VINIPORTUGAL brings thirty of EUROPE’S BEST SOMMELIERS to explore the country’s OENOLOGICAL richness

Some of the best sommeliers in Europe have met this May in Portugal to enjoy a week of total immersion in the country’s oenological culture, with the help of Viniportugal.

Specifically, renowned professionals from Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Greece and Latvia were able to get to know in situ the characteristics of Designations of Origin such as Porto, Douro, Bairrada, Dão and Alentejo on an 8-day trip that began in the city of Porto and ended in Lisbon.

In addition, they had the opportunity to get closer to others through presentations with producers, tastings and meals: Lisbon, Setúbal, Vinho Verde, Madeira…

And, of course, one of the highlights of the trip was the visit to wineries of the quality of Graham’s, Taylor’s or Ramos Pinto in Oporto; Quinta do Vallado, Quinta da Pacheca and Quinta do Seixo in Douro; Adega Luís Pato in Bairrada (where they were able to meet the legendary Luís Pato); Casa da Passarella in Dão or Herdade do Esporão and Monte das Herdades in Alentejo.

A great way to involve these sommeliers (some from prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, and other consultants or professionals with their own projects) in the Portuguese oenological reality, so that they can transmit their passion for the country’s great wines to their clients.

This ‘study trip’ is part of a busy schedule of trips by specialised journalists and other wine professionals to the Iberian wine regions, launched as part of the European programme ‘A Shared Passion’. Nine professional trips have already taken place in Spain, while this is the third to take place in Portugal.