Vadio Wines, nestled in the village of Poutena within Portugal's Bairrada region, is a small, family-run project founded in 2005 by Luís Patrão. Their mission is clear: to revive the heritage of Bairrada by crafting authentic DOC Bairrada wines using traditional grape varieties.
Across 13 vineyards in Vale D. Pedro, totaling 10 hectares, Vadio cultivates a mosaic of 27 distinct plots. Their winery, a converted warehouse, reflects their dedication to simplicity and preserving the essence of Bairrada. The focus lies on classic wines that showcase the region's unique character and the personality of the grapes themselves.
Bairrada, itself bathed in the Atlantic influence some 200 kilometers north of Lisbon, boasts rolling hills, valleys, and a distinctive climate. Clay-limestone soils and native grape varieties weave a tapestry of flavors that set Bairrada's wines apart. Known for its long-aging potential in red Baga wines, the region also produces refreshing white and characterful sparkling wines.
Vadio Wines is a labor of love for the Patrão-Dias couple. Luís, a Bairrada native, splits his time between Vadio and his role as winemaking director at Herdade de Coelheiros in Alentejo. Eduarda, his wife, originally from Brazil, manages the daily operations of this family venture. Luís' father, Dinis Patrão, is a champion of organic farming, tending to the vineyards with a dedication that borders on reverence. Viticulturist Hugo Melo, a longtime friend, and cellar workers Filipe Abreu and Dona Lurdes Silva round out this passionate team. Together, they breathe life into Vadio's vision of preserving Bairrada's rich winemaking heritage.
