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Enologists
João Carlos Grave

Born in Évora, he attended the Military College and earned a degree in Agronomic Engineering from the *Instituto Superior de Agronomia*, where he also completed a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology in 2013.
Before embarking on his professional career, he gained hands-on harvest experience in Portugal, Australia, and California.
His professional career includes a tenure at Casa Santos Lima, where he managed both viticulture and winemaking across various regions of Portugal, and at Montez Champalimaud, where he oversaw production for the iconic Quinta do Côtto and Paço de Teixeiró estates.
He currently serves as Director of Enology and Operations at Quinta da Alorna and Director of Production at Quinta de São José de Peramanca.
Throughout his career, he developed a growing interest in agroecology, leading him to co-found the *Academia do Solo Vivo* (Living Soil Academy) project. The Academy’s mission is to inspire farmers to harness nature to their advantage, practicing agriculture that is both more scientific and profitable, while simultaneously regenerating the ecosystem and producing more nutritious food. Each agricultural year, the Academy organizes a program consisting of several sessions featuring nationally and internationally renowned speakers, who delve into techniques that strengthen the health of the soil, plants, and animals. This project has fostered a journey of growth and learning, aligning with his belief that this is the way to produce unique wines—wines that respect their terroir and enhance the experience of consumers who appreciate these nuances and are committed to making small choices that positively impact the future of our planet.