The Grandfather name dates back to 1915, when an oak cask containing the finest blend of Tawny was set aside for the exclusive use of the Penfold family. This wine was known as The Grandfather due to the age of the oldest Tawny in the blend.

Each year, fortified wine is made with Grandfather in mind and these selected batches are barrel aged for approximately eight years. Batches of wine that reach the required maturation and Grandfather quality are then blended and added to the 'Grandfather Solera'. In this six stage solera, Grandfather is aged for a further twelve years to give a total average age above 20 years - before being drawn off for bottling.

Showing a rich brown-tawny colour this wine has hints of vanilla, dried fruits and chocolate on the nose which also flow on to the palate. The wine is smooth and velvety showing more intensity than the tawny and ruby and having a long finish on the palate.

After fermentation Ruby Ports are stored in tanks made of concrete or stainless steel to prevent oxidative aging, and preserve thier rich claret color.