Folias de Baco

Tiago Sampaio is the innovative young winemaker of Folias de Baco, a project started in 2007 that one could say was spearheaded in his childhood piggybacking on his grandfather through the farms and vineyards, always curious and plucky, willing to experiment at every step of the way...Tiago is essentially bridging the traditions of his homeland with learned modern aesthetics, creating field blends of both red, white and mixed from indigenous varietals planted some 80 years ago, while carefully attending to his new fixation of Pinot Noir vines that he makes both red and rosé. Tiago has set his sights higher, pushing the boundaries of his curiosity and what some might not expect out of such a traditional region. - Savio Soares Selections

About the Winemaker

Folias de Baco

Tiago Sampaio, the innovative young winemaker behind Folias de Baco, began his journey in 2007, though his passion for winemaking traces back to his childhood, where he explored his family's farms and vineyards alongside his grandfather. Always curious and adventurous, Tiago's willingness to experiment shaped his path. He pursued agricultural studies in Santo Tirso and spent five years at university in Vila Real before embarking on a PhD in Viticulture and Enology in Oregon. There, he absorbed modern winemaking philosophies and aesthetics, all while cherishing his Douro roots. Returning to the Alto Douro, specifically in the challenging sub-region of Cima-Corgo, Tiago established his estate. His vines cling to steep slopes of schist and granite, ranging from 500 to 700 meters in altitude.

folias-de-baco-winemaker

The Region

Douro, Portugal

In the rugged terrain of Portugal's Douro Valley, natural winemaking is gaining traction, offering a fresh perspective on the region's renowned Port wines. Traditionally known for its fortified wines, the Douro Valley is now home to a burgeoning natural wine movement that champions sustainability and minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar. Here, steep terraced vineyards overlooking the winding Douro River are often farmed organically or biodynamically, allowing the region's indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz to flourish in harmony with nature. Natural winemakers in the Douro focus on expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards, resulting in wines that are vibrant, expressive, and reflective of the region's rugged beauty. From elegant reds with rich fruit flavors and structured tannins to crisp, mineral-driven whites, Douro's natural wines capture the essence of this historic wine region while embracing a modern ethos of sustainability and authenticity.