RAÚL RIBA D'AVE
DIRECTOR OF PRESTIGE
Raul Riba D’Ave’s journey into the world of wine began in 2001 against the picturesque backdrop of Argentina’s vineyards, where he initially assumed the role of a marketing manager at Finca Flichman. In that same year, fueled by his passion for wine and a desire to share the richness of Argentinian historical wine industry with the world, Raul authored a book on Argentinian wines. The book quickly garnered acclaim, being published four times and selling over 20,000 units, establishing Raul as one of the first editors to write about Argentinian wines.
In 2002, Raul returned to his native Portugal, where he transitioned into the role of communication manager for an international project dedicated to promoting cork stoppers globally. His tenure in this position showcased his commitment to show how cork stoppers can be used to make great wines.
At the end of 2003, Raul embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining the esteemed Port producer Taylor’s as a brand manager. Over the course of five years, Raul’s strategic vision and brand management expertise contributed to Taylor’s success in the portuguese market.
In pursuit of his entrepreneurial aspirations, Raul made the bold decision to depart from Taylor’s and acquire Direct Wine, a small distribution company. Under his leadership, Direct Wine blossomed into the premier importer of premium wines in Portugal, a testament to Raul’s passion for great wines. The company’s eventual acquisition by the Fladgate Partnership in 2023 underscored its remarkable growth and impact on the Portuguese wine industry, especially on the on-trade scenario.
Raul’s commitment to excellence and continuous learning is evident in his array of qualifications, including being the first Portuguese to attain the WSET Diploma. As a Certified Port Educator (CPE) and WSET Certified Educator, Raul has not only honed his own expertise but also dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of wine professionals through his wine school “A ORIGEM”, based in the city of Porto.
Parallel to his corporate endeavors, Raul has embarked on a personal winemaking venture, producing wines in the Douro region for the past 13 years. His ambition extends to expanding this venture into the Vinho Verde region, a testament to his enduring passion for winemaking and exploration.
After winning a bursary from the Symington Family Estates to join the Master of Wine program, Raul decided to apply and attended the program between 2012 and 2017, earning substantial knowledge. Unfortunately, he never passed the final exam, but the experience further enriched his understanding of wine and fortified his commitment to continuous improvement.
Raul assumed the role of heading Fladgate Still and Sparkling Wines when the company was first created, but then moved to a more brand development focused position, as Director of Prestige, spearheading the promotion of wines from Bairrada, Dão, and the Vinho Verde region on the global stage. His passion and expertise continue to shape the narrative of Portuguese wine, showcasing its diversity and quality to enthusiasts worldwide.
