When new Confrades are approved by the Capitulo, whether they be Heads of State; notable personalities or institutions; independent merchants, directors or managers of companies or independent producers; each is attributed a rank according to the rules laid out in the Estatutos of the Confraria:

 

Confrades Efectivos

Confrades Efectivos may attributed the rank of Mestre or Experto, according to their seniority.

An Owner, Administrator or Senior executive of a registered Port Wine producer may be a Mestre, whereas a manager of the same company may be an Experto.

 

Confrades Honorários

The ranks attributed to Confrades Honorários are more complex:

Cavaleiro (Knight) is the rank given to members who are recognized for their passion, dedication and service to Port Wine. The greatest number of Confrades are members with this honorary rank.

Fidalgo Cavaleiro (Nobel Knight) is the rank earned by professionals in the world of wine and Port Wine, including journalists, wine educators and others, who demonstrate their ongoing involvement in activities that benefit Port Wine and the Confraria. This Rank entails a periodic review every 5 years to show activity.

Infanção (Nobleman) is presented to institutions or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the promotion and prestige of Port Wine or who merit the distinction of this rank due to their individual reputation or high position.

Cancelário is reserved for Heads of State such as Kings, Presidents, Princes, and other world leaders who, through their rank, honor the mission of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto. The Confraria counts some 49 Cancelários, including the President of Portugal, the King of Spain, and the King of Belgium.