Aphros

Vasco Croft, an architect and designer from Lisbon, spent his summers as a child at his family’s quinta (estate) in the Vinho Verde region. It was there that he learned to appreciate nature and Portuguese rural life, which later formed the foundation of his estate’s philosophy. Interestingly, Vasco only developed an interest in wine in adulthood — he was introduced to it by a Buddhist monk who spoke about the deep spiritual meaning of the drink. The quinta has been in the family since 1628, and the house on its territory dates back to the 16th century. Historically, various crops were grown here, but vineyards have always been an integral part of the estate. In 2004, Vasco took over management of the estate. By that time, the farm was practically deserted. His experience as an architect and knowledge of biodynamics helped him revive the estate. Today, the quinta has two wineries: a modern one and a medieval cellar with six ancient Portuguese amphorae, each holding 1,300 liters. The vineyards are cultivated according to biodynamic principles, and the quinta remains an intact ecosystem inhabited by various species of animals and plants. Vasco’s winemaker is his friend Miguel Viseu, who shares the same values. During harvest season, they sometimes invite consultant Tiago Sampaio, another proponent of biodynamics.