Born in Beja on June 8, 1971. As the son and grandson of farmers, a love for the land and for the region has always been a priority for me. In 10th grade, I enrolled at the Professional School of Agriculture in Serpa, where I completed my secondary education. In 1991, I joined the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, studying Agro-Industrial Engineering. My interest in oenology led me, after finishing my degree in 1994, to intern at José Maria da Fonseca, where I took part in the 1994 harvest at the Alentejo branch (Casa Agrícola José de Sousa) and finished the harvest at the main estate in Azeitão. In 1995, I was invited to join the winemaking team at Casa Agrícola Silvestre Ferreira. In 1996, I joined the oenology team at the Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito Cooperative Winery. Since then, I have provided technical consultancy for various wine projects in the Lower Alentejo region. In 2017, I began working as Head Winemaker and General Manager at Quinta do Paral.
PROFESSIONAL INSPIRATION
My professional inspiration comes from a personal commitment to always do more and better, and from doing what I truly love — I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.
THE THREE PILLARS OF LIFE
The three pillars of my life are my wife, my two daughters, and my passion for what I do.
SECOND PROFESSIONAL CHOICE
If I hadn’t chosen this professional path, my second choice would have been veterinary medicine — it was my backup plan when I began my studies. Fortunately, my eldest daughter followed that path.
THREE PEOPLE WHO MADE MY CAREER
The three people who had the most impact on my career were: my parents, who always taught me that anything is possible with hard work; Eng. José Fonseca, a well-known winemaker in Portugal, who invited me to work with him at a winery in Alentejo as I was finishing my studies; and Dieter Morszeck, owner of Quinta do Paral, who — with his experience and vision — elevated my professional outlook to a whole new level.
MAIN HOBBY
My main hobby is sport hunting, in the company of my dogs and my friends. A day out hunting is like a yoga session for me — it clears my mind. My second passion is winter skiing.
TODAY I WOULD GO TO
Although I have a deep love for Portugal and my native Baixo Alentejo, if I had to choose another place to live, it would be Botswana — for its vastness and breathtaking natural landscapes.
By Edgar Correia