Leonor Freitas

Leonor Freitas, the current proprietor of Casa Ermelinda Freitas, assumed leadership in the late 1990s following the passing of her father. With a background in social services, Leonor brought a fresh perspective to the family business, focusing on expansion and modernization. Under her stewardship, the estate grew to encompass 550 hectares, and the winery's products began reaching international markets. Leonor's visionary approach has been instrumental in elevating the winery's status, earning her recognition within the industry, including the Commander of the Order of Agricultural Merit from the Portuguese government in 2009.

The Palmela wine region, nestled within Portugal's Setúbal Peninsula, boasts a rich viticultural heritage dating back to at least 1185, as referenced in the town's first royal charter. The region's unique terroir is characterized by two distinct areas: the Arrábida mountain range, with its clay-limestone soils and Atlantic influences, and the Palmela plains, known for their sandy soils and warmer, drier climate. This diverse landscape is particularly conducive to the cultivation of the Castelão grape variety, which forms the backbone of the region's robust red wines. Palmela's red wines are renowned for their complexity, balance, and distinctive cherry flavors, while the whites are celebrated for their aromatic profiles and refreshing acidity. The region also holds historical significance as the birthplace of Moscatel de Setúbal, one of Portugal's most esteemed fortified wines.