In May 2000 Bernhard Breuer and Bernd Philippi bought the estate Quinta da Carvalhosa in the Douro Valley.
Short time after that Werner Näkel joined and completed the team.

The estate named Quinta da Carvalhosa is situated between Regua and Pinhao, in the heart of the Douro region. It exclusively consists of the so-called A- and B-Sites, the best of the portuguese system of classification. The vineyards of the quinta cover 8 hectares of steep sites. The average age of the vines is between 20 to 40 years.

When taking over the vineyards from their former owner – who merely delivered the grapes to port producers or co-operatives – there was no other building on the area of the quinta than a garage for the vineyard equipment. In here the first two vintages of the estate were produced. In the meantime a vaulted cellar has been built into the mountain.

2000 Campo Ardosa, the first wine of the Quinta da Carvalhosa, is a red table wine with the Appelation d’ Origine “Douro”, which was produced from the local varieties of Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Francese
It was cultivated without any use of filters or pump on a strictly natural base in the small oak and finally bottled in July 2002 after having been stored for more than 20 months.
Beyond the first cru of Campo Ardosa the estate also produces a second cru called Ardosino (“little schist”) and possibly also a riserva.
The production of each of them depends on the quality level of the respective vintage. The decision towards vintage dependend production corresponds with a very high idea of quality.

“For the second time in succession a Campo Ardosa among the top award-winners. A young brand that shows in its first two vintages that is has the distinction to belong to the best.
A foreign bet in the Douro Valley that has been won by the Germans Bernd Philippi, Werner Näkel and Bernhard Breuer that – supported by the portuguese oenologist Rui Cunha – managed to lift the small and unknown Quinta da Carvalhosa on the list of the great wines.”
Revista de Vinhos, February 2005

“2001 Campo Ardosa: Matured in new oak, this shows how the Douro is capable of great elegance. Flavors of dark fruits balance dry tannins and spice. This wine will age, for 10 years or more. – 94 pts.”
Editors Choice, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, November 2004

“2001 Ardosino: This is the second wine from Carvalhosa. It brings great blackcurrant fruit and firm tannins. There are flavors of tar, of acidity balanced with fine wood. Drink after 4-5 years. – 88 pts.”
Editors Choice, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, November 2004

“2000 Campo Ardosa: A lithe, yet muscular, red that is quite Bordeaux-like, with aromas and flavors of black olive, plum and raspberry and a seductive smoky essence as well, which lingers on the long finish. Well-structered, with medium-weight tannins.”
The Wine Spectator, Kim Marcus, August 2003

“The first release of a joint-venture wine by the Quinta da Carvalhosa. This estate has produced a wine that shows just how impressive Douro wines can be. Its dark, brooding prensence is immediately apparent in the almost opaque black color. On the palate, plums and black currants combine with new wood and tannins, leaving a complex aftertaste. Power and elegance blend effortlessly. Age for another 5 years befor opening. – 94 pts.”
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Roger Voss, March 2003