The Portuguese wine festival took place in April and October and visited Vail, CO; Pebble Beach, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Chicago, IL; New York, NY

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Port Wine Fest–a festival and celebration of Portuguese wines, gastronomy and culture organized by the Port Wine Shippers Association (AEVP)–has completed its first-ever U.S. tour, which took place in five major cities and introduced 18,500+ industry professionals and consumers to 65+ diverse and passionate winemakers who exemplify Portugal's rich heritage and diversity.

"We are thrilled with the success of our 2024 Portuguese wines tour in the US and eagerly anticipate an even more exceptional experience in 2025," said Isabel Marrana, executive director of AEVP.

Port Wine Fest launched in Spring 2024, showcasing the exceptional offerings of 44 Portuguese wine producers across two premier U.S. festivals: Taste of Vail in Colorado (April 4th) and Pebble Beach in California (April 6th-7th). This immersive experience celebrated Portugal's winemaking heritage with an expansive array of Ports and other Portuguese wines. Chef Telmo Faria, from the renowned Uma Casa restaurant in San Francisco, elevated the culinary component, crafting an authentic menu. The dynamic pairing of red, wine, sparkling and port wine and Portuguese bites offered festival-goers a rich taste of Portugal's culinary and viticultural traditions.

Port Wine Fest expanded its reach across the U.S. in Fall 2024, making its mark in Las Vegas, Chicago and New York. The event debuted at USA Today's Wine & Food Experience in Las Vegas (October 12th), featuring over 170 selections of Portuguese wine. For the first time, proprietary events followed in Chicago and New York (October 14th and 16th), where 41 producers engaged with industry professionals and wine enthusiasts in each city. The culinary offerings were crafted to highlight Portuguese tradition and innovation, with bites from Cadinho Bakery and Café in Chicago, and innovative dishes by Chef Nuno Sousa and Leitão in New York.

Adding an educational layer, Regine Rousseau, author, sommelier, and CEO of Shall We Wine, led a Portuguese wine trivia experience in Chicago, while Advanced Sommelier Jienna Basaldu hosted an exclusive VIP lunch. These unique interactive elements allowed guests to deepen their appreciation for Portuguese wine culture in creative and engaging ways.

"When you're studying and tasting the wines of Portugal, there is so much to learn," says Regine Rousseau. "At Port Wine Fest, we're looking at the breadth of the wines of Portugal, beyond port wine, and the diversity of the region."