THE FOUNDER - VENÂNCIO COSTA LIMA
Venâncio da Costa Lima was born in 1892 in the town of Quinta do Anjo, at the heart of a modest family. His mother died when he was very young and he was raised by his aunt and uncle, on a farm. Due to his father’s profession (a butcher), Venâncio’s first job was as a livestock tradesman to the region’s butcheries.
He quickly diversified his business, trading essentially in agricultural products.
In 1914 he founded the Casa Agrícola Venâncio da Costa Lima, in Quinta do Anjo. Primarily focused on selling wine, olive oil and grain, the firm later specialised exclusively in the production and sale of wine.
Between the 1930’s and 1950’s, Venâncio da Costa Lima was the second largest wine producer in the region.
During his lifetime, he became a highly recognised and esteemed person in the region, occupying the following positions:
- Chief-leader of the Quinta do Anjo township
- Councilman of the Setúbal Municipality
- Mayor of Palmela (1937-1946), carrying out remarkable work for the Council
- Owner in the Agricultural and Restaurant industries
He died on November 1st 1956, at the age of 64. This being the date for the local celebrations in the town where he was born, that year they were cancelled entirely due to the great dismay that his death provoked in the region.
Because he was childless, Venâncio bequeathed the winery to his six nieces and nephews who, from that time on, specialised in this region´s wines (Moscatel, red and white). Having passed through four generations, this winery remains a family business, managing 3 million litres annually.
It is currently in an investment phase, rebuilding the entire production area.
Recently recognised as producer of the "Best Muscat in the World "- Muscats du Monde 2011, this company has projected its name on a large scale and works daily towards producing the best wines in the region.