After more than two decades in the banking industry, Jörg Lewerenz and his family found themselves at a crossroads. "We found ourselves worn out and yearning for something new," Jörg reflects. That yearning led them to Portugal, where an unexpected opportunity captured their hearts — the chance to help revive a nearly forgotten treasure: Vinho de Carcavelos.

"At first, we were hesitant," Jörg admits. "But as we learned more, we realized we were being invited to take on a truly meaningful challenge: to help revive a wine on the brink of extinction." The family soon discovered that their predecessor was the last private producer of this unique wine style. "With that knowledge, we simply couldn’t walk away."

While passionate wine enthusiasts for years — or, as Jörg puts it, "expert wine drinkers" — their professional backgrounds were rooted in finance. Yet Jörg’s earlier experiences working in event management during his university days had left a lasting mark. "I had the chance to design and manage a number of highly successful events. That experience sparked a lasting love for bringing people together around great moments — something that has stayed with us ever since."

Today, the Lewerenz family is fully immersed in an exciting — and sometimes "slightly chaotic" — new chapter. They are in the midst of crafting their first wines, building a winery from scratch, and organizing a series of events to celebrate Portuguese wine, food, and culture. "Our schedule is packed: we’re hosting wine tastings and guided tours, sharing the story of our project and the nearly forgotten treasure that is Vinho de Carcavelos," Jörg shares. Simultaneously, they are laying the groundwork for a distribution network to bring their wines to a broader audience.

Since 2023, the winery has offered guided tours and tastings, giving visitors an insider’s view of the history, unique production methods, and cultural significance of Vinho de Carcavelos. "This is followed by a tasting experience that can be either a short introduction or a more extended session where we explore Portugal through its wines," Jörg explains. Guests are treated to an array of Portuguese cheeses, cured meats, and local delicacies — all set against the stunning backdrop between Sintra, Cascais, and Lisbon.

With an eye on the future, Jörg and his team are keen to expand their reach. "We’re currently looking to establish partnerships with hotels or booking agencies to make this experience more widely accessible," he says. In addition to tours and tastings, they have also launched their first table wine and fortified wine, seeking collaborations with wine lovers, event organizers, restaurants, bars, and hotels interested in offering or reselling their wines.

"As a small wine producer, it's an uphill battle — and every bit of help makes a difference," Jörg acknowledges. Nevertheless, his passion remains unwavering: "We’re driven by passion — for the wine, for the land we fell in love with, and for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to help revive a piece of Portuguese winemaking history."

In Jörg's own words, "If you’re curious about the story behind Vinho de Carcavelos — the rarest vinho generoso in Portugal — we’d love to share it with you. It's a fascinating journey, and we'd be thrilled to have you along for the ride. So come by, enjoy some good wine, and be part of something truly special."