The TEAM
behind the wine

Every bottle is the result of care, skill, and shared vision. From the vineyard to the cellar – and to the guest experience – each team member brings their own skill, passion, and precision. Together, we’re building something lasting, rooted in the land and shaped by people who love what they do.

A SHARED VISION

At Quinta da Pedragosa, Piotr Cholewa and Pedro Ribeiro combine two distinct yet complementary strengths: expertise and craftsmanship. Piotr, our founder, brings deep focus, patience, and a lifetime of leadership to the vineyard. Pedro, one of Portugal’s most respected winemakers, brings the cellar to life with a modern approach, a deep respect for tradition, and a steady hand on every amphora.

Piotr Cholewa

General Director

Born in Katowice, Silesia, Piotr spent his career leading companies in Poland – including listed firms on the Warsaw Stock Exchange – before moving to the Algarve in 2016. In Portugal, he found a new calling as a farmer, owner of vineyards and wine producer.

"A glass of good wine, whether surrounded by beautiful nature or served in 3 Stars Michelin Restaurant, is the essence of life’s pleasures."

PEDRO RIBEIRO

Partner & Mentor

Pedro is the General Director and Winemaker at Herdade do Rocim, one of Portugal’s most respected producers. A graduate of UTAD with experience across Portugal, the Azores, Madeira, and Australia, Pedro brings decades of knowledge. At Pedragosa, he balances modern oenology with a deep understanding of amphora winemaking.

“The way we make wine we don't focus on fruits, we focus on terroir. It’s like you can almost lick the soil, the rocks of our estate”

Rafael Santos

Executive Assistant

Born in 1993 in the quiet countryside of Beira Alta, Rafa was raised with values of respect, simplicity, and tradition. After moving to the Algarve in 2016, he spent eight years working in hospitality – from casual cafés to 5-star hotels – always focused on making people feel at home. In 2025, he joined Pedragosa, bringing warmth, energy, and determination to create wine and experiences that will last for a lifetime.

“Put as much as you are even in the least you do”

Ricardo Jacinto

Agricultural Engineer

Originally from Lisbon, Ricardo has called the Algarve home for over 27 years. He holds degrees in Forest Production Engineering and Sustainable Rural Management, and has led a number of agricultural and forestry businesses. A lifelong advocate for land stewardship, he brings essential expertise to vineyard development and sustainable practices.

“There is no such thing as a bad tree”

Mihail Ceherlan

Host of Quinta da Pedragosa

Born in Tiraspol, Moldova in 1983, Mihail studied agriculture and has lived in Lagos for more than 20 years. He was the first permanent employee at Quinta da Pedragosa and remains one of its most steady, skilled hands in the vineyard.

“I feel fulfilled when everything is done well”

Szymon Smoczyk

CEO and coach of Pedragosa Padel Club (under construction)

Born in 1983 in Poznań, Poland, Szymon holds a Master’s degree in sociotherapy and health promotion. An entrepreneur, former footballer, coach, and referee, he now lives in Luz and brings his passion for movement and sport into shaping the future of Pedragosa Padel Club.

“in padel every shot is a decision, every point is a lesson”

“It’s all about fulfillment - spending time with the people you love and doing what gives you purpose"

Katarzyna Cholewa

Brand Ambassador

Being raised in Silesia – the landscape that first inspired the dream of Pedragosa – gives Katarzyna a deep love of people and nature, making her a passionate ambassador for our Quinta. With a degree in International Business, a successful HR career and as a soon-to-be graduate of psychology, she is adept at building bridges between cultures and communities. In her free time, she plays padel and practises yoga.

“It’s all about fulfillment - spending time with the people you love and doing what gives you purpose"