“MY CAREER HAS ALWAYS BEEN INTERTWINED WITH THE WINE TRADE. AS THE YEARS PASSED, MY LOVE FOR THE WINE WORLD ONLY GREW, FUELING MY DEDICATION TO MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY. “
~ Tania Oliveira
We want to express our gratitude to Tania Oliveira, an incredible woman who has played a pivotal role in making the Women in Wine Expo a reality. Before joining Taylor's Port as the International Marketing Director, Tania Oliveira has had a remarkable career in the wine industry. Now, let's meet her.
Please tell us more about yourself.
My journey in the wine world began with a deep-rooted passion that was nurtured by my grandfather, who introduced me to my first harvest at the tender age of ten. This early exposure set me on a professional path that allowed me to traverse the globe, exploring various wine regions, tasting a myriad of wines, and engaging with captivating individuals who continue to inspire me. My career has always been intertwined with the wine trade, with a focus on marketing management. As the years passed, my love for the wine world only grew, fueling my dedication to making a positive impact on the industry.
Can you tell us more about Taylor's Port?
Taylor's Port holds a rich heritage dating back to 1692 and is renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. As a leading Port producer, Taylors Port is a beacon of tradition and innovation in the wine world, consistently delivering memorable experiences to wine enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrating diversity has always been at the heart of our mission at Taylor's, and we are immensely proud to participate in initiatives that support the study of wine. We understand that wine transcends borders and cultures, which is why programs like Taylor's Port Golden Vines Diversity Scholars and Taylor's WSET diploma awards are so important to us. Additionally, by sponsoring events, we open doors to education and foster a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of the world of wine.
As the international director, what is your precise role?
My role revolves around developing and implementing strategic marketing initiatives to enhance Taylor's Port's global presence. This includes developing new products and establishing a strong digital presence across multiple channels. I am responsible for crafting compelling brand narratives, fostering key partnerships, and ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer preferences.
Why exactly were you interested in hosting this conference for women in wine?
When Senay approached us with the idea of the Women in Wine Expo, it was clear that this was a project that perfectly aligned with our values and objectives. The decision to collaborate and bring this international event to our hometown, Porto, was a natural one for Taylor's Port and WoW. We are deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote diversity and empower women in the wine industry. This conference is an exceptional platform to further these goals while showcasing the vibrant wine culture of Porto.
In what ways do you see the future of wine?
In the foreseeable future, the wine industry will be ripe with exhilarating opportunities and formidable challenges. As consumer tastes evolve, technological advancements surge and sustainability becomes increasingly imperative; the wine sector stands on the precipice of profound innovation and adaptation. Navigating this dynamic landscape successfully hinges upon our collective embrace of diversity, sustainability, and innovation as guiding principles.
Finally, what advice would you give other women wine professionals?
Be bold in pursuing your aspirations, cultivate a strong support network, never stop learning and evolving, and trust your capabilities and unique perspectives above all.
“Don't hesitate to take risks, innovate, and stay true to yourself because a human touch will always be irreplaceable.”
- Madalena Carvalho
Situated on Gaia´s banks of the river, The Rebello is our venue for the Masterclasses on the 9th of May. they say it’s A ‘NEW HOTEL WITH AN OLD SOUL’. Let’s meet Madalena Carvalho – the International Events Manager at Bomporto Hotels.
Please tell us more about yourself.
I'm 25 years old, and I was born in Porto, the fantastic city that will host the Masterclasses of the Women in Wine Expo. During my degree in Tourism Management, I spent two semesters abroad, in Croatia and Lithuania, which allowed me to explore my love of travel a little more. After finishing my undergraduate studies, I pursued a master's in Events Management in Lisbon. That's when I first came across Bomporto Hotels, and I've been working with them ever since. In my role, I've successfully organized large-scale events such as [specific event], which was a major success. Hospitality is ideal for me since it allows me to interact with different people daily, travel, and be part of memorable moments in people's lives.
Can you tell us more about The Rebello?
The Rebello embodies the Bomporto identity. With its luxurious yet unpretentious atmosphere, it serves as a prime example of the group's values. Besides transforming historic buildings into remarkable spaces like The Rebello, the Bomporto group has a laid-back luxury approach. We provide exceptional service while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring our guests feel at home in all our hotels.
As the international events manager, what is your precise role? And what do you like most about it?
As an international events manager, my role involves organizing events, meticulously planning them, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day. What I love most about my job is the opportunity to engage with different cultures and showcase our spectacular service—The Rebello and its people. An event is something special that takes time to plan, and seeing it succeed is incredibly gratifying. It's rewarding to know that the effort invested in planning pays off when attendees have a memorable experience.
Why exactly are you interested in hosting the Women in Wine Expo?
Hosting this Masterclass is an exciting opportunity for several reasons. Firstly, it's a chance to unite empowered and expert women in the industry for networking and collaboration, fostering a solid and supportive community. Secondly, it's a perfect fit for The Rebello, as our buildings were once warehouses where wine barrels were stored. Being involved allows us to celebrate this heritage and contribute to the growth of Women in the Wine industry, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
In what ways do you see the future of hospitality?
In the future, the hospitality sector will use technology to manage guests more efficiently. However, it is essential to remember that the true essence of hospitality lies in personal connection. That's why it's crucial to prioritize the care and attention given to both staff and guests, ensuring that hotels remain welcoming and have that 'feeling of home'. Service must become increasingly personalized as customers are more demanding and look for memorable experiences. Sustainability will also be an essential factor for the sector. Hotels will have to adopt eco-friendly practices to satisfy the demands of environmentally-conscious guests.
Finally, what advice would you give other women professionals in hospitality?
I advise other hospitality professionals to embrace the potential for personal growth and learning that this industry offers. Don't hesitate to take risks, innovate, and stay true to yourself because a human touch will always be irreplaceable. Connecting with people and learning from them is not just a part of the job but a crucial aspect of your personal growth. Be bold about stepping out of your comfort zone, often leading to great opportunities. Keep building connections and embrace the journey.
“Stay unapologetically true to yourself. The industry is changing faster than ever, so don't be afraid to be different and unique.”
~ Hélène Temmerman
Critics worldwide recognise Bijou Wine as outstanding, authentic, and delicious. Their “luxe affordable” positioning has been the key to their success. All their wines comprise the very best expression of old and low-yielding Mediterranean grape varieties, and Bijou Wine is determined to produce the best wine in the South of France.
By Senay Ozdemir
Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose (which will be poured at lunch on Friday) is named after a lady who worked in the Languedoc vineyards during the late 19th century and became something of a local hero. At the time, predominantly women worked in the vineyards, pruning and harvesting the vines. Sadly, these women were often mistreated, overworked and underpaid. Sophie fought for women’s rights and drastically improved the conditions for her fellow female workers in the vineyard where she worked. Bijou is a tribute to her memory: her story is on the back of every bottle sold. We had an interview with Bijou’s international sales manager, Hélène Temmerman, who – as a boutique winemaker herself - carries a unique vision of the wine industry.
Please tell us more about yourself.
I'm Hélène Temmerman, the international sales and marketing manager for Bijou wine. I was born in Belgium but have travelled the world where wine brought me for almost ten years. In all its forms, wine is my passion and has become my occupation in life. As a bioengineer, I wanted to start my experimental vineyards to make my wines. As a business manager, I found my place in the international wine trade. As a proper hedonist, I love to continue the family tradition by sharing, enjoying, and connecting through wine. To me, wine is not only a beverage but a medium.
And can you tell us more about Bijou Wine?
At Bijou Wine, we perceive our rosé wine as more than just a beverage; it's a medium through which we aim to raise awareness for women in the wine industry while delivering significant value to our consumers by crafting unique, sustainable, high-quality wines from the South of France. Founded a decade ago, Bijou Wine began its journey by seeking out a hidden gem in the region with an engaging story. This quest led to the creation of our bestselling wine, "Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose," named in honour of the legendary figure Sophie Valrose. In the 19th century in Languedoc, vineyard labour was predominantly carried out by women, yet they often faced exploitation and received inadequate pay and mistreatment. Local lore recounts the courageous actions of one woman who dared to challenge this injustice: Sophie Valrose. Inspired by her remarkable story, Bijou Wine pays homage to her legacy. "Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose" is a dry and authentic rosé crafted from handpicked grapes from low-yielding bush vines. Grapes that Sophie would have picked herself decades ago.
As the international sales manager, what is your precise role?
Our primary goal is, of course, to sell as many bottles of Bijou internationally as possible. This is the most effective way to ensure that our message reaches a broad audience worldwide. Each bottle carries our message on the back label, and the more bottles we sell, the more widely our message will be read. However, achieving this goal is more complex than it may seem. Every country has its unique culture and customs, and we are responsible for comprehending and respecting these differences. This process is a valuable learning experience, allowing us to gain deeper insights into various cultures. This aspect is quintessential to what wine represents: a celebration of culture, a profound connection with nature and people, and a means of engaging with others. Besides selling Bijou, we also want to participate in events involving women within or without the industry. Last spring, we sponsored an event during London's fashion week to promote a young designer, Camille Liu. Together, we have created an unforgettable blend of luxury, art, and craft. We also participate in worldwide competitions. Our recent success is at Japan's Sakura Women's Wine Awards, where three wines from the Bijou portfolio were awarded. Ma Chérie and Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose won gold. Éminence de Bijou, a gastronomic rosé was awarded double gold.
Why exactly are you interested in women in wine? Why did you take the initiative to call the WIWE?
Our mission at Bijou strongly aligns with WIWE's objectives. Not only do we aim to raise awareness for women in the wine industry, but we also predominantly work with women within our team. As a result, for once in the wine industry, men need to understand us more than the other way around (haha). The key to progress isn't a battle of the sexes; it is the battle of misunderstandings; it's about all of us working together with mutual respect. Promoting open communication to understand each other's viewpoints and learn how to collaborate without any preconceived notions is crucial. This will lead to a stronger and more diverse wine industry and community. Events like the Women in Wine Expo create a platform where understanding can happen. As a winemaker and trade manager, I look forward to exchanging perspectives, discussing challenges, and sharing approaches with fellow women in wine. That's why I really can't wait for the event to start!
In what ways do you see the future of wine?
We must continue working towards dismantling the double standards imposed upon us and proudly embrace our true selves, behaviour, and worth. It's up to us to take action. Looking around, I see women excelling in all fields, demonstrating fearlessness, sexiness, beauty, creativity, strength, expressiveness, kindness, and authenticity. By embodying these qualities, we can create more welcoming, sustainable, and inspiring industries for everyone. Inclusion will be crucial in retaining young wine consumers. On a lighter note, I firmly believe in promoting a culture of experiential wine drinking!
Finally, what advice would you give other women in wine?
Stay unapologetically true to yourself. The industry is changing faster than ever, so don't be afraid to be different and unique.
Hélène will be joining us at the Women in Wine Expo, but if you can’t wait until 8th of May, please reach out to her, via Bijouwine.com