Riba D’Ave has a strong historic identity with the textile industry and the philanthropy of its visionary father of the 19th century - Narciso Ferreira. As the fortunes of the Portuguese textile base has waned due to globalisation, Riba D’Ave is having a renaissance - as a new generation of community visionaries aware of what connects people, are regenerating old buildings for a contemporary twist.

In the mercado plaza where local food producers gather on a Saturday morning for the weekly market, a new wine bar is the talk of the town. Expressao da uva has the contemporary feel of a home kitchen, curated with the eye of an architect who is a wine aficionado. Glass, wood, bottles and art have been woven with wonder to create something so delicious that you just want to hang out there with your best buddies and smooch the time away. Relaxing and inspiring - it captures the mood of what we crave when we put work on pause, and let our pleasure and beauty drivers take the high road.

On a hot Saturday in June, a small group of unique individuals of various ages and cultural heritage, gathered at the wine bar for fun, conversation, sharing and learning. The banter was blithe, but the theme of how we create sustainable communities which are resilient during volatile times, was the focus of the day.

The umbrella title of being ‘Proud to be Portuguese’ allowed members to express what that means to them and how they live it in their daily lives, in the business and land based projects which inspire them and give them purpose. We are more alike than we are different was the take home message.

The lunch was a seed being sown. An initiation. A step on the path. It was a joyful expression of fellowship and companions being in their heart. I am proud and humble to have been in a circle of amazing human beings - who care enough for their fellow man, that they show up and shine even when the world looks dark and challenging. The photographs speak more than any words could. Here they are.