There are those who say that women possess a greater sensitivity for winemaking, however entering into this sector has not always proven to be easy for female oenologists. Filipa Tomaz Costa, oenologist at Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal for over 25 years, tells us of how in the start of her career, she would always receive faxes addressed to the male name of Filipe, rather than Filipa.

The need to compete in various markets has resulted in a substantial increase in the quality of Portuguese wines, giving the figure of the oenologist a greater recognition. We have therefore chosen a few female oenologists from different generations who carry out coherent work in the Portuguese wine regions.

Some are arduous defenders of the autochtonal castes, and others like to work with international ones. There is the vision of those who work in big companies, and those with more reduced production quantities. There are those who won’t leave Portugal and those who would enjoy the opportunity of making a wine in their most admired foreign region. All of these women are united by their dedication to their work with which they strive to increase the visibility of the good quality of Portuguese wines.