Some of my fondest childhood memories are from the times when I’d accompany my father to wine producers. Twice every year, we’d visit producers in the Mirandela region, my homeland, and purchase wine.

At the time, I was too young to realize the added value of buying a product at the origin and the business that was taking place. What I remembered was the experience.

The older guys pouring and tasting wine directly from kites, like wine scientists, and the joyful discussion and celebration of the qualities of that year’s harvest which usually ensued.

The beautiful wineries and farms I’d visit and which I was keen to explore, regardless of my father’s warnings to “stay close”.