Born in Porto in 1987, João Koehler discovered his passion for the Douro Valley when he moved there at the age of five. The Valley’s beauty and rich wine culture sparked his interest in tourism and viticulture, leading him to pursue a degree in tourism, which he completed in 2010.

That same year, João began his career as a tour guide at Sandeman Port Wine Cellars, where he combined his love for wine and people. His journey then took him to the esteemed Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, where he gained invaluable experience from some of Portugal’s top winemakers.

In 2015, João joined Quinta do Bomfim, part of the renowned Symington Family Estates. Here, he delved deeper into the intricate world of Port wines, working closely with the Symingtons’ master of production.

João’s thirst for knowledge led him to complete the Portuguese sommelier certificate program in 2016. The following year, he became a sommelier at Six Senses Douro Valley, the region’s premier hotel. During his two-year tenure, he honed his skills in tasting, serving, and sharing his passion for wine with guests from around the globe.

In 2019, João launched his own tour company, Sommelier Tours: Into the Wine. His deep expertise in the Douro wine region, formal sommelier training, and unrelenting passion ensure that guests enjoy the most informative and luxurious wine tours, paired with exceptional wines and exclusive experiences.