Wine & Soul: Old Vines, New Energy in Portugal’s Douro Valley

Portugal’s Douro Valley isn’t just beautiful, it’s alive with history, resilience, and over 300 grape varieties that define the essence of Portuguese wine. At the heart of this landscape, Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges, the visionaries behind Wine & Soul, are preserving and celebrating vineyards that date back generations.Their story is one of devotion, to the land, to grape diversity, and to the complex identity born from old vines. With more than 90 distinct grape types thriving in their vineyards, the wines crafted here reflect a rare harmony of nature, heritage, and human touch.Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges are more than just acclaimed winemakers — they’re stewards of the Douro’s soul. Founders of Wine & Soul, their mission is to protect and express the raw beauty of ancient vineyards. Both named Winemakers of the Year by Portugal’s leading wine publications, Sandra was also recognized as one of the Top 24 Women Winemakers Worldwide by Jancis Robinson in the Financial Times.More about their wines and philosophy: www.wineandsoul.com📍 What You’ll Learn:Why the diversity of grape varieties in the Douro is unmatched anywhere else in the world.How the Douro went from fortified to fresh winesHow old vineyards survive and thrive through resilience — and what that means for wine lovers.The critical role of plot identity in shaping the character of each bottle.How climate and terroir work together to support this extraordinary grape ecosystem.Why the Douro’s complex blend of grapes results in wines that are layered, expressive, and unforgettable.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.comWe’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House, Heather Donovan Real Estate, and Conscious Strong.