Invencível

Rita Marques is a prominent and dynamic Portuguese winemaker, widely recognised for her innovative approach and leadership in the Douro Valley wine region.
Marques initially studied mechanical engineering but quickly shifted her focus to winemaking, drawing inspiration from her family’s long-standing vineyard heritage. She completed her degree at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) and spent her final year at the University of Bordeaux, where she studied under the influential Denis Dubourdieu. Her international experience includes winemaking stints in France, California, New Zealand, and South Africa, which has greatly influenced her style and philosophy.
As the only female member of the “Young Winemakers of Portugal” group, Rita Marques has built a strong reputation for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that express the unique character of the Douro’s old vines and native grape varieties. She is praised for her use of modern winemaking techniques while respecting tradition, and for her commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices.
Invincible is a joint venture with renowned South African winemaker Marc Kent. Together, they founded Companhia de Vinhos Invencível (Invincible) in Casais do Douro, near Pinhão, where they produce small quantities of white and red wines from old vines, often working biodynamically and focusing on low yields and hand-harvesting.
Marques’s wines are known for their freshness, elegance, and the ability to balance structure with finesse. She exports a significant portion of her production, helping to raise the international profile of Portuguese wines. Her innovative spirit, combined with a deep respect for her heritage, makes her one of Portugal’s most exciting winemakers of the new generation.

Marc Kent is a ground-breaking figure in the modern South African wine industry, best known as the Managing Partner and Technical Director of Boekenhoutskloof, a renowned winery located in the Franschhoek Valley. Under his leadership, Boekenhoutskloof has expanded its reach across several key wine regions, including Swartland, Stellenbosch, and Hemel-en-Aarde, and has developed a diverse portfolio of acclaimed wine brands such as The Chocolate Block, Porcupine Ridge, The Wolftrap, and the premium Porseleinberg Syrah. Known for his innovative and quality-driven approach, Kent has been instrumental in shaping a distinctive “Old World” style for Boekenhoutskloof’s wines, drawing inspiration from regions like Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. He emphasises technical precision in the cellar, focusing on aspects like gentle wine transfers and meticulous blending, rather than solely on vineyard practices.

Beyond his work at Boekenhoutskloof, Kent has contributed significantly to the broader South African wine landscape. He was a founding member of the Swartland Revolution and the Swartland Independent Producers Association, initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and excellence in the region. Since 2020, Kent has also been involved in winemaking in Portugal’s Douro Valley, collaborating with his partner Rita Marques on their label, Companhia de Vinhos Invencível, while maintaining active involvement with Boekenhoutskloof. Marc Kent’s contributions have not only elevated Boekenhoutskloof’s status on the international stage but have also played a vital role in advancing the global reputation of South African wines.