Johnny Graham is a descendent of the Graham's Port family. However, by the time Johnny arrived in Oporto in 1973, Grahams had sold out to the Symington Group. He busied himself, however, working for Cockburns, making it to Director level at the tender age of 28. But the call of independence was too strong and, in 1981, he founded Churchill Graham Lda. Unable to use the Grahams name, he opted for Churchill - the maiden name of the wife he'd married the year before. A little consultancy work for Taylors paid the bills, and a lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia rented from Taylors provided the neccessary premises. From humble beginnings, however, Churchills have become a successful Port House. Three ruined Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia were purchsed and renovated, and in the Douro Valley itself, two Grade A Quintas became part of the Churchills brand.