Daughters of Madness
Daughters of Madness is a family-owned winery and cidery nestled in the picturesque Portuguese countryside. Founded by Luke Schomer and his wife Joana, the venture represents a culmination of Luke's extensive experience in the beverage industry.
Hailing from the United States, Luke honed his craft at various wineries and cider houses nationwide, developing a deep-rooted passion for fermentation. His journey as a journeyman winemaker equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of winemaking techniques and a discerning palate. After relocating to Portugal with his family, Luke found the ideal environment to pursue his vision of crafting natural, terroir-driven wines and ciders.
Joana, Luke's partner, plays an integral role in managing the business operations and creative direction of Daughters of Madness. Her artistic background contributes to the winery's visual identity and brand development.
Together, the couple embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in 2019, establishing Daughters of Madness with the aim of producing small-batch, artisanal products that authentically reflect the region's terroir. Committed to sustainable practices, they source grapes and apples from carefully selected vineyards and orchards in the Serra de Montejunto, particularly around Alcobaça, known for its exceptional apple varieties.
Luke's philosophy centers on minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the grapes to express their true character. This approach, combined with Joana's business acumen, has positioned Daughters of Madness as a rising star in the Portuguese wine and cider scene. The winery's dedication to quality, coupled with its passion for its craft, has garnered attention for its distinctive and flavorful products.
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Portuguese wine
Frequently asked questions
The entire country of Portugal is divided into 14 different wine regions, including in the Azores and Madeira islands. Some of Portugal's most famous winemaking regions include the Douro Valley (known for Port) and Vinho Verde (known for its light, refreshing white wines).
Portugal is becoming more well known for its orange wines, talha wines (traditionally made in clay pots), and palhete (made by blending red and white grapes together).
Portugal is best known for its fortified wine, called Port wine. It is produced in the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as the world's first demarcated wine region, established in 1756.
Vinho Verde in northern Portugal is another popular winemaking region characterized by rolling hills and lush landscapes. It's known around the world for low-alcohol, refreshing white wines, although the region traditionally focused more on red wines made with the fruit-forward vinhão grape.
The Portuguese island of Madeira, with its subtropical climate, is renowned for its fortified wines. Winemaking here dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese
explorers brought grape varieties from around the world.
Our sustainable, natural wine shop is located in the Marquês neighborhood in Porto, Portugal. We also ship to countries around the world, including within Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and more. Review our Shipping Policy to learn more.
In recent years, there has been a notable shift toward sustainable viticulture and the production of natural wine in Portugal. Many winemakers are implementing organic farming practices and embracing biodiversity to maintain soil health and reduce chemical inputs. This commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also enhances the quality of the wines, allowing the unique characteristics of the terroir to shine through. For example, some winemakers are now utilizing ancient terracotta amphorae for fermentation (called talha in Portuguese). This method preserves regional cultural heritage, enhances the wine's character, and aligns with sustainable practices by reducing reliance on modern materials.