Smith Woodhouse was founded in 1784 by Christopher Smith, who was at the time the Lord Mayor of London. Smith wanted to import Port from Douro, Portugal, to England. In the early 19th century the Woodhouse brothers joined as business partners and the company enjoyed strong sales and an excellent reputation until the mid-20th century. In 1970 the Symington family bought the company along with several other traditional Port producers, including Graham’s. Smith Woodhouse makes a full line of ports, though it declares a vintage port only in exceptional years. Because Smith Woodhouse has limited production, it is not as well known to the public, though port reviewers typically give it very high ratings.