The inaugural U.S. tour of Port Wine Fest 2024 has successfully concluded, bringing the rich flavors of Portuguese wines and gastronomy to five major cities. The event, organized by the Port Wine Shippers Association (AEVP), offered an immersive experience to over 18,500 industry professionals and wine enthusiasts, showcasing more than 65 Portuguese winemakers.
The festival made stops in Vail, Colorado; Pebble Beach, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; and New York, New York, throughout April and October, marking a significant cultural exchange between Portugal and the United States. The festival’s success has fueled anticipation for an even more expansive tour in 2025.
“We are thrilled with the success of our 2024 Portuguese wines tour in the U.S. and eagerly anticipate an even more exceptional experience in 2025,” said Isabel Marrana, Executive Director of AEVP.
A Journey Through Portugal’s Rich Winemaking Tradition
The festivities kicked off in spring 2024 with two major U.S. events: Taste of Vail in Colorado on April 4 and Pebble Beach Food & Wine in California from April 6-7. These events featured 44 Portuguese wine producers, who showcased an array of wines—from Ports to sparkling and red varieties. To enhance the experience, celebrated Chef Telmo Faria of San Francisco’s Uma Casa restaurant crafted a menu of authentic Portuguese dishes, pairing perfectly with the diverse selection of wines. Festival-goers were treated to a sensory journey through Portugal’s winemaking heritage, with each pour offering a glimpse into the country’s diverse viticultural landscape.
Expanding Reach in Fall 2024
The festival continued its nationwide tour in the fall, with events in Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York. The Las Vegas stop at the USA Today Wine & Food Experience on October 12 was a standout, featuring over 170 selections of Portuguese wine. This marked the first time the festival ventured into Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant food and drink scene. Following that, Port Wine Fest held exclusive events in Chicago (October 14) and New York (October 16), where 41 wine producers interacted directly with attendees, offering tastings and discussions about the cultural and historical significance of Portuguese wines.
In Chicago, the culinary offerings were provided by Cadinho Bakery and Café, while New York’s festival featured innovative dishes by Chef Nuno Sousa and Leitão, further elevating the cultural experience.
Interactive Experiences and Educational Opportunities
Beyond wine tasting, Port Wine Fest also incorporated educational elements to deepen attendees’ knowledge of Portuguese winemaking. In Chicago, Regine Rousseau, author, sommelier, and CEO of Shall We Wine, led a Portuguese wine trivia session, allowing guests to test their knowledge of the country’s wine culture. In addition, Advanced Sommelier Jienna Basaldu hosted an exclusive VIP lunch that focused on the nuanced characteristics of Portuguese wines.
“When you’re studying and tasting the wines of Portugal, there is so much to learn,” said Rousseau. “At Port Wine Fest, we’re exploring not only port wine but also the incredible diversity of Portugal’s wine regions.”
Supporting Local Charities
In keeping with its commitment to giving back, Port Wine Fest donated proceeds from the events in Chicago and New York to local charities focused on food insecurity. In Chicago, funds were directed to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an organization working to alleviate hunger across Cook County. In New York, proceeds benefited City Harvest, the city’s largest food rescue organization, which has been feeding New Yorkers in need for over 40 years.
A Grand Finale with the Confraria do Vinho do Porto Induction Ceremony
The 2024 tour concluded with the prestigious induction ceremonies for the Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Brotherhood) in San Francisco on April 8 and New York on October 18. These ceremonies honored new members who exemplify a dedication to preserving and promoting the legacy of Portuguese port wine.
As the inaugural U.S. tour of Port Wine Fest comes to a close, organizers and participants are already looking forward to the 2025 edition, with plans to expand the celebration of Portuguese wines, cuisine, and culture even further across the United States.
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