Blandy’s are unique in being the only family of the original founders of the Madeira wine trade to still own and manage their own original wine company. John Blandy arrived on the island in 1807 aged 23. In 1811 he established himself as a general trader, including buying and selling the local wines. In 1925 Blandy’s joined the Madeira Wine Association, a marketing consortium. In 1989 to further their expansion they approached the Symington Family of Oporto and became partners in the newly named Madeira Wine Company. Today Blandy’s is the world’s leading shipper of premium, island bottled Madeira.