Since 1996,the first harvest at Quinta Vale D. Maria, they identified the unique characteristics of each parcel of vineyard. Each and every one has a story to tell. In 2004, the year of their daughter Francisca's 18th birthday, they planted Vinha da Francisca (Francisca's Vineyard) with several different grape varieties amongst which is Tinta Francisca.

This grape variety was introduced in Portugal, in the Douro in 1756 at Quinta de Roriz - which belonged to the van Zeller family until 2009. They also planted Touriga Franca, Sousão, Rufete and Touriga Nacional in an area of 4,5 hectares.