Filipe Santos’ odyssey in the wine domain is deeply rooted in his origins. Born and educated in Lisbon, Portugal, Filipe completed his studies in Business Management at a university in Lisbon and also earned an MBA, equipping him with a solid business foundation. His journey took a significant turn when he travelled to Macau in 1982 to work in the telecoms industry for Cable & Wireless and Portugal Telecom, eventually rising to the position of Asia Pacific Director.

Today, Filipe is a successful entrepreneur with diverse business interests in Macau and abroad, spanning finance, digital marketing and luxury goods and services. He is also co-owner of the Miskawaan Villas Luxury Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand.

However, it is Filipe’s passion for wine that truly defines his legacy. In 1995, he co-founded and became the President of the Wine Society of Macau. Over the years, he has actively participated in numerous wine tastings, competitions, seminars and courses in Macau and Hong Kong, deepening his expertise. He is also a long-standing member of several esteemed wine organizations which have further broadened his knowledge and network in the wine industry.

Contribution to the Chaîne
As one of the founding members of the Bailliage of Macau, Filipe Santos has been a cornerstone of the organization since its inception. His unwavering faith in the values and mission of the Chaîne has been a driving force behind its growth and success over the years. From the very beginning, he envisioned a vibrant and influential Chaîne chapter in Macau, and his efforts have been crucial in turning that vision into reality.

In his capacity as Échanson, he has been instrumental in shaping the Bailliage’s wine section of the Chaîne, the OMGD (Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs). His profound wine knowledge has been the cornerstone in elevating the wine standards for all OMGD events. He has meticulously curated wine pairings, ensuring that each event offers a harmonious blend of food and wine, taking the dining experience of Chaîne members to the next level.

Filipe’s extensive connections with wineries around the world have been a significant asset to the Chaîne. He has been actively promoting French, Portuguese, and Chinese wines, thereby enhancing the diversity of wines available at Chaîne events. This not only enriches the wine-tasting experiences of members but also helps in promoting the cultural significance of these wines.

Moreover, he is deeply committed to the growth and development of the Chaîne in Macau. Filipe has been nurturing young Chaîne members, providing them with professional mentorship. He imparts his vast knowledge of wine, from understanding different grape varieties and wine-making techniques to the art of wine service and pairing. By guiding the younger generation, he ensures a well-balanced committee for the National Bailliage, safeguarding its future.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed. This year, he was honoured as the 2025 “Personality of the Year for Asia” by Wines of Portugal. This award was presented to him in Viseu, Portugal, on May 9th in recognition of his contributions to the wine industry and his work promoting Portuguese wines. The award coincides with the Wine Society of Macau’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Filipe Santos’ long-standing dedication, deep-seated passion for wine, and unwavering faith in the Chaîne have made him an indispensable figure, enriching the Chaîne experience for all its members and contributing significantly to the promotion of wine culture in Macau and beyond.