Journal #22 The Circle. The power of connection, the strength of community, and the spark of creativity.

The CIRCLE is an exclusive community that unites neighbors, friends, and seekers of meaningful moments. It’s a space for those who share our values: a love for timeless beauty, authentic experiences, and soulful gatherings — with wine at its core.

As Filipe Caldas de Vasconcellos explains: “we believe in the power of connection, the strength of community, and the spark of creativity. The CIRCLE is an invitation to gather with those who live, work, and breathe alongside us at the vineyard. It’s about shared experiences that bring us together in a world that so often pulls us apart. A place for like-minded individuals to learn, be inspired, and grow together.

The CIRCLE is about being present, feeling grounded, and celebrating the beautiful, fleeting moments of life.

MdQ: What inspired you to make this happen?

FCV: The idea for The CIRCLE came from a desire to bring our community together—not just those who visit us, but also the people who live and work around us every day. Morgado do Quintão has always been a place where people gather, connect, and share experiences, and we wanted to create something that honors and expands on that.

It reflects our values of simplicity, timeless beauty, and authenticity. At Morgado do Quintão, we believe in living with purpose, connecting to nature, and sharing moments that are honest and real. The Circle embodies these values by offering a space where people can engage with the land, the wines, and the creative energy of those who inspire us.

MdQ: What do you hope members will take away from their involvement in the CIRCLE?

FCV: My ambition is for it to become a community of belonging—not a place of exclusivity, but of shared purpose. I hope members feel part of something meaningful, where they can grow, learn, and connect on a deeper level with each other, with wine, and with the creative energy that surrounds us at Morgado do Quintão.

I see the CIRCLE evolving into a space for ongoing learning and discovery. We’ll invite guests who inspire us—winemakers, artists, chefs, writers, and thinkers—to share their knowledge, passion or arts with members. Over time, I imagine The Circle becoming a living, breathing community that moves beyond the estate, connecting people with authentic, creative experiences wherever they are. It’s about making Morgado do Quintão’s spirit travel with them.

MdQ: What drives the curation of The Circle agenda?

FCV: I would love to see a rich mix of people at the CIRCLE events—local producers, artists, wine enthusiasts, travelers, and our neighbors who live and work around the estate. The people who are most connected to our everyday life at Morgado do Quintão are also the people who make it unique. We want them to be part of the CIRCLE, not just as members but as contributors, collaborators, and friends.

The curation of the CIRCLE agenda is driven by a mix of seasonality, creativity, and relevance. Each event is rooted in the land and the time of year—whether it’s the harvest season, the first olive pressings, or the height of summer. We also think about who inspires us at that moment. It could be a chef, an artist, or a winemaker whose work resonates with our values. We ask ourselves, "Who would we love to share a table with right now?"—and that’s where the agenda begins.

MdQ: What will be the first event?

FCV:  We will start the 2025 year together with an unforgettable evening of connection, discovery, and celebration of our Atlantic spirit - ‘The Atlantic Touch – Wine Tasting Journeywill be our first event.

As a heritage estate, Morgado do Quintão embodies the rich maritime history of Portugal, a country shaped by its relationship with the Atlantic. So, to kick off our CIRCLE Club we decided to honor this reality by exploring the ties between wine, land, and sea, in a very special tasting.

This exclusive event will highlight a selection of remarkable wines, showcasing the diversity and character shaped by the Atlantic's influence. This journey will be hosted by Sofia Saraiva of MOSTO Wine Shop, featuring a special guest - Filippo Pozzi, founder of Atlas Land Wines and, will take place in the intimate setting of Morgado do Quintão.

Every month we will host new events and new tasting, with diferent and special guests.

MdQ: What sound do you associate with this project and what is the wine to pair with it?

FCV: The sound I associate with the CIRCLE is the gentle hum of conversation and laughter around a long table. It’s the sound of corks popping, leaves rustling in the wind, and the distant call of birds in the vineyard. It’s that golden hour moment just before sunset, when everything feels connected and in harmony.

The wine to pair with the CIRCLE would be something with depth, character, and a story to tell. For me, it would be our Palhete—a wine that is rustic, vibrant, and wild, much like the community we’re trying to build. It’s a wine that asks you to slow down, pay attention, and taste everything that’s happening around you.

Maria SilveiraComment