The New Illustrated Map of the Douro by David Eley

It is over 160 years since Baron Joseph James Forrester created his iconic map of the River Douro and its Port wine quintas: charting the river from S. João da Foz on the Atlantic coast. all the way to Barca d’Alva near the frontier with Spain. Since that time, no artist has undertaken an updated Douro map.

Inspired by Baron Forrester’s original work, English artist David Eley has created a 21st century definition of the modern Douro, measuring some three metres in length and comprising 130 illustrations depicting the principal wine making quintas, flora and fauna. This beautiful wine map, endorsed by UNESCO World Heritage, has now been published in two archival editions for framing and wall mounting: a full size ‘Quinta Edition’ pigment print and half size ‘Collector’s Edition’.

The published editions of the new illustrated map will be used by winemakers, agents and distributors to promote awareness of this majestic wine region, as well as wine collectors and aficionado.

English map author David Eley says: “I wish the new Illustrated map of the Douro to be used for the promotion of Port and D.O.C. wines... by lending a pictorial narrative to this fantastic wine region we engage people, encourage them to be curious and taste amazing wines from the oldest demarcated region in the world”

VIP Launch at The Yeatman
David’s original full size preparatory cartoon and finished watercolour map were unveiled at a vinously star studded VIP event within the luxury Yeatman Hotel in Vila Nova da Gaia on the evening of March 3rd 2011
Selected winemaker comments on the new Douro Map:
Adrian Bridge, CEO of the Fladgate Partnership and The Yeatman declared: “The first new map for over 160 years is a significant development in the history of the Douro valley and one that we at The Yeatman are proud to help bring to fruition. After two years of David’s hard work, the opportunity to unveil this beautiful map is not only a pleasure but also an honour”

Rupert Symington, Joint Managing Director, Symington Family Estates: “I was first approached by David Eley two years ago with his idea of producing an illustrated Douro map for the twenty-first century, following in the footsteps of the legendary Baron Forrester .... seeing the final work at its first public exhibition last week was overwhelming, the finished work is clearly a tour de force from serious artist, a beautifully designed window on the Douro valley of today, and a fitting homage to the timeless Forrester work”.

John Graham, Chairman ,Churchill Graham Lda says: “David Eley’s beautifully illustrated Map of the Douro is a unique work of art; he has captured the magic of the Douro and encourages his viewers to visit this enchanted wine region. These limited edition prints will be as sought after as some of the greatest Douro wines and Vintage Ports from this still undiscovered old world wine region… the first classified wine region in the world”


David Eley is best known for his paintings depicting wine and food subjects: a professional artist for more than 25 years he has concentrated on fine wine since 1995, painting the vignerons, vineyards and chefs, he adores good wine in general but is particularly passionate about Port and the Douro.

Since his introduction to the upper echelons of French winemaking through his friendship with a famous London wine merchant, he has gained privileged access to the winemaker’s world. Counting among his friends many chateaux proprietors and some of the world’s greatest chefs. David takes his professional work and the subject of fine wine seriously and has great respect for winemaking tradition. He lives with his world famous miniature Dachshund ‘Barton’, wife Linda and two beautiful daughters, Daisy and Benty, dividing his time between a family home in St Jean de Luz, France and the majestic Douro valley.
David writes features for ‘The World of Fine Wine’ (Quarto, London) and runs a highly regarded website www.agoodnose.com

For Further details on The New Illustrated Map of the Douro see below:

Contact:
Douro Map
Rua Manuel Dias, nº401
Apartado 204
4494-909 Amorim
Póvoa de Varzim
Portugal

Email: anapaulaneves@douromap.com

 

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