For the past two years I’ve been going to Porto for 11 sessions with eight of Sogrape’s top talent.  Sogrape is the most successful family wine company in Portugal and a company I’ve been working with for eight years.  Fernando Guedes (pictured) leads the third generation and is transforming this great Portuguese company into an international force in the wine industry.

Last week saw our final Masterclass sessions with a graduation dinner in Sandeman’s cellars, riverside in the heart of Porto.  It was a wonderful evening in the most magical of surroundings, supervised by the legendary hero of Sandman Port – The Don (pictured).  We had a simple, classical meal enhanced by a brilliantly curated wine tasting, highlighted by a 1992 Douro Riserva from the Sogrape library.  The eight graduating leaders are the future of Sogrape, and entertained all of us with their stories of learnings from the programme and magical, humorous moments from the 11 sessions.  An unforgettable evening with great people, in a great cellar, in a great city, in a great country.  Sogrape Chair and CEO (Fernando and Francisco) hosted the dinner which felt like family and played like a team.

My sister, Trisha and her husband Colin are heading to Porto in August and will be experiencing the magic of Sogrape and Sandeman and I recommend you add it to your vacation plans too.

Obrigado Sogrape.