Christoph’s passion for wine began in the 1980s after visiting the terraced vineyards in the Unstrut valley, located in the former German Democratic Republic, and tasting a particularly memorable white wine produced in that relatively harsh climate.
Years later, an invitation to speak at the annual meeting of the Royal Ophthalmological Society of Australia and New Zealand provided him with the ideal opportunity to extend his trip and explore the Australian wine regions. After several trips and inspired by the adventures of Max Lake, a former doctor and now wine enthusiast, he came very close to purchasing a vineyard in the Hunter Valley in 2001. However, distance proved an insurmountable obstacle in this potential deal.
A series of happy coincidences led him to a small family estate in the Dão wine region of Portugal. This gave him the opportunity to experience grape planting and winemaking, as well as fully appreciate all the nuances and influences of the terroir. Visits to the nearby Douro wine region instilled a fascination for the impact that differences in altitude, geology and microclimate had on the development of unique characteristics. It was through a chance conversation that he discovered Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias, which he immediately fell in love with.
Now, as the proud owner of this exceptional wine estate in the Távora valley, he finds happiness through exploring the exciting possibilities offered by the terraced vineyards, with the help of a team of experienced, innovative and talented winemakers: Maria Susete Melo and Diogo Lopes.