The centuries-old roots of the Freitas de Sousa family are in the Amarante area in Portugal. Around 200 years ago, among other farms that were part of its patrimony, the Gateira Estate (Quinta da Gateira), in the parish of Mancelos, was chosen as the family home. This is where sisters Maria Cândida, Maria Beatriz, Maria Luísa and brothers Miguel Augusto and Mário Augusto lived in the 20th century. 

The vineyards have been part of the family history since the 19th century. After the phylloxera plague that practically wiped them out, Mário Augusto, who had a degree in engineering, planted new vines, especially the white Azal and the red Vinhão. Throughout the 20th century, the grapes were vinified in the estate’s cellar and the wine sold almost entirely in the region. The harvest has not changed significantly to this day. Brothers Herculano and José Sorte, whose parents and grandparents always worked on the estate, are still involved in the viticulture to this day.