table elegantly arranged amid the exhibits that tell our club’s century-long story. Guests enjoyed a curated menu designed to pair beautifully with the wines, each course thoughtfully complementing the layers of aroma and flavor in the wines being poured.
As the tasting began, each winemaker took the stage to present their creations. Miguel Roquette spoke of Quinta do Crasto’s legacy of quality and innovation, where tradition meets precision. His Touriga Nacional 2020 — recently named Best of the Year – Overall Winner at the Concurso Vinhos de Portugal 2025 . Quinta do Crasto also continues to earn global acclaim, ranking #15 in the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 and #1 in Portugal.
Next, Jorge Serôdio Borges shared the story of Wine & Soul, known for sourcing grapes from some of the oldest and most exceptional vineyards in the Pinhão Valley. His acclaimed Pintas 2021 received 96 points from Wine Advocate and 94 from Wine Spectator, while Borges himself was named Winemaker of the Year (Revista de Vinhos – Melhores do Ano). His words captured the spirit of the region: “The same vineyards that make the greatest Vintage Ports also make the Douro’s greatest wines.”
Closing the presentation, Francisco “Xito” Olazabal of Quinta do Vale Meão spoke of his family’s legendary estate, founded by the visionary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. Guests were treated to his Vale Meão 2022 which earned 98 points from Wine Enthusiast and 95 points from Wine Advocate — a testament to the estate’s mastery of the Douro’s terroir.
The Douro’s Global Moment
Recent years have seen a renaissance for Portuguese wines. A February 2025 report in SevenFifty Daily highlighted how producers are embracing premium winemaking, while an April 2025 trade report confirmed that the United States is now the number one destination for Portuguese wine exports. This international recognition mirrors the sentiment that filled the Museum that afternoon: immense pride in Portugal’s craftsmanship and the Douro’s place among the world’s elite wine regions.
A Celebration of Heritage
Beyond the tasting, guests toured the Sport Club Português Museum, exploring exhibits that honor over a century of cultural legacy. The blend of history, heritage, and hospitality created an atmosphere as rich as the wines themselves — a reminder that both our club and the Douro Valley share the same enduring mission: to preserve the best of our past while inspiring future generations.
A Moment to Remember
As the final glasses were raised, it was clear this was more than a wine tasting — it was a celebration of Portuguese excellence, artistry, and pride. To see three legends of the Douro Valley standing together in Newark, sharing their stories and wines with our community, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
On that October afternoon, surrounded by history and friendship, the spirit of the Douro filled the Sport Club Português Museum.
Quinta do Crasto
Founded on the right bank of the Douro River between Régua and Pinhão, Quinta do Crasto is a storied estate with 74 hectares of vineyards, tracing its lineage back to Roman times. The Roquette family has guided the property with a deep commitment to tradition, quality and innovation — most recently earning its Touriga Nacional 2020 the “Best of the Year – Overall Winner” accolade in Portugal. The estate also ranks among the World’s Best Vineyards. Explore more at: quintadocrasto.wine
Wine & Soul
Located in the heart of the Pinhão Valley, Wine & Soul is the boutique imprint of winemakers Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva. Their vision: craft terroir-driven wines from ancient vineyards that span the heritage of the Douro region. Their Pintas label garnered 96 pts from Wine Advocate and 94 from Wine Spectator, and Borges was named Enólogo do Ano (Winemaker of the Year) in Portugal. Discover their story at: wineandsoul.com
Quinta do Vale Meão
Founded by Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira in 1877 and now operated by Francisco “Xito” Olazabal, Vale Meão lies in the remote Upper Douro and produces powerful, award-winning wines. Its 2021 and 2022 Red bottlings earned 98 pts from Wine Enthusiast, while the 2022 Vale Meão Tinto scored 95 pts from Wine Advocate. Visit: quintadovalemeao.pt
The SCP Museum — A Living Tribute to Our Legacy
Step into the rich history of Sport Club Português and experience the enduring spirit of our community at the SCP Museum. Originally opened in 1995 and beautifully located on the second floor of our clubhouse, the museum preserves over a century of memories, achievements, and traditions that define who we are.
In 2024, this cherished space was renamed in honor of Jack Costa, a visionary leader and former president whose dedication and service helped shape the modern era of SCP. Under his leadership, the club flourished — strengthening its cultural presence, educational programs, and connection to the Portuguese-American community. The museum now stands as a heartfelt tribute to his profound impact and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Visitors can explore a remarkable collection of historic artifacts, photographs, vintage sports equipment, and memorabilia, each piece telling a story of passion, perseverance, and pride. Every corner of the museum reflects the journey of Sport Club Português — from its founding roots in Newark’s Ironbound to its place today as a beacon of Portuguese culture and unity.
Whether you’re a lifelong member or visiting for the first time, the Jack Costa SCP Museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people, moments, and traditions that continue to inspire future generations.
Plan Your Visit:
To schedule a tour, contact the club office and discover this living archive of Portuguese heritage. Come walk through history — and celebrate the legacy that continues to define Sport Club Português.
