Loures will host the National Wine Tourism Awards gala on 29 May

18/03/2026Quinta Condes de Valadares will host the gala ceremony honouring the best wine tourism projects and professionals in Portugal. The event will bring together business leaders, institutional bodies and industry experts for an evening dedicated to recognising the work and quality of the initiatives that have helped to establish Portuguese wine tourism on the national and international stage.

On 29 May, from 6 pm, Quinta Condes de Valadares in Loures will host the 2026 National Wine Tourism Awards Gala. Organised by APENO – the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association, with the support of Turismo de Lisboa and Loures Municipal Council, the initiative annually recognises the best projects, companies and professionals who excel in the wine tourism sector in Portugal. The event also has the support of Gifts4Wine, Âncora Gold, Amorim, Grupo Stosberg (Alug’Aqui and Schott Zwiesel), Abreu Advogados, Biosphere and Viagens Abreu, with the SAPO portal and WineTourismTV as media partners.

Following several editions held in different regions of the country, the National Wine Tourism Award now comes to the municipality of Loures, reinforcing APENO’s mission to promote and raise the profile of the various regions with potential for wine tourism. The ceremony will take place at Quinta Condes de Valadares, a historic venue that is establishing itself as a new setting for the sector’s flagship event.

According to Maria João de Almeida, president of APENO, ‘Wine tourism now plays a central role in promoting regions, boosting local economies and creating experiences that link wine to culture, gastronomy and people. It is therefore with great pleasure that we are holding this edition of the National Wine Tourism Awards in Loures, Lisbon, a region that already produces high-quality wines and still has enormous potential to develop its wine tourism sector.” She adds that “this gala is the time of year when we showcase the talent, value and dedication of all the professionals who contribute daily to ensuring that Portugal is increasingly recognised as a destination of excellence in wine tourism”.

Carla Salsinha, President of the Lisbon Region Tourism Board, also highlights the importance of initiatives of this nature for promoting the region: “Initiatives such as the 2026 National Wine Tourism Awards Gala are fundamental to showcasing the full potential of the Lisbon Region, both in rural and urban wine tourism, enabling us to highlight the wines, culture and unique experiences the region has to offer.” She also emphasises that “wine tourism is now a strategic segment for national and regional tourism, and Lisbon is increasingly keen to surprise those who visit us”.

Known for its strong historical ties to agriculture and wine production, “the municipality of Loures aims to establish itself as a destination of growing importance within the Lisbon region’s wine tourism landscape. Its proximity to the capital, combined with rural landscapes, historical heritage and a cuisine with a strong identity, makes it a destination with enormous potential for experiences linked to wine and the local area”, “Loures Municipal Council is proud to be a partner of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association’s gala, hosting this landmark event in a region where the authenticity of wine tourism is revealed, with particular emphasis on Bucelas, a wine-growing gem just a few minutes from Lisbon, the birthplace of excellent Arinto wines, which establish Loures as a distinctive and exciting destination,” adds Ricardo Leão, Mayor of Loures.

It is against this backdrop that Quinta Condes de Valadares will host the National Wine Tourism Awards gala. The event will begin with a welcome drink featuring producers from Loures, who will showcase the region’s wines and other products, offering guests an initial taste of the area’s wine and culinary heritage.

The 2026 edition of the National Wine Tourism Awards recognises projects and professionals across 16 categories, including a new award dedicated to promoting family-run businesses in the sector. The categories in the competition are: Best Wine Tourism in Portugal, Best Urban Wine Tourism, Best Family Project, Best Professional, Best Accommodation, Best Restaurant, Best Head Chef, Best Sommelier, Best Tasting Room, Best Tourism Company, Best Inclusive Project, Best Sustainable Project, Best Shop, Best Art and Culture, Best Innovation and Technology, and Best Hospitality.

Voting is carried out by a panel of judges comprising specialist journalists, representatives from wine and tourism institutions, chefs, sommeliers and APENO members, ensuring diversity, independence and rigour in the evaluation process.

Founded in 2021, APENO is the only association in the country dedicated exclusively to wine tourism. Its mission is to organise, promote and develop the wine tourism sector in Portugal, contributing to its economic, tourist and cultural development. It currently brings together producers, tour operators, wine tourism establishments, wine restaurants and other organisations linked to the sector.

José Maria da Fonseca celebrates Father’s Day at its wine tourism venues

18/03/2026On this special day, José Maria da Fonseca is hosting a special wine tourism experience, which includes a guided tour, wine tasting and activities for children, with a particular focus on personalised label design.

The well-known wine company has put together a special programme to celebrate Father’s Day, inviting fathers and children to enjoy an experience designed for the whole family at its two wine tourism venues: the José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum in Azeitão and the José de Sousa Winery in Reguengos de Monsaraz.

The José Maria da Fonseca initiative combines moments of wine discovery with activities for the younger ones, promoting intergenerational bonding in a relaxed atmosphere. The programme includes a guided tour, a tasting of four premium wines for adults and a tasting of two fruit juices for children, ensuring that everyone takes part in the experience. The visit is also accompanied by a platter of regional specialities.

At the José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum in Azeitão, the tour begins at the old house linked to the company’s origins, a 19th-century building restored in 1923 by the architect Ernesto Korrodi, and includes a visit to the garden and various key moments in the brand’s history, such as the Torna-Viagem and the medal won at the 1855 Paris World’s Fair. The tour also takes in the historic cellars, notably the Adega da Mata, the Adega dos Teares Novos (where the Periquita wine is aged) and the Adega dos Teares Velhos, where Setúbal Muscat wines over a century old are stored.

At the José de Sousa Winery in Reguengos de Monsaraz, the tour focuses on the tradition of fermentation in clay jars, a practice of Roman origin that lives on through 114 jars still in use. The tour includes the traditional cellar, situated below ground level, with wine presses, and the modern cellar, equipped with contemporary winemaking technology, allowing visitors to see how ancestral methods coexist with modern processes.

Designed especially for families, the programme also includes fun activities for children, such as games, drawing and a free box of crayons. Each child will also have the opportunity to personalise a label, creating a unique keepsake to give to their parent and making the experience memorable.
With this initiative, José Maria da Fonseca reinforces its commitment to inclusive wine tourism experiences that celebrate tradition, wine and quality family time, fostering moments that extend beyond the festive season.

Quinta de Chocapalha celebrates Father’s Day with a special wine

16/03/2026The 2017 Guarita da Chocapalha, a limited-edition single-varietal Alicante Bouschet, returns to the market as a tribute to the estate’s founder and a symbol of the family values that define Quinta de Chocapalha’s wine-making project.

Quinta de Chocapalha marks Father’s Day, celebrated on 19 March, with the return of one of its most iconic wines: the Guarita da Chocapalha 2017. More than just a wine, it is a tribute to Paulo Tavares da Silva, a Navy officer and patriarch of the family, who laid the foundations for the estate’s wine-making project in the late 1980s.

Since the first vintage, in 2015, this single-varietal Alicante Bouschet has stood as a symbol of the Tavares da Silva family’s reverence for the father of Sofia, Andrea and Sandra Tavares da Silva (the latter being the winemaker at Quinta de Chocapalha, alongside Miguel Cavaco). The name ‘Guarita’ evokes vigilance, protection and care, in a direct analogy to the family values that underpin the project.

Produced in the Lisbon region, the 2017 Guarita is made from old vines of almost 35 years’ age, drawing on the depth and complexity afforded by the maturity of the vines. A very limited edition, only 2,100 750 ml bottles were produced.

The grapes were destemmed beforehand and fermentation took place in temperature-controlled vats with gentle pressing over seven days. This was followed by malolactic fermentation and a 24-month ageing period in French oak barrels, after which the wine was bottled.

In the glass, it displays an opaque, intense colour, with aromas dominated by ripe black and red fruits, accompanied by hints of chocolate. On the palate, it reveals body, a silky texture and high-quality tannins, culminating in a long, lingering finish. Its structure and balance give it excellent ageing potential, reinforcing the special character of a wine conceived as a tribute and a memorial.

 

Madeira Wine Company with new leadership

12/03/2026In January, Carlos Filipe Fernandes assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Madeira Wine Company, marking a new stage in the governance of the historic Madeira Wine producer.

Madeira Wine Company (MWC) announced the start of a new cycle in its executive leadership, with the appointment of Carlos Filipe Fernandes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a role he officially assumed on January 1, 2026.

After 14 years at the helm of the company’s executive management, Chris Blandy remains as Chairman of the Board, continuing to ensure the long-term strategic vision and generational commitment of the Blandy family to the preservation and enhancement of Madeira Wine.

Carlos Filipe Fernandes transitioned to the CEO role after serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a position from which he gained in-depth knowledge of Madeira Wine Company’s operations. Throughout his time at the company, he played a key role in optimizing production processes and implementing a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence across the organization.

“It is an honor to lead MWC, a company with a unique legacy, passed down through generations, producing extraordinary wines that reflect the tradition and culture of a region, a heritage for future generations,” says Carlos Filipe Fernandes. The new CEO also emphasizes that, together with the team, he will continue to refine each stage of production, maintaining the high quality standards for which Madeira Wine Company wines are internationally recognized.

This leadership transition reinforces Madeira Wine Company’s commitment to balancing respect for its centuries-old tradition with the modernization necessary to meet the global challenges of the wine sector, ensuring the continuity and relevance of the brand in international markets.

JNcQUOI Asia with a new chef and a revamped menu

12/03/2026JNcQUOI Asia begins a new phase in its gastronomic offering with the presentation of a completely revamped sushi menu and the arrival of chef Rui Rosário, reinforcing the restaurant's ambition to establish itself as a benchmark for excellent Japanese cuisine in Lisbon.

JNcQUOI Asia has unveiled a new sushi menu, marking a new chapter in the restaurant’s evolution as a leading destination for Japanese cuisine in Portugal. The revamped gastronomic offering is accompanied by the arrival of chef Rui Rosário as the new head sushi chef, with a clear focus on technical rigor, product quality, and a more refined approach to Japanese tradition.

The new menu can be enjoyed both at the table and at the JNcQUOI Asia bar, providing a more intimate experience and closer connection to the chef’s work. The menu features reinterpreted classics and more original creations, combining traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary touches, always focusing on precise cuts, balanced flavors, and the excellence of the raw materials.

Among the offerings, highlights include appetizers such as Sea Bass, Sakura and Sesame and Maguro zuke with caviar, as well as creations like the Uni and Ikura Temaki, the Red Velvet Uramaki, the JNcQUOI Nigiri Set and the Maguro Feast, along with a wide selection of sashimi, nigiri, temaki, hosomaki and uramaki.

Leading this new phase is chef Rui Rosário, whose career combines unconventional training with in-depth specialization in Japanese cuisine. After more than a decade in the business sector, he dedicated himself entirely to gastronomy, specializing in sushi and washoku in Tokyo, where he obtained a Bronze Diploma certified by the Japanese Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. His work gained international recognition with an omakase counter in Luanda, followed by projects such as Praia no Parque and the opening of the SUGOI restaurant, distinguished by The Fork Awards as one of the best new restaurants in the country. In October 2025, he joined the JNcQUOI Asia team.

Inspired by the authenticity of Japanese art, the new menu is based on the Edomae style, prioritizing refined and precise sushi, where every detail — from the texture and temperature of the rice to the selection and treatment of the fish — is carefully considered to enhance the ingredients. With special attention to the richness and quality of Portuguese fish, comparable to the best in the world, the offering translates into a unique experience that combines excellent Japanese technique and top-quality product.

This new phase affirms that JNcQUOI Asia is establishing itself as a space of gastronomic maturity, reinforcing its position as one of the main destinations for contemporary Japanese cuisine in Lisbon.

Casa Relvas certifies sustainable olive oil.

05/03/2026Casa Relvas has become the first national producer to obtain certification from the Olive Oil Sustainability Program (PSA), a milestone that marks a new chapter in the environmental, social and economic enhancement of the Portuguese olive oil sector.

In addition to wine, Casa Relvas now also distinguishes itself with its olive oils. The Alentejo producer was recognized as the first olive oil producer certified by the Olive Oil Sustainability Program (PSA), receiving PSA Certificate No. 1 in December 2025, awarded by OLIVUM – the Association of Olive Growers and Mills of Portugal. This recognition marks a pivotal moment for the company and the national olive oil sector, reflecting a consistent commitment to sustainable practices and long-term value creation.

Developed since 2022, the Olive Oil Sustainability Program is an independent, science-based certification system created to meet the growing demands of international markets regarding sustainability, traceability, and social and environmental responsibility. More than a one-off initiative, the PSA is a structuring instrument for consolidating good practices and enhancing the value of Portuguese olive oil among consumers and trading partners.

For António Relvas, co-CEO of Casa Relvas, this certification “represents a natural step in a journey that the company has been building over several years.” He emphasizes that the PSA seal “validates a way of being in the sector, based on responsibility, continuous improvement and respect for natural resources, people and the territory,” adding that the first olive oils with this certification will soon be available on the market.

Sustainability is a central pillar of Casa Relvas’ strategy, in a context where consumers, distributors, and markets increasingly value products that combine quality, proven origin, and responsible production. In 2025, the PSA (Sustainable Production System) concluded its structuring phase, defining demanding technical criteria, rigorous audit procedures, and training independent certification bodies, allowing the start of the first certification processes.

The PSA standard integrates 98 criteria distributed across 26 chapters, comprehensively evaluating the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of olive oil production. For Casa Relvas, this certification represents both formal recognition of already implemented practices and an instrument for continuous improvement, aligned with a long-term strategic vision.

The awarding of the first PSA certificate to Casa Relvas reinforces the company’s position as a benchmark in sustainable olive oil production in Portugal and contributes to establishing the country as an international example of good practices in the olive oil sector. This milestone continues a journey that began in 2022, the year in which Casa Relvas was also the first of the ten largest wine-producing companies in the Alentejo region to obtain sustainable production certification.

The Olive Oil Sustainability Program is led by OLIVUM, an association founded in 2013 and dedicated to modernizing the national olive growing sector, with scientific and technical support from the University of Évora in the areas of Agronomy, Environment, Biodiversity and Economics. Innovative on a global scale, the PSA is already beginning to attract international interest, reinforcing Casa Relvas’ role as a pioneering company and active agent in promoting responsible and sustainable production models.

Rocim is now part of British Airways’ premium offering

03/03/2026Herdade do Rocim has been selected by British Airways to be included in the wine list for its premium cabins in 2026

Rocim will be present in the skies in 2026, after British Airways chose two of its wines to be included in the premium class offering of the British airline. From January, First Class passengers will be able to enjoy the Grande Rocim Branco 2024, while the Herdade do Rocim Alicante Bouschet 2024 will be served in Business Class.

Both wines originate from Vidigueira, one of the coolest areas of the Alentejo region, where Pedro Ribeiro and Catarina Vieira have developed the Rocim project over the last 20 years, establishing it as one of the most dynamic wineries in the national wine scene.

According to Pedro Ribeiro, CEO of Rocim, “these two wines chosen by British Airways express the essence of Rocim’s DNA. They are elegant and mineral wines, produced from organic grapes, reflecting the best of traditional Portuguese techniques combined with 21st-century oenology.” He also highlights that Rocim wines are currently present in more than 50 countries, underlining the relevance of this selection for a demanding international audience.

The Grande Rocim Branco 2024 is a single-vineyard wine, produced exclusively from the Arinto grape variety, sourced from the granitic soils of Vidigueira. Fermentation begins in cement tanks, and the wine ages for 12 months in used 500-liter French oak barrels. It presents a greenish-yellow color, a marked mineral profile, and a tense and precise structure, characteristic of the Rocim signature, in a limited production.

In the Herdade do Rocim Alicante Bouschet 2024, the grapes are harvested manually and foot-trodden in stone lagares, an ancestral Portuguese practice that allows for gentle extraction. The wine ages for eight months in used French oak barrels, revealing structured tannins and menthol, balsamic, and spicy notes, balanced by a vibrant acidity.

Pedro Ribeiro and Catarina Vieira’s journey began in the Alentejo region, where Rocim wines, particularly those produced in amphorae, gained recognition for their freshness and vibrancy. Currently, the winery receives thousands of visitors annually, offering wine tourism experiences that include guided tastings, interaction with the clay amphorae, and gastronomic moments on the panoramic terrace.

In addition to Alentejo, Rocim has expanded its production to other Portuguese wine regions, such as Douro, Dão, Bairrada, Lisbon, Algarve and the Azores, always seeking cooler terroirs. Recognition of this trajectory has resulted in being named ‘Producer of the Year 2024′ by Revista de Vinhos and selected as a producer to watch in 2025 by British critic Jancis Robinson MW.

For Rocim, the inclusion in British Airways’ wine list marks a positive start to 2026, reinforcing the brand’s international positioning and the affirmation of Portuguese wines in contexts of excellence.

JNcQUOI Table is the new fine dining experience in Lisbon.

27/02/2026The JNcQUOI universe has just expanded with the opening of JNcQUOI Table, an exclusive restaurant with only ten seats, located in JNcQUOI House on Avenida da Liberdade, offering an immersive high-end gastronomic experience led by chef Filipe Carvalho.

JNcQUOI Table is the group’s latest and most sophisticated gastronomic concept, located in JNcQUOI House on Avenida da Liberdade. With only ten seats, the new space presents itself as an intimate and highly personalized offering, where gastronomy, design, and sensory experience intersect in a contemporary celebration of Atlantic flavors.

Conceived as an underground refuge, the JNcQUOI Table reveals itself through a discreet entrance that leads guests on a symbolic descent to the bottom of the sea. At the table, chef Filipe Carvalho leads the experience, guiding participants through a seasonal tasting menu, adapted to each guest, where each dish is presented as a precise and respectful interpretation of the ocean. The menu costs €265 per person, excluding drinks.

Before even reaching the table, the experience begins in The Mirror Room , the JNcQUOI House bar, designed as a sensory antechamber to the gastronomic journey. Covered in over a thousand mirrors, the space evokes an underwater garden, where light and reflections create an immersive atmosphere. Seven signature cocktails, inspired by the depths of the sea, are part of the welcoming moment.

The interior of JNcQUOI Table was designed by architect Vincent Van Duysen and reinforces the connection between haute cuisine and art. A central counter brings the chef and guests closer together, eliminating boundaries between the kitchen and dining room, while noble materials, shades of green and black, crafted woods, and artistic pieces by Portuguese and international artists – such as Bela Silva, Anna Westerlund, Anabela Camelo, or Studio Neves – transform the space into a carefully thought-out sensory landscape.

Integrated into the JNcQUOI House, the JNcQUOI Table completes a concept that combines fine dining, designer style, and luxury hospitality, helping to reinforce Avenida da Liberdade as one of Lisbon’s most important gastronomic and cultural hubs.

Pipadouro bets on luxury wine tourism.

27/02/2026The renowned tourism animation company Pipadouro consolidated its position in luxury river tourism in 2025, with 90% of its clients coming from international markets, reinforcing the Douro as a benchmark destination in the high-value segment on a global scale.

Pipadouro, a tour operator specializing in luxury river tourism on the Douro River, recorded a strong consolidation of its international projection in 2025, with 90% of its passengers coming from foreign markets. This performance confirms the Douro’s position as a destination of excellence in luxury tourism and reflects the growing global demand for immersive, personalized experiences geared towards authentically experiencing the region.

The most significant growth was seen in the North American market, which increased from 43.4% in 2024 to 56% in 2025, establishing itself as Pipadouro’s main source market. This evolution reflects a clear trend in international premium tourism, where travelers value exclusive experiences, slower paces, and a high degree of personalization.

With a total of 2,353 passengers in 2025, the company recorded global growth of approximately 14%, maintaining a sustained trajectory aligned with the main dynamics of high-value tourism. Brazil remained the second largest source market, accounting for 14% of passengers, followed by Portugal, which represented 10%.

Throughout the year, Pipadouro received clients from 24 nationalities, originating from Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania, including markets such as the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Canada, Belgium, Indonesia, France, the Netherlands, Russia, Hong Kong, Australia, Peru, Luxembourg, Sweden, New Zealand, Colombia, and Greece, confirming the global reach of the operation.

According to Ana Clara Silva, Operations Director at Pipadouro, “our growth is not measured solely in numbers, but in the depth of the experience we offer. At Pipadouro, true luxury is time, exclusivity, and the way each client connects with the Douro in an authentic and unique way.” She emphasizes the company’s continued commitment to tailor-made, rather than mass-produced, experiences.

This evolution aligns with the trends identified by the Virtuoso Luxe Report 2026 , which points to a growing demand for purposeful travel, immersive experiences, slower paces, and high levels of personalization. The report also highlights the importance of authenticity, emotional connection to destinations, and access to exclusive experiences—factors that Pipadouro has been reinforcing from its private dock in Pinhão.

In response to these trends, the company’s strategy for 2025 resulted in a conscious reduction of regular departures and a significant reinforcement of tailor-made programs, currently the main product of the operation. In these programs, yachts are reserved exclusively for each client or group, allowing for a more intimate experience of the territory and reinforcing the Douro’s position as a destination of excellence in luxury river tourism.

Founded in 2007, Pipadouro pioneered the concept of luxury river tourism on the Douro River through its Vintage Wine Travel project. The company operates two classic yachts — Friendship I (1957) and Pipadouro II (1965) — classified as Gentleman’s Vintage Boats. The shareholder structure includes Gonçalo Correia dos Santos, Quinta do Crasto, Real Companhia Velha, and the GLD investment group.

APENO opens applications for the new edition of the National Wine Tourism Award

23/02/2026Applications for the 2026 National Wine Tourism Award are open until February 28th and include 16 categories that recognize outstanding projects, professionals, and initiatives in the sector

APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism – has announced the official opening of applications for the 2026 National Wine Tourism Award, the main national distinction dedicated exclusively to the wine tourism sector. The initiative aims to recognize and value the best projects, professionals, and experiences that contribute to the development, qualification, and promotion of wine tourism in Portugal.

Created with the aim of promoting, encouraging and recognizing success stories, the National Wine Tourism Award serves as a platform for visibility for initiatives that stand out for their quality, innovation, sustainability and hospitality, both in rural and urban contexts. The award further reinforces the strategic role of wine tourism as an economic, cultural and tourism driver at national and international levels.

In this new edition, the award includes 16 categories: Best Wine Tourism in Portugal, Best Urban Wine Tourism, Best Family Project, Best Professional, Best Accommodation, Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Sommelier, Best Tasting Room, Best Tourism Company, Best Inclusive Project, Best Sustainable Project, Best Shop, Best Art and Culture, Best Innovation and Technology, and Best Hospitality.
Applications are open from January 1st to February 28th, 2026, and must be submitted by sending the required documentation to the association’s official email address. The award regulations, available for consultation in digital format, define the categories, evaluation criteria, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Companies, projects, and professionals directly or indirectly linked to wine tourism are eligible to apply, provided they operate within the national territory and fall within the competition categories. APENO members with up-to-date membership fees are automatically eligible, as stipulated in the regulations. Non-member entities may also apply upon payment of a participation fee.
Applications will be evaluated by an independent and multidisciplinary jury, composed of journalists, institutional representatives from the wine and tourism sectors, chefs, sommeliers, and members of APENO, ensuring rigor and credibility in the selection process.

The winners will be revealed at the National Wine Tourism Award Gala, scheduled for May 29, 2026, at a location to be announced shortly, in an event that promises to once again bring together the main players in the sector to celebrate the excellence of Portuguese wine tourism.