- Insiders Profile -

João Brito e Cunha

General Manager 
Herdade do Perú


What inspired your family to create Herdade do Péru, and how has your journey shaped your vision for the estate and its wines?

Herdade do Perú has always been a place of connection and inspiration for my family. My great-grandfather first discovered this land while riding horseback through the stunning landscapes of Arrábida in the late 1930s. He was captivated by its serenity, the way it combined the beauty of the Serra da Arrábida with its proximity to the sea. To him, it was a place that embodied the soul of Portugal.

He decided to make this land part of our family’s story. It became a space where he spent time with his family, produced wine, raised cattle and horses, and welcomed guests from around the world to showcase the very best of Portuguese hospitality.

For me, Herdade do Perú holds countless memories. As a child, I had endless adventures here, and some of my fondest moments are those spent with my grandmother. For my father, too, this land is filled with memories he deeply cherishes. He dreamed of owning this estate from a young age and shared that wish with his grandmother. His passion for this land was so strong that, in the 1980s and 1990s, he created a series of paintings inspired by Herdade do Perú. He later built a replica of the estate’s house in Madrid and would proudly show these paintings to his guests, always deeply committed to this dream. When we finally purchased the estate from an aunt in 2016, his lifelong dedication became the foundation for what we’re building today.

Together, we’ve worked to restore the estate’s original charm, where family, agriculture, and hospitality come together seamlessly. Today, that vision continues to inspire us, from crafting wines that honor the land to creating experiences that connect people with its beauty and heritage.

If you had to describe Herdade do Péru in just three words, what would they be?

Passion | Heritage | Life

◆ What makes Arrábida such a unique region for winemaking, and how does its terroir influence the wines you produce?

The wines of Herdade do Perú are inseparable from their origins, with an aromatic profile that is truly exclusive to this remarkable territory. Our terroir is the heart of what makes Herdade do Perú wines so unique. Nestled between the Serra da Arrábida and the Atlantic Ocean, our vineyards benefit from a morning mist brought in by the sea, which helps preserve the grapes' freshness and vibrant character.

The land itself adds another layer of uniqueness. Our vines thrive in a carefully cultivated area, shaped by the differences of each plot and the rich mineral properties of the soil. These conditions create wines with structure and depth, reflecting the strength and resilience of the vines. Arrábida's winemaking roots trace back to 600 BC, nurtured by a passionate local community. The region's unique terroir, combined with its dedication, creates wines that truly reflect its essence. Over the last decade, we’ve poured our hearts into caring for this property and its vineyards, guided by the enduring presence of the Serra da Arrábida and the wisdom of local experts. This harmony between land, sea, people, and mountain continues to inspire every bottle we produce, making our wines a genuine expression of this extraordinary region.

◆ The Portuguese wine industry has been gaining international attention. What trends or changes have you observed recently, and how do you see Portugal’s wine scene evolving?

The Portuguese wine industry has always embraced its deep-rooted traditions, from unique grape varieties to ancient winemaking techniques. In recent years, there’s been an exciting shift toward crafting higher-quality, standout wines that make their mark in a competitive global market.

At Herdade do Perú, we’re proud to differentiate ourselves through innovation and organic vineyard practices. Our approach respects nature’s rhythm, from using organic matter from our farm animals as fertilizer to relying on sheep to clean the vineyards after harvest. We also take pride in our manual grape harvest, ensuring only the best fruit is carefully selected. This dedication to sustainability and zero-waste production allows us to honor the land’s legacy while crafting wines that truly embody the character and richness of Arrábida.

Portugal’s wine future is bright, with a balance between preserving heritage and embracing innovation. This blend of old and new is what makes the industry so exciting and full of potential.

◆ What is the most challenging aspect of producing wine in Portugal, and how have you overcome these challenges at Herdade do Péru?

The biggest challenge we face today is undoubtedly dealing with the unpredictability of nature. Changing weather patterns significantly impact our vineyards throughout the year, and while we can’t control the elements, we’ve adapted by implementing sustainable practices that enhance the resilience of our vines.

I must say that it’s also thanks to the team, dedicated, skilled, and creative, that we can navigate these uncertainties while staying true to our commitment to crafting exceptional wines. It’s a continuous learning process, but with such a passionate team, we remain unwavering in our mission to honor the land and produce wines that reflect its unique character.

◆ What local spots—beyond the vineyard—would you recommend to wine enthusiasts visiting Arrábida for a truly immersive experience?

A must-visit is Portinho da Arrábida, where you can soak in the breathtaking coastline and enjoy a delicious lunch by the sea. For those who love scenic drives, the road from Portinho to Setúbal is absolutely stunning, with incredible views at every turn.  For a more laid-back experience, head to Meco for a sunset drink at Hangar do Peixe, perfect for unwinding by the sea, whether you’ve just had a surf session or simply want to relax.

At Herdade do Perú, we’re also passionate about sharing the wonders of Arrábida. Spend a day with us, starting with a boat ride to discover the hidden gems of the coastline and finishing with a wine tasting at our estate. It’s a truly immersive way to experience the magic of this extraordinary region.

◆ What is your personal favorite dish in Lisbon, and where’s the best place to enjoy it?

If I had to pick one dish, it would be Peking Duck. At JNcQUOI Asia, it’s simply outstanding: crispy skin, tender meat, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that’s perfectly executed and always leaves an impression.

◆ What’s one memory or experience in your food journey so far that you’ll never forget?

I recently had an unforgettable dinner at Omakase Ri, and it was incredible. With just a few seats at the bar, the spot creates an intimate vibe, perfectly complemented by a curated playlist setting the mood. The couple running the place made it feel so personal, crafting every piece of sashimi and nigiri like a work of art. And the sake flight? A total game-changer—every sip took the experience to a whole new level.

The entire night felt special. From the Tokyo-inspired decor to the energy of the space and the insane attention to detail in the food—it was all unforgettable. Omakase Ri is one of those places you’ll always remember, not just for the food, but for how it makes you feel.

◆ Can you walk us through your perfect day in Lisbon, from sunrise to sunset, including your favorite spots?

Let me describe my last Saturday, which was the perfect day for me. I love starting early, catching the sunrise, it’s always worth it. After that, I check the waves and decide where to go. This time, I drove to Ericeira. A morning surf session, followed by a coffee at Vizinha (the vibe there is unbeatable), set the tone for the day. After surfing, I like to keep moving, so I went for a hike nearby. Ericeira has some incredible trails with ocean views that never disappoint. For lunch, it’s all about simplicity and freshness; a good grilled fish at any local spot with friends is always my go-to. With the afternoon light, it’s back to the waves for another surf session before heading back to Lisbon. By the time I’m home, it’s sunset, and after a quick shower, I’m ready to hit Príncipe Real. A walk through the neighborhood, a couple of beers in the park, and finally dinner with friends, either somewhere nearby or in Praça das Flores, wraps up the day perfectly. I’m usually in bed early to recharge for the next day. :)

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◆ Can you share with us your hidden gem or local hangout?

Do Beco for a coffee to start the day. It’s got this cozy vibe, and I often have my morning meetings there before heading out to Herdade do Perú. For a romantic dinner, my absolute favorite is Ruvida: amazing food, an intimate atmosphere, and a charm that’s hard to beat. And when it’s time to exercise, I head to Climb Up. It’s a great way to clear my head. These places are part of my routine and make Lisbon feel like home.

Photo credits: Lisbon Insiders Issue 01