Mateus

Mateus's story is largely the story of Fernando van Zeller Guedes, the visionary founder of Sogrape, and the man who dreamed up Mateus and brought it into being. A man ahead of his time, whose ambition was to make the best wines in Portugal and introduce them to the world. Over time, the baton was passed on to his son Fernando Guedes, thus ensuring that Sogrape remained a family business.

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THE 1940S – WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Its striking image, unique flavour and curious bottle have brought it fame worldwide. The unique and iconic bottle (inspired by the flasks used by soldiers in the First World War) has contributed to the wine’s enormous success.

CREATIVITY AT THE HEART OF THINGS

Thanks to Fernando van Zeller Guedes's tenacity and innovative marketing campaigns, sales grew year after year, across various parts of the globe. It was these campaigns, some based on partnerships with ambassadors and consuls around the world.

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

Mateus first became popular in the United Kingdom and enormously successful in the USA. In the 1950s, it became a truly global brand. By the late 1970s, Sogrape was selling in around 120 countries.