Joe Gouveia was born in a rural village in the hills of Portugal. He remembers his childhood fondly despite the modern conveniences that it had lacked. The village was without running water and electricity, however, there was an abundance of camaraderie and deep-rooted cultural traditions that brought the villagers together. Joe started his journey as a shepherd boy, raising his flock to sell for his family at the local market. Then at age twelve, he left his simple village for life alone in the bustling city of Lisbon to pursue work and opportunity. At age fifteen, he and his family moved to New Haven, Connecticut. He would occasionally join on his cousin’s ride to his job at the water company in Wallingford. On their way up the long steep road, they would pass this picturesque plot of open land. The view from the top overlooking miles of hills reminded him of his beautiful hometown in Portugal. He imagined himself buying that land and planting a vineyard like he had back home.

After establishing himself in Wallingford, Joe befriended the owner of that property who allowed Joe to walk the land with his family. On these walks, he would share his dream of planting a vineyard like he had in his village. He wanted to create a winery so families and friends can escape the busy American lifestyle and create memories over food and wine. He envisioned hosting a harvest celebration that exemplifies his Portuguese culture with the old-fashioned grape stomp and the traditional Portuguese dancers. In 1999, his vision became a reality when he bought the land and planted the first rows of vines. In 2004, we opened our doors and established his dream of Gouveia Vineyards.