We're here with our February installment of My Portugal, our newsletter series celebrating Portuguese culture through conversations with friends of Portugalia Marketplace. Explore the rich world of Portuguese wines with this month's guest:

Born in Angola, winemaker Marco Montez spent his childhood in a small village in the region of Trás-Os-Montes, Portugal where he discovered his love for wine at an early age by helping his family grow grapes and transform them into wine.

After earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Marco's journey took him across the globe, but his heart ultimately led him back to his winemaking heritage. In 2008 Marco opened Travessia Urban Winery in downtown New Bedford, MA, and in 2010 he began the process of replanting his family’s old vineyard in Northern Portugal.
Marco is now the head winemaker at Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery in Massachusetts, while still managing his family property in Trás-Os-Montes, which recently received organic certification for their vineyard and olive grove.

Portugalia Marketplace: Your journey has taken you from Angola, to Portugal, to the United States. How has your Portuguese heritage remained a constant thread throughout these transitions?

Marco Montez: As someone deeply rooted in Portuguese culture, I have been fortunate to grow up surrounded by genuine hospitality and friendliness. These values are not just traditions; they are a way of life that fosters a strong sense of community.

My experiences in Angola further enriched this feeling; there, I was immersed in a vibrant culture that celebrated resilience and togetherness. Moving to the United States opened new horizons for me, revealing the power of adaptability and hard work. It has shown me that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

Just like millions of other Portuguese immigrants around the world, my heritage ignites an adventurous spirit within me—a relentless desire to embrace new beginnings and face uncertainties head-on.

PM: You spent your early years growing up in a farming community in Trás-Os-Montes in Portugal. Were there any significant experiences that shaped your appreciation for sustainable agriculture, and later, winemaking?

MM: Growing up in an environment where respect for the land was important, I learned early on that farming—whether it involved plants or animals—demands hard work and carries inherent risks. Our sustenance came directly from our surroundings rather than supermarkets, which instilled in me a profound understanding of the importance of our agricultural roots. This connection with the land not only developed my senses of smell and taste but also taught me the value of minimizing waste. For instance, every winter, my family would slaughter a pig, ensuring that nothing went to waste; each part of the animal was utilized with gratitude and respect.

Our traditions included the regular enjoyment of wine made from fermented grapes without any additives or preservatives. This practice was not driven by commercialization but rather by an acceptance of what nature provides us at harvest.

PM: As a teenager, you returned to Angola during a turbulent time under a communist regime. How did that contrast with your life in Portugal, and what impact did that experience have on your outlook?

MM: In the early 80s, while Portugal offered a semblance of safety and democracy, Angola was engulfed in conflict - a civil war. Those years were marked by profound challenges—days without electricity or running water were the norm.
Reflecting on those years in Angola, I realize that the experiences I faced were both challenging and transformative. The hardships instilled in me a resilience that cannot be taught in any classroom. I became aware of the privileges I often took for granted—a bed to sleep in, nourishing food on my plate, and the opportunity to attend school.

These lessons remain vivid in my mind as I navigate life today. I recognize that countless people across the globe continue to endure similar struggles. This realization fuels my gratitude and motivates me to contribute positively to the world around me. Each day serves as a reminder not to take anything for granted.

PM: Your background is in electrical engineering, yet 16 years into your career, your passion led you to winemaking. What ultimately drew you to wine, and how do you think your scientific background influences your approach?

MM: My formal education is rooted in engineering; however, the lessons I’ve learned through life’s experiences have been invaluable, shaping my perspective in ways a college degree never could. A profound desire to reconnect with nature and embrace the beauty of our planet drew me towards winemaking. Winemaking allows me to engage with the earth directly—using all my senses to feel and smell the essence of nature.

While I may not hold a degree in enology, this absence has encouraged me to embrace simplicity and rely on my intuition throughout my work. It’s a journey filled with learning and discovery, one that brings joy and fulfillment as with every harvest I try to create something beautiful from the land.

PM: In 2010, you and your father revived your family’s land in Portugal, planting indigenous grape varieties and olive trees and creating PENADA—a project that was officially recognized with organic certification just last year. In addition, you’ve also been the head winemaker at Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery in Westport, MA since 2019. Balancing these operations and responsibilities across continents is no small feat! What gave you the resilience to take on so many projects, and what keeps you motivated?

MM: Working alongside my Dad to transform our property into what PENADA is today has been nothing short of an amazing experience. It brought me closer to him than ever before, and that connection is perhaps the greatest gift I’ve ever received. While the work is challenging and the financial aspects are still a struggle, I take immense pride in knowing that we are cultivating remarkable grapes and producing exceptional wine. Moreover, our small batch of extra virgin olive oil, crafted using our own press, fills me with joy. It’s a testament to the fruits of our labor and a reminder of the beauty that can emerge when we harvest nature’s gifts.

At Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, I am living a dream. It’s a beautiful quintessential New England vineyard. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an outstanding vineyard and winery team that shares my passion for winemaking. Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement as I believe our best wines are yet to come. This year marks the release of the 2019 RJR Méthode Champenoise wine—my first traditional method sparkling wine—which stands as my biggest accomplishment as a winemaker thus far.
What keeps me inspired is the vision of bringing joy to people’s lives while making a meaningful impact. The thought of contributing positively to my community and beyond drives me to keep learning and pushing boundaries.

PM: Portugal’s wine industry has evolved significantly in recent years with a growing focus on sustainability and indigenous grape varieties. How has this impacted your own approach to winemaking, and what excites you most about the future of Portuguese wine?

MM: In Portugal, we are fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible array of grape varieties that yield a stunning range of tasting profiles. My approach is to honor and enhance the unique characteristics of our terroir through a minimalistic approach to winemaking. I firmly believe that great wines are born in the vineyard; they should reflect not only the land but also the dedication and craftsmanship behind them.

However, it is disheartening to witness the market becoming increasingly saturated with mass-produced Portuguese wines. These wines often conform to a specific profile designed for export markets, driven by substantial marketing budgets that make them hugely popular. It pains me to see what I refer to as "Coca-Cola" wines—laden with sweeteners and other additives—threaten to eclipse the authenticity and individuality that make Portuguese wines truly special.

PM: Beyond the technical side of winemaking, what do you hope consumers experience when they drink your wines?

MM: My aspiration is for those who enjoy my wines to not only savor their unique flavors but also to feel a profound connection to the land they come from. But wine, at its essence, is simply a beverage and so I hope that my wines also serve as a catalyst for joy and togetherness, whether shared among friends at a dinner table or savored in quiet reflection.

PM: Finally, where can our subscribers follow you to keep up on your latest endeavors?

MM: The easiest way to reach me is via instagram @travessiawine

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