If you were lucky enough to attend the opening of ‘Ser Es’, the first solo show by
Paula Riquelme Orbenes at Haize Gallery, then you already know: the wine was
flowing, the atmosphere was vibrant, and the glasses were never empty – or boring.
That joyful buzz, in no small part, is thanks to Corkculture, a brand-new wine
catering company that just made its debut in Lisbon.

Now, before we get carried away with the aromas and tasting notes, let’s start with
the obvious: yes, they’re extremely good-looking. Tall, fit, and always effortlessly
stylish, Mateus, Giovanni, and Francesco, the trio behind Corkculture, may have
caught your eye before they even handed you a glass. But behind those charming
smiles and symmetrical jawlines are three of the kindest, most dedicated humans
you could meet – and natural wine lovers who’ve turned their passion into a full-time
Lisbon adventure.

We first crossed paths with Mateus and Giovanni at Baccaro, the cozy and cult natural wine bar in Graça, often referred to as the little brother of the legendary Vino Vero. It’s there that the two worked as sommelier-waiters, introducing guests to small-batch bottles with that rare ability to match wine not just to dishes, but to people.

Watching them work was like witnessing a kind of intuitive art: they took their time, asked the right questions, and always found the bottle – the one that surprises you and somehow tastes like a memory you hadn’t had yet.

The final piece of the Cork culture puzzle came not from behind the bar, but from across it. Francesco, born in Pisa and trained in oenology in Florence, is what they lovingly call “a true grape biologist” – someone who knows wine from the roots up.
When asked how they came together, the answer was simple: “We were missing a piece to complete the puzzle – a true wine expert. And he was looking for us.”
They met at Vino Vero, naturally – a place known for spontaneous magic and serendipitous connections. If you know, you know.

From the very beginning, Cork culture was meant to be a trio – different paths, same passion. Each brings their own essence: Mateus, originally from Brazil, came to Portugal for a PhD in Portuguese literature (the poetry now flows through bottles);
Giovanni, from a tiny village in northern Italy, studied health management and brings sharp structure and soulful taste; and Francesco, the scientific heart of the group, adds depth, terroir knowledge, and a grounded, grape-level understanding to every
bottle they serve.

At the “Ser Es” opening, it was Francesco and Giovanni behind the bottles, pouring with their usual finesse. Their selection of wines, all natural and chosen with care, paired beautifully with Paula’s soft and textured universe of handwoven wool artworks. More than serving wine, they contributed to the experience creating moments of connection, laughter, and the ever-essential “what is this bottle and where can I get it?”

In fact, so many guests asked us about the wines they were drinking – the names, the grapes, where to find them – that we decided to ask the Corkculture crew for their personal recommendations. Here’s what they shared, and where you can get your hands on these bottles:

Giovanni recommends:

• Je Suis de Marne by Kumpf et Meyer – an Alsatian blend (Riesling, Pinot Gris,
  Gewürztraminer) with floral aromas, minerality, and a touch of acidity. Great with
  cheese.

• Sinfonia di Bianco 2021 by Alessandro Viola – from Trapani, Sicily. 100% Grillo,
  macerated 3 days. Citrus, character, and Mediterranean soul.
  (Both available at Rosie’s Deli.)

Francesco suggests:

• Rosse..Se by Selvadolce – 100% Rossese from Liguria. Fresh, salty, balsamic, and
  earthy. (Find it at Vino Vero.)

• Fóssil by Vale da Capucha – a bold 14% ABV white from Torres Vedras. Mineral,
  intense, and only available through Corkculture. (Served at the Ser Es opening.)

Mateus’ pick:

• Anything by Lizete Vicari, especially Datura (oxidative, Moscatel Graúdo) and
  Chamomile (macerated, Seara Nova). Both made in Torres Vedras and rooted in
  poetic Portuguese terroir.

We’re thrilled to have had Corkculture with us for such a meaningful occasion, and even more excited to see where their path takes them next. Because, let’s be honest, great wine served by great humans is exactly what this city needs more of.

Obrigado, grazie mille, and thank you, Mateus, Giovanni, and Francesco — and welcome to the Haize family.