Discover the D'Uva Portugal Wine Girls - Eight Women Promoting Portuguese Wines

The term “D'uva” translates to “from the grapes,” aptly naming the eight Portuguese women behind the “D'Uva Portugal Wine Girls.” They strive to raise global awareness of fine Portuguese wine.

Fresh Faces in the Portuguese Wine Industry

The journey began with a piece in “Noticias Magazine,” Portugal’s most widely read publication, which invited the eight ladies for an interview in 2012. The magazine sought to highlight new faces in the Portuguese wineries and discovered that all interviewees were women. During the photoshoot, they linked up and began discussing their aspirations to collaborate with other producers to promote top Portuguese wines.

Together for Quality and Diversity

They decided to consolidate their efforts to showcase the diversity and quality of wines from Portugal. Thus, in 2016, the “D'Uva Portugal Wine Girls” group was born, comprising eight founders from the Porto, Douro, Alentejo, and Lisbon wine regions. The members include Catarina Vieira (Herdade do Rocim), Francisca van Zeller (Quinta Vale D. Maria), Luisa Amorim (Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo), Rita Fino (Monte da Penha), Rita Nabeiro (mayor of Adega), Rita Cardoso Pinto (Quinta do Pinto), Maria Manuel Maia (Pocas Junior), and Mafalda Guedes (Herdade do Peso-Sogrape).

The First All-Female Producer Collective

Since this momentous inception, the women have transformed the Portuguese wine scene as the first all-female group of producers and enthusiasts. For the “D'Uva Portugal Wine Girls,” their identity as women is vital to their mission. They seek to reshape standard perceptions of wine, nurturing the belief that wine should be surprising, unique, and consistently of high quality.

Dedicated Professionals Passionate about Portuguese Wines

Each of the women is a skilled producer devoted passionately to her wines. Their family-run businesses boast generations of experience in the wine trade, with Quinta Vale D. Maria, led by Francisca van Zeller, celebrating its 15th generation.

Part of Portugal’s Rich Wine Heritage

This group considers itself a vital part of the extensive wine culture in Portugal as well as the new wave promoting Portuguese wine. Each member holds a formal education in viticulture and expresses a keen interest in global wine traditions. They often travel, actively participating in the competitive global wine market, enhancing the profile of Portuguese wines worldwide.

Diversity and Creativity in Their Projects

The varied backgrounds of the members contribute to a rich assortment of wine projects: oenologists, winegrowers, and marketing professionals collaborate efficiently. They view their diversity as beneficial to boosting their international market presence, presenting their wines in imaginative and varied ways.

Quality and Identity of Portuguese Wines

The mission of D'Uva primarily targets Portugal and its neighboring countries in Europe, aiming to demonstrate the quality and identity of Portuguese wines on a global stage. Their primary markets are the United States, alongside the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. The complexity of Portuguese wine—its numerous variants, regions, and styles—makes articulating a clear brand identity challenging.

Diverse Grape Varieties as an Opportunity

The “D'Uva Portugal Wine Girls” see the richness of diversity as an opportunity. Portugal’s amazing number of grape varieties and microclimates ensures there is a wine for every palate. Noteworthy examples include Port wine and Madeira, with modern wines emerging from the Alentejo and fresh styles from the Dao, while structured wines stem from the Douro, and Lisbon produces vineyard expressions influenced by the Atlantic, complemented by artisan volcanic wines from the Azores and crisp offerings from Vinho Verde.

Highlighting Cultural Winemaking Traditions

Traditional methods, such as grape treading in Douro or amphora fermentation in Alentejo, remain central to their identity. The “D'Uva Portugal Wine Girls” aim to draw attention to these and other defining characteristics of Portuguese wines. Their focus includes actively communicating their message through social media, striving to connect with new demographics.

Awards Recognizing Their Fine Wines

Assisting their advocacy for Portuguese wines is the recognition their wineries consistently receive for their quality. For example, the Quinta Vale D. Maria 2016 made it into the Top 100 of Wine Spectator. Such accolades are invaluable for their mission. Many of their wines have also garnered high ratings from Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and Wine Advocate. Notably, in 2016, Herdade do Peso -Sogrape Vinhos was awarded the title of the best wine company in the world for two consecutive years.

Collaborative Events for Wine Promotion

Since the formation of their association, the “D'Uva Portugal Wine Girls” have successfully promoted their wines. By collaboratively organizing wine events, they have strengthened their sales through the synergy of their wineries. These women find joy in exchanging ideas and forging friendships within their group, allowing them to contribute more than just sales figures. They are committed to continue enhancing Portugal's reputation through their wines, driven by their tenacity and passion.