Blandy's / About Us
CHRIS BLANDY – LEADING THE LEGACY INTO THE FUTURE
As the seventh generation of the Blandy family, Chris Blandy blends tradition with innovation. Since joining the Madeira wine company in 2005, he has been instrumental in modernising the business while preserving its legacy. Appointed CEO in 2011, he has strengthened Blandy’s Madeira global presence and reinforced its premium positioning. His vision extends beyond tradition—he is committed to ensuring Madeira wine continues to thrive, captivating both connoisseurs and new consumers. With passion and dedication, Chris Blandy honours his family’s heritage while shaping the future of Madeira wine.
FRANCISCO ALBUQUERQUE – THE ARCHITECT OF EXCELLENCE
Renowned for his expertise and innovation, Francisco Albuquerque has been the driving force behind Blandy’s wines for decades. A trained oenologist, he joined the Madeira Wine Company in the 1990s, refining the art of Madeira wine production. His meticulous approach has earned international recognition, elevating Blandy’s wines to new heights. More than a winemaker, Francisco is a guardian of tradition and a mentor for future generations. His passion and knowledge ensure that Blandy’s will continue to set the standard for Madeira wine for years to come.
Blandy's History
The Blandy family is unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade that still own and manage their own original wine company. Throughout its long history on the island the family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira wine and members of the family continue to live in Madeira maintaining a tradition that goes back to 1811: Two centuries of fine wine production.
Savoir Faire
At Blandy’s Madeira, we take pride in being the only family among the founders of the Madeira wine trade to own and manage our original wine company. Since 1811, the Blandy family has played a pivotal role in shaping the Madeira wine industry, preserving ancient ageing techniques passed down through generations. Our fortified wines, produced and bottled exclusively on the island, reflect the unique terroir and specific grape varieties of Madeira, showcasing the authenticity and rich heritage in every bottle. Our wines transcend continents, appealing to a demographic who value timeless traditions and impeccable quality. For these connoisseurs, Blandy’s Madeira represents more than just a brand; it is a symbol of refined taste and a deep connection to the past. Yet, we also welcome a generation of wine enthusiasts eager to explore our heritage through a contemporary lens. By inviting them to experience the rich tradition of Madeira wines, we bridge the gap between time-honoured practices and modern innovation. Blandy’s Madeira promises an unparalleled experience—a harmonious blend of heritage, authenticity, and forward-thinking creativity in every drop.
Our Misson
At Blandy’s Madeira, we honour over two centuries of heritage and tradition in crafting exceptional Madeira wines. As a family-owned company and a global leader in the industry, we are dedicated to integrating our rich history with innovative practices to offer a diverse portfolio that resonates with those who value quality, authenticity, and heritage. Our commitment extends beyond winemaking; we strive to preserve our vineyards and support our growers while ensuring the highest standards of quality in every bottle. Through continuous innovation, we aim to improve quality, efficiency, and profitability, all while making a positive impact on society and the environment. Together, we seek to cultivate a legacy that inspires future generations of wine lovers.
Vison
To be universally recognized as one of the best wine producers in the world.
Values
Quality, Integrity, knowledge, Authenticity, and Heritage, but not afraid to Innovate.
Arrival to Madeira Island
John Blandy, the founder of Blandy’s arrived in Madeira in 1808. A letter of introduction sent from London to Messrs Newton, Gordon, Murdoch, wine merchants in Madeira – found in 2006 – read: ‘Sirs! At the desire of our particular friend, Richard Fuller Esq., Banker in this City, we beg leave to introduce Mr John Blandy who visits your Island on account of ill health and wishes to obtain employment in a Counting House. We shall be obliged if you can promote his views and accordingly recommend him to your attention.’ The letter is dated 23 December 1807 implying that John Blandy arrived in the island early in 1808.
The beginning of Blandy´s Madeira
In 1811 he founded his own business as a wine shipper and general trader with his brothers Thomas and George and started to set the foundation for the family and the island itself with the production of the most famous and unique wine in the world – Madeira wine. The company soon started exporting wine to the four corners of the world and to places as far as Russia, Northern Europe, Antilles and North America. In order to broaden their activities they also began importing various products from other origins.
Blandy´s Wine Lodges
John Blandy’s tenacity in buying up small property holdings over the course of nearly 20 years allowed the family to have what is known today as, The Blandy’s Wine Lodge. These wine lodges, some of the oldest on the island, boast special properties – aside from their historical heritage – which contribute to the making of truly remarkable wines. Their layout, shape and structure create a combination of unique temperature and humidity conditions, stretching from the cellar up to the highest attics, which make the wine lodges perfect for ageing Madeira wine.
Oidium Plague
During the disastrous oidium plague in 1852 it was Charles Blandy who had the foresight to buy up a great proportion of the stocks of old wine on the island thus safeguarding his company’s ability to continue selling Madeira wine. Many others followed him since always with one goal in mind: to leave the company for the future generations in a stronger condition than the one they have received it.
Madeira Wine Association (nowadays known as Madeira Wine Company)
Blandy’s Madeira is a family owned business with over 200 years of experience in producing the finest quality Madeira wines and prevails totally dedicated to the preservation of the Madeira wine production traditions whilst maintaining the highest quality standards. In 1925 Blandy’s decided to join the Madeira Wine Company: a group of wine companies formed together to maximise global exposure and minimise overheads in a world where the export market was experiencing an all time low. Led by the Blandy family this association managed to survive the bleak years whilst many individual companies fell by the wayside.
Partnership with Symington
In 1989 in order to further expand the global market the Blandy’s approached another Anglo-Portuguese family the Symingtons of Oporto (Port producers since the 19th century) and offered them a partnership in the newly named Madeira Wine Company (MWC). This partnership continues today.
Blandy's Malmsey 1994 Harvest
In 2000 the Blandy’s Madeira Wine Company (MWC) led the way with the introduction of a high quality but affordable Madeira of a single year (known as “Colheita” in Portuguese) “Blandy’s Malmsey 1994 Harvest”. This was the first dated Madeira ever launched other than the very expensive and rare Vintage Madeiras. Wine merchants and consumers in many countries welcomed this fresh new thinking for quality Madeiras. Since then many other Madeira producers have again followed the MWC lead by introducing younger dated wines thus creating an important new category of premium Madeira.
Today...
With the retirement of Michael Blandy, a 6th-generation member, in 2024, Chris Blandy, representing the 7th generation, carries forward the family legacy, steering the company as one of the world’s foremost producers of premium Madeira wine. Today, the company remains at the forefront of revitalising Madeira's reputation as one of the world’s truly great wines
How it all began
The Madeira Wine Company, S.A. (MWC) was originally started as an association, founded in 1913 by a number of Madeira wine producing companies, who decided to join forces in order to maximize their global exposure and minimize overheads in a world where the export market was experiencing an all-time low. During the inter-war years, the old family firms of Blandy’s and Leacock joined, followed immediately post-war by Miles and Cossart Gordon, thereby creating the largest producer and exporter of Madeira wine. Whatever the size, the maintaining of the unique characteristics and style of each individual firm was at the core of the association.
