Meet António Fonseca, a proud Portuguese immigrant who has been successfully running a wine store in Hamburg for nearly four decades. António arrived in Hamburg in 1980, and after five years learning the ins and outs of the wine industry, he took a leap of faith and opened his own store in 1986. Now, 39 years later, António’s store is a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts, offering a taste of Portugal in the heart of Hamburg.
António’s store specializes in wines from the Douro and Alentejo regions, focusing on unique and hard-to-find wines that customers won’t easily come across in traditional markets. His passion for wine, cultivated over years of experience, shines through in his carefully curated selection. What makes his store stand out isn’t just the quality of the wines but the personal relationships António has built with his customers. After nearly 40 years, he knows his customers' preferences by heart, creating a bond of trust and familiarity.
The wines offered in António’s store are much more than just bottles on a shelf; they reflect his homeland and his personal connection to the craft. His selection is driven by a deep passion for Portuguese wines, especially those from his favorite regions, Douro and Alentejo. These wines are not just products but cultural treasures that give his customers a real taste of Portugal. António’s vision is to share this sense of culture and tradition with his customers in Hamburg, bringing them closer to the flavors of his home country.
Like many entrepreneurs, António’s journey wasn’t always easy. Shortly after opening his store, another wine shop run by two Portuguese and a German opened just down the street, creating intense competition. But António’s commitment to building strong customer relationships helped his business survive and thrive. While the rival store closed after only two years, António’s shop continued to grow—a testament to his ability to understand his customers’ needs.
When asked why he decided to join bunuri, António speaks with enthusiasm about the opportunity it brings. He sees bunuri as a great platform to expand his reach, allowing him to present his wines to a broader audience beyond his store. He values the concept of uniting small, local businesses from different cultures in one platform, making these unique products accessible to people everywhere. António believes that bunuri is not just a business opportunity but a way to unite communities through shared experiences and flavors.
For António, local commerce is about connection—helping those who have left their home countries feel a little more at home and introducing locals to the rich traditions of other cultures. His store serves as a gateway to Portugal, where each bottle of wine tells a story, and each customer is treated like family. He hopes that, through his wines, both expatriates and locals can find a deeper appreciation for Portugal's culture and heritage.
António’s message to his customers and the community is simple: supporting local businesses means supporting tradition, culture, and a sense of belonging. He thanks his loyal customers for their continued trust and invites new ones to explore the world of Portuguese wines with him.
Looking to the future, António plans to continue growing his business with the help of bunuri and hopes to expand his selection of rare and exclusive wines. He’s excited to see how his store will evolve in the coming years and is grateful for the ongoing support from his customers and the community.
