Our Team

At 1000 Curvas, every bottle tells a story. Behind the wine, there are people, memories and bonds that give soul to this project. Meet the family that keeps Armando Soares' dream alive.

Brand Ambassador

Suzana Soares

Armando's wife for over 30 years, Suzana was both witness and partner to her husband's dream. Together with her granddaughter Maria Carolina, she represents the feminine face of 1000 Curvas. As heir to the project, she is a constant presence in every decision and in promoting the brand. But it is in her role as Brand Ambassador — introducing 1000 Curvas to restaurants, wine shops and friends — that Suzana feels most fulfilled. For her, 1000 Curvas is not just a wine: it is a story of love and legacy between father and son. It is also her way of keeping Armando ever-present.

Founder and Project Director

Rodrigo Soares

Quinta da Castanheira only remained in the family thanks to Rodrigo's determination. When his grandmother Maria José passed away in 2008, his father and uncle considered selling the property. But Rodrigo insisted: "Father, do not part with the Quinta. It is the memory of my childhood." His father, Armando, agreed on one condition: that Rodrigo would take an active role in the project. After Armando's passing in 2015, Rodrigo took the lead and carried the project forward — choosing the name, registering the brand and defining every detail through to the launch of the first wine in January 2017. Today, he guides 1000 Curvas with the same passion and purpose he inherited from his father.

Winemaker and Project Partner

Pedro Mota

A graduate in Oenology from UTAD, Pedro Mota has worked in the world of wine for more than 15 years. He first met Armando Soares by chance in 2009, during a visit to the Baião Cooperative Winery. When Armando asked for a winemaker recommendation, Pedro replied with enthusiasm: "Yes, I know one — me!" Since then he has accompanied 1000 Curvas from the very beginning, serving as the technical lead for the wines and creator of the original blend that unites Chardonnay (70%) and Alvarinho (30%). Today, Pedro is far more than the winemaker — he is part of the 1000 Curvas family.

Vineyard Manager

José Cerqueira

Born in a house at the edge of the estate, Zé knows every curve and every vine like the back of his hand. After a few years in construction, he returned to his roots in 2012, invited by Armando to care for the vineyard. Since then, he has devoted himself body and soul to the land, speaking to the vines every day and, by his own account, they answer back with ever-better grapes. Without our Zé, there are no grapes. And without grapes, there is no 1000 Curvas.

Hospitality & Memory of the House

Fernanda Conceição (São)

São is today the soul of Quinta da Castanheira. With a background in hospitality and a generous heart, she has taken up — with dedication — the role that for decades belonged to the beloved D. Gracinda, who retired after a lifetime spent with the Soares family. It is São who prepares everything to welcome family and visitors, making sure every stay is warm and authentic, with the same care and flavour as ever. With São, the legacy of D. Gracinda is safely kept, and the house continues to be run with heart.