People behind Quinta do Pôpa

THE DREAMER. Francisco Ferreira, the grandfather Pôpa was the bastard of a great Douro wine producer and his maid. He lived a simple but happy life in the shadow of his unknown father. Pôpa was a very charismatic person, known and respected by people surrounded by him. His biggest dream was to be recognized and appreciated for his work and his father. He never achieved it. Nowadays, he becomes an inspiration for the Ferreira family, a birth father, creator of a fantastic legacy, the Pôpa family, with fundamental family values.

THE CREATOR. Zeca has a truly entrepreneurial and creative soul. It’s a story difficult to tell in few lines but can indeed be found in every corner of the property. Right after finishing his 4th grade, he searched for independent working in the vineyards. His father installed in him the ability to work and resilience; life gave him courage. The journey of Zeca was long and arduous. After many years and all the effort he put, the acquisition of the property rejuvenated him. It gave him recognition in the Douro region, the biggest ambition of his father. Quinta do Pôpa is today the embodiment of this dream, which strengthens the legacy of the Pôpa family.

Stéphane is a free spirit that inherited Pôpa’s charisma and strength. After joining the family business in 2010, he pushed the boundaries, creating a strong and recognized brand. He is a born leader, passionate about wines and people. After his family, the biggest muse for him is music. Stéphane is a zodiacal Libra that seeks balance and rhythm in his wines. He’s not afraid of challenges and wants to bring his personality and freshness to the new wines that represent the Douro.

Vanessa is a born dreamer. Her passion for the Douro came from her romantic link to the family roots. She’s a spiritual Virgo demonstrated through her sense of unity and applied motivation. She’s projecting her dream as a tribute to nature, understanding life cycles and passion for Universal lows. Her dream is to be recognized as a inspiring woman, that push and motivate people to become best version of themselves.

From a very young age, Carlos Raposo felt a deep connection with mother nature. His ambitious character took him abroad to accomplish his degree in Viticulture from the University of Burgundy and a master’s degree in oenology from the University of Bordeaux. While studying, Carlos worked in several wineries around the world. In 2011 he returned to his homeland, and it was in Portugal where he met one of his mentors and the leading wine producer, Dirk Niepoort. He worked with him in the Douro for the next 7 years. In 2018, he created his project Vinhos Inperfeitos and worked as a consultant for several wineries around the country. His dream is to create authentic and unique wines. Pure and natural as possible. That dream took him to Quinta do Pôpa to become Head Winemaker at the beginning of 2021.

Rui has a long family tradition working in the vineyards, back to the time of his grandfather. In addition to his project ESMERO WINES, Rui dedicates his body and soul to the iconic Real Companhia Velha (the oldest wine company in Portugal) responsible for viticulture. For many years he’s a family friend, advising and supporting the third-generation of Pôpa to keep the will to innovate and make a solid and long-lasting project. His bigger dream is to see the efforts of Douro winegrowers be recognized and valued, making our region a place where the next generations can and want to work, keeping the wine legacy alive.

Nuno is ambitious and loyal, walking through life with both feet on the ground. He’s a man of a big heart, genuinely connected to nature, understanding it and respecting more than most people around him. He works the Quinta do Pôpa fields in a very idyllic way, helping to achieve long-lasting goals. His biggest dream is the same as grandpa Pôpa – to be recognized and appreciated for his work.

Ana is a young soul. After finishing her degree in Journalism, she came back to the Douro, searching for professional opportunities. Her self-confidence and attractive personality took her to lead our wine tourism team at Quinta do Pôpa. Ana is a Sun sign capable of uniting different groups of people, taking them on a creative journey, making each moment unique and special.

Marta is a kind and caring person. She is carefully taking care of everything that surrounds her. Her organized and humble personality brought her to lead the position of residential winemaker at Quinta do Pôpa. In addition, she has an immense love and respect for nature, sustainability, and humanity. However, her biggest dream is to prove that each of us has to follow our dreams, the deepest desires, and not chase the ones that others created for us. Marta is the first Woman winemaker at Quinta do Pôpa, as well as the first of her family.