Art Creates Beautiful Wines and Inspires Our Mission
WINE, ART & CHARITY
Our Mission
Howard’s Folly is born in the high-altitude region of Portalegre, Alentejo — where cooler climates allow grapes to mature slowly, creating wines of elegance, balance and distinct character.Founded in 2005 by Howard Bilton and renowned winemaker David Baverstock, the project combines international vision with Portuguese terroir to produce wines recognised by leading critics worldwide.
Click Here to learn more about the Sovereign Art Foundation.
LABEL ART
Our labels are artworks in themselves. Many of the labels were designed by winners of the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) prize in the year the wine was bottled. Others feature the artworks of world famous artists.
Each bottle represents more than wine — it carries a story of creativity and transformation. Through our partnership with the Sovereign Art Foundation, every purchase contributes directly to art therapy programmes supporting disadvantaged children.
More than Wine
At Howard’s Folly, wine is just the beginning.Every bottle sold supports real change — funding creative programmes that empower children through art, both globally and in Portugal.When you choose Howard’s Folly, you’re not just enjoying exceptional wine — you’re becoming part of something bigger.
Our People
Our people are passionate about winemaking and have the expertise and vision to create wines which are truly exceptional.
Howard Bilton
Co-Founder & Entrepeneur
Howard is a businessman from Yorkshire now living in Hong Kong, an enthusiastic wine lover and admirer of Portugal’s wines especially from the Alentejo region.
In 2002 he joined forces with David to create wines that express the best characteristics of the terroir and grape varietals.
As the “Howard” of Howard’s Folly, he is the driving force behind the enterprise, with a vision to promote not just our wines, but the wines of the Alentejo and Portugal to a wider global audience.
David Baverstock
Co-Founder & Chief Winemaker
David has decades of experience, technical skill & creativity. He is celebrated as the pioneer of modern winemaking in Portugal and is the only non-Portuguese national to win Winemaker of the Year – not once, but twice - in 2013 and 2015.
His contribution to the wine industry was uniquely recognized by the President of Portugal with the award of the Comendadorda Ordemdo Mérito Empresarial.
He is passionate about innovation, quality and unlocking the unique characteristics that each vintage offers.
Cristina Francisquinho
Vineyard Manager
One of the Alentejo’s best known and most respected viticulturists, Cristina was born in Portalegre.
After completing her degree in Agricultural Sciences, she worked for various grape producers and was Director of a production cooperative winery.
Her mission is to enhance the vineyards by application of sustainable agricultural and environmental practices to improve productivity and grape quality to facilitate the production of wines of excellence.
Tom started his career in the art world working for White Cube and then as an artist’s assistant. He then changed industries to work in events management and worked on BBC Countryfile Live.
Tom has always had a passion for food and wine, honed through his experience of working for his mother, a chef. He jumped at the chance of working in the wine industry and currently runs European Sales for Howard’s Folly.
