Born into a family with a long history of wine production, João Portugal Ramos obtained a degree in agronomy from the Institute of Agronomy in Lisbon. After a period of training at the National Viticulture Studies Centre in Dois Portos, in 1980 he began his career as an oenologist and in 1990 he purchased his own property in the Alentejo region. João is considered by many to be the Piero Antinori of Portugal and a pioneer in the region focusing on lower yields, estate fruit, varietal character, biodiversity and sustainability. He and his family continue to innovate and more recently purchased property, planted vineyards and built a winery in the Vinho Verde, DOC. In 2013 he released the inaugural vintage of his single varietal Alvarhino.