On the way back, we had time and were on vacation, so we decided to visit Tiago Sampaio.
Farmer, vineyard owner, winemaker, oenologist, restaurateur, and businessman - Tiago Sampaio, an authentic one-man show, is responsible for the creation of Folias de Baco, Ohlo no Pé, and Uívo with all their aromas and delights.
In the Alto Douro, as a child, on his grandfather's back, Tiago Sampaio had his first contact with agriculture and the wine world. In this environment, he learned a craft playfully, which was born out of pure curiosity and is present in his current field of work and research.
To build a future in these areas, he took the academic path, which allowed him to develop a career as a winemaker and oenologist. He began at the Conde de S. Bento Agricultural School in Santo Tirso and later completed a five-year university degree in Vila Real. The agricultural engineering course he completed in Trás-os-Montes gave him the pass for an internship in Oregon, USA, under the guidance of Maria Carmo Vasconcelos, who is one of the world's best authorities on Pinot Noir. There, Tiago spent the next five years earning his doctorate in viticulture and oenology at Oregon State University.
In Oregon, Tiago internalized modern philosophies and aesthetics of winemaking, without forgetting his roots in the Douro. Since returning to his home vineyard, he has created his project, which has since attracted a lot of attention. His vineyards are located mainly in the Alto Douro, in the Cima-Corgo subregion, where the land is harsh, tough, and challenging. His vines cling to the slate and granite slopes at an altitude between 500 and 700m above sea level. Tiago essentially combines the traditions of his homeland with learned modern techniques.
The field blends of red, white, and mixed native varieties planted about 80 years ago allow Tiago to create complex wines. He has set his goals higher and pushes the boundaries of his curiosity. The result is what some do not expect from such a traditional region.
He is also one of the pioneers in Pet-Nat in Portugal.
