Micaela Fonseca #95

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.

Leadership and Global Vision in Wine

Micaela’s early years at Quinta do Ferro were marked by both challenge and ambition. As the first winery in the Vinho Verde region to produce traditional-method sparkling wines from native Portuguese grapes such as Avesso, the estate faced the constraints of a small and highly competitive domestic market. Recognizing the need for growth, Micaela set her sights on international markets. With no prior export experience, she personally introduced Quinta do Ferro’s wines in Japan, the United States, Belgium and beyond. Her efforts were rewarded with international recognition and awards in Japan, Austria, Belgium and the UK, strengthening the winery’s global profile and her own leadership confidence. Beyond her work at Quinta do Ferro, Micaela is an influential voice in the wine industry. She is an Advanced Ambassador of the Wine Academy of Portugal, a Master Guild member of the Green Wine Guild, and an ambassador of the “International Wine Business” program at Católica Lisbon Business & Economics. She is also the founder and president of Women in Wine Portugal (WIWP), an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women across the wine sector.

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.