From the legendary 1840, Fonseca's first Vintage Port release, to the superb declared vintages of the last decade, the house has produced a succession of highly acclaimed wines even in the most adverse moments of history. The house of Fonseca traces its origins to the early nineteenth century and today is one of the most recognized producers of Vintage Port and known around the world as the producer of Bin No.27, one of the most popular Ports ever made.

Fonseca's respect for the vineyard and the unique environment of the Douro Valley expresses itself in the firm's leadership in the field of sustainable and organic viticulture. It was the first house to offer a Port made entirely from organically produced grapes. Their vineyard management practices exemplify this commitment through initiatives such as soil protection, composting and the promotion of biodiversity.

The firm's three estates of Cruzeiro, Panascal and Santo António are the heart of the distinctive character of Fonseca's Vintage Ports. Located in the Douro Valley within northern Portugal, the vines are planted in stony schist soil overlooking the Douro River. The climate is austere, with cold winters and very hot, dry summers which limit yields, producing deep and concentrated wines. As it has since the mid-19th century, Fonseca continues to be defined by its position as one of a very small handful of top Vintage Port houses, a producer of wines by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. James Suckling, in his authoritative book on Vintage Port, put it as follows: