from Refugio da Vila, Portugal

Victor Mates was born and raised in Lisbon where he began his studies of the culinary arts at the age of 18. Victor learned to cook standing at the feet of his grandmother, always spending his time in the kitchen with her. Out of 3 brothers and 1 sister, he is the only one who cooks. 

Victor was chosen to be on the Portuguese Culinary Olympic Team and has cooked at Pano, a restaurant in New York City where he practiced his English as well as his culinary skills. This gregarious and friendly young chef loves imparting his knowledge with students in the kitchen where he cooks with love. Enlarging upon the recipe, he delights in telling the history and suggesting variations of each one.

Sofia Vieira, owner of the Refugio da Vila Hotel and Cooking School in Portel, was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal. Sofia has a deep-rooted love of the country of Portugal and the area in which she now lives in the Alentejo. She closely identifies with the history, culture, foods and wines of her country. 

Many years as a tour guide provided Sofia with the ability to organize groups of people. She quickly realized a passion for history and culture that took her farther than simply guiding tours and found that her love of story telling and sharing knowledge with interested people was her gift. 

Quite by accident in 1993, the opportunity presented itself to purchase an ancient and run down manor house that she envisioned as a future hotel. She began the arduous task of rebuilding it into the magnificent Refugio Hotel. For Sofia, her dream of offering a small and unique resting-place for travelers to stop and breathe in the culture of this rich country has come true. By providing distinctive local cuisine in the relaxed atmosphere of Refugio, surrounded by unsurpassed beauty and sharing stories and knowledge, Sofia has reached a place of satisfaction.