Stewart Todd Becomes First Fidalgo Cavaleiro
in the Confraria do Vinho do Porto
(This article appeared in the November 2022 For The Love Of Port Newsletter)
Stewart Todd, FTLOP’s Vice President of Technology, was recently promoted to the newly-created rank of Fidalgo Cavaleiro (Noble Knight) in the Confraria do Vinho do Porto, or Port Wine Brotherhood (www.confrariadovinhodoport.com).
This new rank was created by the Confraria to bestow on individuals who demonstrate their ongoing involvement in activities that benefit and promote the knowledge and image of Port Wine and the Confraria.
First inducted as a Cavaleiro in 2016, Stewart has remained active in promoting Port wine through his work with FTLOP, teaching Port Wine classes, and assisting the Confraria with its technology and revitalization strategies. He earned his Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) in 2021 and traveled to Portugal in April 2022 to earn his Certified Port Educator (CPE) credential. He contributes regularly to the For The Love Of Port newsletter and blog, as well as his personal Port Wine Blog (www.theportguy.com).
“The Confraria is committed to developing the image of Port Wine and we believe that those professionals who contribute in a significant and constant manner should be recognized for their effort. It is for this purpose that we created the rank of Fidalgo,” said George Sandeman, Chanceler of the Confraria.
After being nominated, Stewart had to submit an application and supporting credentials establishing his active body of work in support of the Confraria and Port Wine. The evaluation and selection of candidates was conducted by the Chancelaria, and his nomination was presented to the full Capitulo (General Assembly) for approval.
Stewart was promoted into his new rank at an Enthronization Ceremony conduced in Porto in June, and along with fellow Confrade Axel Probst, became the first person inducted with this rank.
“I am deeply honored to receive this new rank in the Confraria. The friends, mentors, visits to Portugal, tasting groups, and Port-related projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on over the years have helped me deepen my understanding and love for Port, as well as my desire to help share the experience with others.”
The Confraria do Vinho do Porto is a community of over 2,000 wine professionals from around the globe who share the mission of reinforcing the image of Port Wine worldwide. Established in 1982 in Porto, this honorary organization is the guardian of intangible heritage, combining tradition with an innovative vision for the future of Port Wine.
Due to the cancellations of induction ceremonies during the pandemic, there were almost 90 individuals who were promoted or inducted into the Confraria in the June 2022 ceremony. Among them were Axel Probst (Fidalgo Cavaleiro), Stewart Todd (Fidalgo Cavaleiro), Sarah Morphew Stephen (Infanção, who in 1970 became the first woman to pass the Master of Wine exam), Pedro Abrunhosa (Infanção, Musician, founder of the Porto Jazz School, and Port Wine connoisseur), Manuel Novaes Cabral (Infanção, former President of the IVDP), and Luísa Amorim (representing Bagos d’Douro, an education charity focused on helping children in the Douro Valley).
