A vineyard with a soul

Just an hour north of Lisbon, in the wine region of DO Encostas D’Aire, you’ll find Quinta da Serradinha. A small, soulful vineyard near the city of Leiria. It’s run by Antonio Marques da Cruz, a fifth-generation winemaker who works the land with his partner, Joana.

This isn’t a big, commercial operation. It’s a deeply personal one. Their vineyard is just five hectares, which is about the size of ten football fields. Smaller means more attention and more care. Every grape is grown with intention, and every decision matters.

Quinta da Serradinha is exactly the kind of winemaker we champion at Port O’Bristol. They are hands-on at every single stage throughout the year. And they know their vines like the back of their hands.

Meet Antonio and Joana

This vineyard isn’t run by a team or a company; it’s just Antonio and Joana, working year-round to care for the grapes. They only bring in help during harvest season. Everything else is done by hand, by the two of them.

Antonio is gentle, fun, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his vines. Joana is the opposite. Bold, outspoken, and inspiring. She’s a passionate feminist and libertarian, often giving talks and speeches, and always fighting for what she believes in. Together, they make a powerful team. Focused on sustainability, quality, and doing things their own way.

When pirates meet rebels

Finding Quinta da Serradinha wasn’t easy. We, Anton and Lela, the founders of Port O’Bristol, first heard about Antonio and Joana through a mutual friend. Antonio tends to avoid the big, corporate wine events, choosing instead to connect through referrals and personal introductions. We were lucky to be introduced to such a unique and passionate duo.

We actually ended up tasting their wine in their car. Antonio had driven to Porto just to meet us, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It was informal, spontaneous, and completely unforgettable. That’s how real connections happen. And how real wine stories begin.

Antonio and Joana personally know every grape they grow. Their hands are in the soil, their hearts are in the process, and their wines speak for themselves. We’re thrilled to be working with such a rare, thoughtful, and truly sustainable producer.

Pick Of The Month

We’re especially excited about the Quinta da Serradinha Rosé 2023. At just 11.5% alcohol, it’s light, fresh, and packed with character. 

It’s the kind of wine you can happily sip on its own, or pair with sushi, grilled fish, or even a sunny weekend lunch.

If you’re more into whites, their white wines are just as lovely. Great on their own or with simple dishes like roast chicken.

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