Riberalves Group Founded by the Alves family, the founders of the group, the AdegaMãe winery was born as the men's tribute to the family matriarch, Manuela Alves. At the same time, it draws inspiration from its birthplace and place of creation, aiming to honour the finest grapes and craft wines of the highest level. The aforementioned group is known worldwide as a leader in cod processing and trade, setting an example for many others with its innovative production methods.
Located about a 40-minute drive from central Lisbon in the Torres Vedras region, AdegaMãe showcases the best of a terroirstrongly influenced by the prevailing ocean winds. The producer stands out for its Atlantic-inspired wines, full of character, freshness and minerality, which have won awards both nationally and internationally. Being only 8 kilometres from the ocean as the crow flies, they never fail to mention its importance when describing themselves.
It should also be said that the winery gladly welcomes visitors. On site you can dine at their award-winning (and beautifully situated) restaurant Sal na Adega and taste various dishes based on cod (and other ingredients), take part in tastings, explore the vineyards, host various events and much more. Speaking of food, some of the previously mentioned Riberalves products (e.g. certain cuts of cod) are available only in this restaurant. Having dined there ourselves, we must admit that the food alone is worth the visit. Add the wine on top, and an especially lovely day is guaranteed!
Cavazza's history dates back to 1928, when the house around which all of today's activity takes place was acquired. To make ends meet, Cavazza, like other local producers, initially also focused on other agriculture (e.g. fruit and vegetables, tobacco, maize, etc.). World War II brought many additional problems, so it was not possible to think only of what they wanted to do — they had to see the bigger picture.
From the 1960s significantly more effort was put into wine production. Advances in technology allowed them to start offering much better quality wine, which proved so good that demand kept growing. At the time, most of the wine was sold in 20-litre demijohns (demijohn), which they delivered themselves to local eateries, bars and private customers.
From the mid-1980s the wine also began to be exported. First to Germany, then to the Netherlands and England.
From the mid-1990s even more emphasis was placed on quality. It was no longer just about good-tasting wine, but also about where it all begins: the land and the vine itself. The first steps were taken towards more sustainable development and the earlier pergola-type vine training system was replaced with Guyot . Production decreased by a third, while quality again rose significantly. Letting the vine produce fewer grapes in turn yields berries with a much more concentrated flavour, which makes it possible to create more exciting wines.
Today, the producer places the greatest emphasis on the aforementioned land, or terroir. More than 30 years ago they understood that what matters is not quantity but quality, which they now continuously work on to get better year after year.
With a history of more than 100 years (since 1891), La Jara has since 1999 dedicated its winemaking to organic principles. The estate uses no pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers. In addition, no chemical additives are used in the winemaking. All La Jara wines are organic and also suitable for vegans.
In the local dialect, “La Jara” – synonymous with devotion to the soil – means “gravel”: the white limestone gravel smoothed by the Piave river covers the landscape and gives the ripening grapes their unique character and qualities. The name “La Jara” embodies constant attention and dedication to their vineyards and soil: the hard, careful work done between the rows day after day, all year round.
Beyond the fact that La Jara wines are carefully made and delicious, there are also wonderful people behind them. A half-accidental encounter at a Paris wine fair turned into a long evening together. Their sales director Giovanni's easy-going vibe, relaxed manner, our endless laughter and the delicious wines were what finally led to a partnership. Giovanni knew he didn't have to do a classic sales pitch. The wines speak for themselves, which in turn lets him be himself.
For us, that is the most important thing. The wines may be good, but if there's no connection with the people “behind them”, they won't make it into our selection.
A family businessheaded by Leopold and his wife Doris. So similar and yet so different – two people who complement each other perfectly – despite their opposites, or perhaps precisely because of them.
Leopold – son of a traditional winemaking family ,who, in addition to his education at the Krems viticulture school, learned the art of winemaking above all from his father. He has a special bond with his land and is deeply rooted in his homeland. He is quiet, introverted, deep and gentle, most at home in his cellar, where an almost meditative calm and peace reigns.
Doris – a lively whirlwind, an optimist, full of energy and joie de vivre. A trained lawyerwho actually had quite different plans… But then everything changed – she fell in love with a charming winemaker and has been by his side since 2013. Gradually she felt that her future was in wine. Being a winemaker is Doris's lifelong dream. She considers living and working in nature a great privilege.
The winemaker's profession is very demanding. Working together, their different strengths and skills and their shared passion for wine give Doris and Leopold the energy and drive for their work as winemakers. In the vineyard, in the cellar, at presentations and tastings, and of course in dealing with customers.
It should be said that, as this is a family business after all, their daughter Victoria couldn't escape the winery either and now mainly handles marketing.