2020 - Producer of the Year for "Fita Preta" - Revista dos Vinhos
2018 - "Winemaker of the Year" - Revista dos Vinhos
2018 - “Outstanding Contribution Award 2018” Revista Grandes Escolhas
2016 - “Best New Producer” for Azores Wine Company-Revista dos Vinhos
António Maçanita started his wine production in the Alentejo, his mother’s home place, with FitaPreta Vinhos and Sexy Wines, before heading to the Açores, his father’s homeland in Pico, where he founded the Azores Wine Company. There, he is dedicated to the recovery of autochthonous (indigenous) wine grape varieties in risk of extinction.
Non-conformist, disruptive, difficult, audacious, restless and hot-tempered, these are some of the unconventional adjectives used to describe both António Maçanita, an oenologist and consultant, and the wines he produces.
Whilst he has had many unusual and interesting projects, his revolutionary contribution is probably most visible in the Azores – Azorean grapes are today the most expensive in Portugal – where a battle is being waged today to legalise the use of aromatic vines, “beautiful vines, some over 150 years old”, as Maçanita, visibly proud and enthusiastic, describes them.
All his projects are the result of challenges, partnerships motivated by friendship and complicity of those who share the same mindset and passion for wine. His love for challenges and his distinctive irreverence paired with his willingness to innovate generates new projects that quickly become a great successful adventure.
FitaPreta wines focus on the Alentejo and Azores Wine Company, as indicated by the name pay homage to the Azores wine region