Bernardo
An educator from Rio, Bernardo brings heart, intellect and clarity to SMWP’s Wine School courses. After discovering natural wine in southern France, he joined the team to help shape our learning experiences. Passionate about ecology, art, and joyful living, he’s found creative inspiration in Marvão-often with a chessboard in hand and eyes on the stars. Bernado is currently studying for his WSET Level 2 certification.

Martin
With roots in design and vegetarian cuisine, and previously running a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, Martin spent 18 years in Nottingham before settling on the borderlands of Extremadura and Alentejo (where he has been for 17 years now!). For him, nature is the truest teacher, shaping his approach to food, design, and life. Being semi self-sufficient and directly connected to the landscape, he brings a love of beauty, ethics, and simplicity to everything from the menu to the atmosphere at Salto. Martin is currently studying for his WSET Level 2 certification.

Matthias
Matthias is a serious biochemist by trade and the genius behind the incredible wines coming out of our vineyard. A true plant lover with a deep appreciation for great food and (of course) fantastic wine, he brings both science and passion to every bottle. Oh, and just like Stephan, he’s WSET Level 3 certified—so you can bet he knows his grapes!

Stephan
Stephan is the guy behind the São Mamede Wine Project and Bar Salto. A former city dweller with a passion for good wine and great company, he’s all about bringing people together over a glass (or bottle) of the finest natural wines. In 2021, he moved to this beautiful region and now calls Marvão home—along with his three dogs and a cat! These days, you’ll find him making wine just across the border alongside Matthias. Oh, and he’s WSET Level 3 certified—ask him about wine at your own peril! 😉

Victoria
After studying languages and travelling, Victoria found a home in our beautiful region and went straight back to her first love of cooking. Her passion for service expressed at Salto, she will make sure you are warmly welcomed and feel at home. Outside of Salto, V channels her creativity into preparing nourishing meals for various types of wellness retreats, embodying her love for clean, wholesome plant-based cooking. At home in Nature you can usually find her hiking, swimming, foraging or in the veggie garden surrounded by all her furry companions. Victoria is currently studying for his WSET Level 2 certification.

… and Lady (Pointer) Agro (the cat) Shebe and Lord (Bodegeiros), our very own sniff-and-dig specialists! They’re mostly hanging out on the farm or in the vineyard, making sure every smell is examined and whatever is planted, is properly dug up. These cheeky companions love to entertain visitors with their extensive cuddling … and causing a bit of mischief!

Juan Antonio
Juan Antonio was one of the friendly faces welcoming our first guests to Salto, and many of you will remember his deep knowledge of our wines and his love for the Alentejo–Extremadura region. Born in Las Huertas and raised in Valencia de Alcántara, he’s WSET Level 2 certified, a passionate explorer of La Raya, and a true connoisseur of the region’s wines, food, and spirits.

He’s now started a new chapter. Visit him at La Plaza in the heart of Valencia de Alcántara!