Pato & Wouters
Filipa Pato & William Wouters are a couple of wine producers from Bairrada, who exude pride and love for history, old vineyards and the local grape varieties of the region. The Pato family has been making wines in Bairrada, Portugal for more than five generations. Filipa is known not only for its characteristic wines, but also for its work to save the local indigenous variety, Baga. A grape variety that almost disappeared has made a new appearance thanks to the work of Filipa and other Bairrada region winemakers' joint organization, "Baga friends".
Filipa Pato spent her childhood in her family's vineyard, where father Luis Pato, who bears the title of "Baga rebel", taught his daughter. After thorough practical studies, he went to the University of Coimbra to deepen his theoretical knowledge. To gain more experience in winemaking, Filipa spent three years working in vineyards in Bordeaux, Mendoza and Margaret River after her studies. Experiences on three continents taught Filipa to understand different cultures and philosophies behind winemaking. Filipa also got to know numerous wine producers, from whom she gathered additional inspiration. When she returned home, Filipa had a completely new vision of the Bairrada region and started dreaming of her own project in her home region, where she saw enormous potential.
In 2001, Filipa's dream came true when she got the opportunity to establish her own winery. Filipa conjures small quantities of wonderful wines from the grapes of the orchards around the village of Ois do Bairro, making use of her deep knowledge of the different soils and microclimates of the area. Her husband William, who has worked as a Belgian sommelier for a long time, has his own influence on Filipa's wines. The fact that since November 2020 William has served as the chairman of the international sommelier association ASI speaks volumes for William's experience and expertise in the field. In addition to wines, Filipa is employed by a construction project, as she is renovating a 19th-century winery located in the village of Ois do Bairro. The couple currently has about 15 hectares of orchards, and in addition they also buy some grapes from other small farmers in the area.
The producer has a Demeter certificate.
