I’m your host at Quinta da Misericórdia

My name is Rita. For over eight years I ran Comida Independente, an award-winning wine bar and shop, becoming a familiar name in Portugal’s hospitality scene.

My journey into this world followed more than two decades of corporate life, embracing a career shift driven by purpose and passion.

During my time at Comida Independente, I crisscrossed Portugal to meet independent producers, immersing myself in the stories behind the wines, the landscapes that shape them, and the people who craft them with care. I also visited orchards, vegetable gardens, cheesemakers, charcuterie artisans, olive oil mills, coffee roasters and even tea plantations—building a rich, firsthand understanding of Portugal’s terroir and traditions.

More recently, I have passionately dedicated myself to Quinta da Misericórdia, and in doing so, learned about plants and surroundings —discovering the botanical world of Arrábida and the very real challenges of everyday gardening.