Ivone Ribeiro

Of Portuguese origin but foreign in name, Garage Wines is the brainchild of Ivone Ribeiro – and there’s a lot of her in the project. In this inspiring little story, wine is the leading character, alongside one of the 15 most influential women in the wine and drinks sector. «I’m a woman of challenges», she tells V&G. And we believe her, not least because ten years ago Ivone was one of few women working in the wine industry in Portugal and she has blazed a trail ever since. Garage Wines is essentially a wine shop open to the public, where the wines that are selected are produced in small quantities, with high quality grape varieties, and which give rise to surprising tastings. Today, there are more than 500 different wines with a special place in Matosinhos. 

When did you decide to embrace the world of wine?
The world of wine came into my life without me thinking that it would stay forever. The fact that I wanted to work and didn’t get into university at the first attempt led me to vinho verde wines. Many years later, with various professional challenges, my personal project emerged, which celebrates a decade this year.   

Taking the philosophy of «garage wines», you created your project, with hundreds of different wines...
Garage Wines appeared at a time when I noticed a huge gap in distinctive products offered, in service and in generalised knowledge of the market. The idea of opening Garage Wines came from my desire to create a small, cosy space that would make customers feel at home. It also came from the idea of creating a wine shop where small producers, «different» wines and wines of multiple styles and regions would dominate. Today, the major brands and producers are present in our shop, and we love all the quality Portuguese wines, but the greatest challenge is to help customers discover smaller producers that guarantee the same quality. 

What profile of consumer is Garage Wines targeting and what options do they request the most?
Garage Wines has a very varied consumer profile, ranging from the younger customers, who are still discovering the enchanting world of wine, to the older ones, who are highly knowledgeable. This project seeks to appeal to all types of customers, with the aim of promoting knowledge, the experience of different wines and the sharing of great moments. It should be highlighted that one of our most valuable work tools is our programme of monthly tastings, through which we bring a range of unique tastings to consumers, where everyone can taste hundreds of wines and learn from the producers.

«Garage Wines has a very varied consumer profile»

Tell us about the Wine Bar in Matosinhos. How did that come about?
The Wine Bar came about as a companion business to the wine shop, where we saw it as an opportunity to share with customers all the wines we love and select for our wine shop «by the glass». Adding incredible snacks to the mix, prepared by chef Luís Américo, this venue experiences wine with the same joy, passion and professionalism as Garage Wines. 

You were recognised as one of the 15 most influential women in the wine and drinks sector at the Women in Wine & Spirits awards this year. What does this honour mean to you and what challenges have you faced to get here?
I’m very proud to have Portugal on this list of incredible professionals from all over the world. We, the Portuguese, may be small, but we are giants when we do things with professionalism and passion.
I’ve faced many challenges, not least the fact that when I started, I was still one of the few women working in the sector. Added to that was the challenge of opening my project in 2013, at a time when the country was not in its most favourable phase. But I’m a woman of challenges, and in fact Garage Wines itself is a challenge!

Is wine tasting a cultural act?
Yes, definitely. Tasting wine involves appreciating flavours and aromas and understanding each region and terroir. It’s a unique moment.... 

What’s the best wine you’ve tasted so far?
I can’t answer that... But one wine I’ll never forget is Château Cos-D’Estournel 1996, a standout wine! 

What do you think sets Portugal’s wine potential apart from other countries?
Our identity, our regions and our grape varieties, because they are unique in the world. No matter how much they are planted in other countries, it is in Portugal that they reach their purest definition and quality. 

Who is Ivone outside of working hours?
I’m a mother of two wonderful children, the wife of a man who is always by my side through life’s challenges and a friend of my friends.