The Symington family is firmly committed to innovation, and over the last decade has conducted very substantial research in the field of viticulture and winemaking. Graham’s continues to make some of the best Ports by treading in stone ‘lagares’. However, while this method produces the best port, it requires man power and temperature control is difficult to maintain. In order to address these problems the wine making team developed the world’s first purpose built automated treading machine. This new machinery produces Ports that surpass the quality of traditional foot treading lagares, while at the same time eliminating the latter’s shortcomings. By the 2000 harvest, three robotic lagares have been fitted in the newly refurbished winery at Quinta dos Malvedos - the company’s famed flagship vineyard. This Quinta is acknowledged to be one of the Upper Douro’s finest properties, and has been awarded an ‘A’ rating by the Douro’s regulatory authority. This landmark in winemaking paired with Quinta dos Malvedo's exceptional terroir, is what makes Graham’s renowned Vintage Port so outstanding.