Micaela Fonseca #194
Foundations of Passion: Education, Early Inspirations, and First Steps in the Wine Industry
Micaela Fonseca was born in Porto, in northern Portugal. Her early passion for arts and crafts led her to study Architecture at Lusíada University of Porto. She furthered her education with postgraduate studies at IADE and earned an international MBA with advanced training in Wine Business Management and Luxury Brand Management. Micaela’s academic journey reflects her multifaceted interests, blending creativity, business expertise, and a deep appreciation for wine. She began her career in an architecture studio in Paris before returning to Portugal to open her own firm, E.Ticket.Art. In 2011, her father, founder of Quinta do Ferro – a pioneering winery in the Vinho Verde region – challenged her to take over the project. Despite no prior wine industry experience, Micaela embraced the opportunity, driven by her passion and dreamer’s spirit. She insisted on complete autonomy to lead the winery, which was struggling at the time. With a small team and limited resources, Micaela began her journey in the wine industry, learning everything from scratch. Over the years, she achieved outstanding results in multiple markets, building her family company’s legacy.
Career and Leadership in Wine
Micaela’s early years at Quinta do Ferro were challenging. As the first winery in the Vinho Verde region to produce traditional method sparkling wine using native Portuguese grapes like Avesso, the winery was struggling. Recognizing the limitations of the small, competitive Portuguese market, Micaela decided to expand internationally. Despite no prior export experience, she took on the task herself, traveling to markets like Japan, the US, and Belgium to introduce Quinta do Ferro’s unique sparkling wines. Her efforts paid off as the wines gained international acclaim, winning awards in Japan, Austria, Belgium and the UK. These successes boosted the winery’s reputation and solidified Micaela’s confidence to push boundaries in the wine industry.
Beyond Quinta do Ferro, Micaela became a prominent figure in the wine world. She is an advanced ambassador for the Wine Academy of Portugal, a Master Guild member of the Green Wine Guild, and an ambassador for the “International Wine Business” program by Católica Lisbon Business & Economics. Her dedication to the wine sector extends to her role as the founder and president of Women in Wine Portugal (WIWP), a community and platform dedicated to empowering women in the wine industry.
Women in Wine Portugal (WIWP)
Women in Wine Portugal (WIWP) is an international, innovative, and irreverent community that unites women whose careers are tied to the wine industry. Committed to gender equality, equity, parity, inclusion, and sustainability, WIWP emphasizes the importance of empowering women and fostering equal opportunities. The organization enhances the visibility of Portuguese women in the wine sector through educational programs, masterclasses, and strategic partnerships, creating a safe space for knowledge sharing and networking.
Micaela’s vision for WIWP is ambitious. She aims to provide women in the wine industry with the tools and support they need to succeed, whether through professional development, networking opportunities, or personal well-being initiatives. One of WIWP’s key projects at the moment is a partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Academy, bringing international students to Portugal to explore its wine regions and learn about its unique viticultural heritage. This initiative not only promotes Portuguese wine but also highlights the role of women in the industry.
Social Responsibility and Vision for the Futur
Micaela is also deeply committed to social responsibility. WIWP is working on initiatives to support underprivileged women, such as providing scholarships for young girls in Trás-os-Montes to pursue careers in the wine industry. Additionally, WIWP organizes events and trips that combine professional development with personal well-being, offering women the chance to relax, reflect, and plan their next steps in a supportive environment.
Micaela’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Through her work as an architect, winemaker, and advocate for women in wine, she continues to inspire and empower others, leaving an indelible mark on the Portuguese wine scene and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the belief that women can – and will – change the world.
