Hugo Mendes: A Pioneer of Portuguese Winemaking

Hugo Mendes, one of Portugal’s most innovative winemakers, began his journey with a degree in Biotechnological Engineering but quickly shifted his focus to wine. His passion was ignited when he worked his first harvest at Quinta da Murta in the Bucelas region, where he rose to the position of Head Winemaker by 2010. After 12 years of working for other producers, Mendes embarked on his own in 2016, driven by a desire to make wines that truly expressed Portuguese terroir and grape varieties.

In 2016, Hugo Mendes made history by launching Portugal’s first wine crowdfunding campaign to finance his inaugural wine, focusing on the Fernão Pires grape from Lisbon. This groundbreaking initiative allowed him to produce wine according to his vision without the constraints of corporate expectations.

Terroir and Vineyards

Hugo Mendes is now based in Alenquer, north of Lisbon, where he works with vineyards that benefit from the area’s Mediterranean climate and chalky-clay soils. These conditions, combined with cooler nights, help produce wines that retain freshness and balance. Mendes focuses on Portuguese indigenous varieties such as Fernão Pires, Arinto, and Vital for whites, and Castelão, Trincadeira, and Aragonês for reds. His wines are known for their vibrancy, juicy fruit, and authentic expression of local terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

Mendes is committed to minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the natural characteristics of each variety to shine. His approach highlights the natural freshness of Portuguese wines, steering away from higher alcohol levels or heavy oak influence, which is rare for the Lisboa region. His wines are praised for being approachable yet complex, with the ability to age gracefully.

Key Wines

Mendes’ portfolio includes a variety of expressive white and red wines, including:

• Hugo Mendes Lisboa Branco: A blend of Fernão Pires, Arinto, and Vital, showcasing the mineral-rich terroir of the Lisbon region.
• Lisboa Castelão: A medium-bodied red wine made from Castelão, highlighting dark fruit flavors and a refined structure​