The Confraternity of Dão Wine Tasters was created in 1995 by a group of enthusiasts, under the high patronage of His Highness Infante Dom Miguel de Bragança, its Patron – Mor.
It includes direct descendants of founders of the Demarcated Region and admits as confreres those who subscribe to the fundamental principles: Independence from political, economic or other power; defense of culture, moderate and demanding consumption of wine, cordiality, good manners and good humour.
The Order is benevolent, has no material goods and cannot accumulate wealth. Despite its uncompromising independence, the Order regularly receives authorities, members of the government and the military and religious hierarchy, and collaborates with other entities, organizations and municipalities, insofar as this is useful for the dissemination of Dão Wine.
He frequently invites members of the Diplomatic Corps, as he believes they are the best promoters of Portuguese wine among their people. It is a cultural, gastronomic, technical-enological association, which aims to be of public utility and which aims to promote, disseminate and exalt the rational and balanced consumption of wine, namely from the Dão region.
It is defined in the following terms:
Order: For having a structure, based on merits, skills and services provided in favor of statutory objectives, as a factor defining the hierarchical place of each member;
Sovereign: For refusing, in the matter of wines, any other authority, influence or hierarchy than that of the Order that is, specifically, independent of political, economic or any other power.
Of the Knights: By adopting as its guiding conduct the precepts of the old Orders of Chivalry, namely with regard to Honor, Exemption, Loyalty, Justice and Truth, as well as absolute disinterest in any material or social advantages that the condition of member can generate.
In the same line of principles, the Order will fraternally welcome all organizations with a similar or complementary purpose. From St. Urbano and S. Vicente: Because these are the patrons of the Vineyards, within the ancient Portuguese religious tradition.
Source: Confraternity of Dão Wine Tasters