"Brian not only has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things related to gastronomy and wine, he narrates it with dry and frequently sardonic humor and dynamism. It is simply not possible to be bored if Brian is your guide."
— Simon Woolf, Author of Amber Revolution and Foot Trodden: Portugal And The Wines That Time Forgot
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Meet Your Guide
Brian Patterson has spent over 25 years in the wine industry, with guiding experience across three continents. Since relocating to Portugal in 2017, he opened one of Lisbon's first natural wine bars, founded an artisanal distribution company, and built direct relationships with the country's most compelling small producers.
Through Portugal Unfiltered, he opens those doors to travelers who want to experience Portuguese wine culture as it actually unfolds.
We connect you with winemakers pushing boundaries—natural, minimal intervention, and deeply personal wines.
Artisanal
Why Choose Us?
Authenticity
Beyond the tourist trail. Experience the real Portugal through its people, traditions, and regional soul.
Intimate & Private
Small groups, bespoke itineraries. Every tour is tailored to create profound, personal connections.
Curated Experiences
Every tour is designed around your group's interests, pace, and curiosities. These itineraries are starting points, not scripts, crafted for private groups of 2–6 who want depth over checklist.
Curated Experiences
Every tour is designed around your group's interests, pace, and curiosities. These itineraries are starting points, not scripts, crafted for private groups of 2–6 who want depth over checklist.
Alentejo Wine Journeys
The Alentejo reveals itself slowly, across wide horizons and long tables. These tours require at least one overnight stay in the region, allowing time to experience Portugal's most expansive wine country at the pace it deserves.
A Slower Pace, Deeper Roots
Brian is my go-to when I want to connect my Design Escapes clients visiting from all over the world with the real people behind Portugal’s exciting natural, biodynamic and low-intervention wines. Through his vast experience, deep interest and warm personality, he has rare, trusted access to small producers who work quietly, responsibly and often far from the spotlight. Many are his personal friends, and are growers who care deeply for their land and don’t open their doors to just anyone. Only through Brian am I able to offer truly one-of-a-kind experiences that sit far beyond the many polished tasting rooms across the country. Instead, these are real stories and encounters grounded in craft and conversation - meeting farmers and winemakers on their own terms, and allowing the Design Escapes community to truly get under the skin of the exciting wave of young, passionate producers - the trailblazers who are shaping the future of wine and soil in Portugal.
Emma Campus
Founder & Creative Director, Design Escapes Portugal