Wine brings people together.

When I launched this project, I didn’t expect to forge connections over email and social media with fellow Port wine enthusiasts from around the world.

Not surprisingly, those in Portugal were among the most enthusiastic about Starboard or perhaps most intrigued with an American trying to get more people stateside on board to #drinkport — if only to keep the dinner party going.

One of the connections I’ve made is André Lindo, the owner of Port & Friends Wine Store — an online shop based in Portugal that specializes in rare and old Portuguese wines, with a special focus on Port.

Passionate and knowledgeable about all-things Port, André has offered me insights into the history of Port wine and how it’s perceived (he’s also shipped me some Port from his shop, which will be used for the next chapter of Starboard’s venture).

Most recently, he sent me a collection of vintage Port wine labels and ads through the years and they’re too good not to share. Scroll through the gallery below to see Port wine’s evolution in the world of marketing and advertising.

Thank you, André, for contributing your love of Port to this project. I’m excited to keep the conversation going and to one day share a glass of Port wine in person because that’s what Starboard is all about.

Onward we venture.

Cheers,
Rebecca