Our Story

Quinta da Formigosa is a wine estate situated on the right bank of the Douro River, just 5 kilometers away from Pinhão, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Douro Valley, within the village of Chanceleiros.

Encompassing 20 hectares, the estate features traditional vineyards planted on terraces set on schistose soils. The vineyard showcases a rich diversity of native Douro grape varieties, contributing to the unique character of the wines.

Project Origin

During a captivating journey through the Douro Valley, an inspiring desire took root within a group of friends—an ambition to acquire this remarkable estate and unite with skilled professionals from both the region and Bordeaux. The aim was clear: to craft wines of exceptional caliber.

The owners of Quinta da Formigosa, hailing from France and Switzerland, were irresistibly drawn to the inspiring beauty of the Douro landscape and captivated by the unwavering determination displayed by the men who diligently shape the valley day after day.

Fascinated by the distinctive traits of the terroir and the extraordinary caliber of its wines, which regrettably lack the international recognition they deserve, Quinta da Formigosa embarks on a mission to produce extraordinary elixirs. These meticulously crafted creations aspire to transcend borders and serve as ambassadors for the exceptional wines of the Douro Valley on a global scale.

(re) construction

The property was acquired in 2015, marking the commencement of efforts to construct the winery and restore the vineyard. Significant endeavors were undertaken to nurture the vines under optimal conditions while safeguarding the rugged landscape renowned in the region. 

The winery was constructed entirely from the ground up and was finalized in 2019. Sustainable production methods were employed in its design, incorporating gravity-fed vinification, a process where wine naturally progresses through various stages without the need for pumps. This method ensures the preservation of the wines' quality. Additionally, the use of small-capacity vats and barrels helps maintain the unique characteristics of each specific parcel.

Our Team

We are a small but mighty team at Quinta da Formigosa. Working closely together in the vineyard and winery ensures our wines are well guided along their journey from vine to bottle.

Anthony Perucca, a former student at the École hôtelière de Lausanne, has assumed management of the estate, signaling a fresh direction. With a clear focus on crafting wines of exceptional quality, Quinta da Formigosa sought the expertise of Franck Jugelmann, a former cellar master who has worked in several renowned châteaux in Bordeaux. Additionally, the knowledgeable Portuguese oenologist, Inês Quirino, was recruited to oversee daily operations, leveraging her deep understanding of the region and its unique characteristics. The viticulture is led by Paulo and Regina Santos and her brother, Vitor Santos. Native to the Douro Valley and working as a family, their experience help us bring out the best of our terroir.

  • Inês

    WINEMAKER

  • Vitor

    VITICULTOR

  • Paulo

    HEAD VITICULTOR

  • Anthony

    MANAGER

  • Regina

    VITICULTOR

  • Our team

    HARVEST