Wine lovers are in for a treat this weekend as one of Portugal’s largest wine fairs returns to Lisbon, bringing together more than 200 producers and hundreds of wines from across the country.
The Vinhos & Sabores (Wines & Flavours) fair takes place from October 17 to 19 at Pavilion 3 of the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), offering visitors the chance to discover everything from familiar Portuguese favourites to rare and award-winning wines.
Organised by wine magazine Grandes Escolhas, the event celebrates Portugal’s rich winemaking heritage, with producers representing regions including the Douro, Alentejo, Dão, Setúbal and the islands.
But it is not just about wine. This year’s programme also places a strong emphasis on gastronomy, with nine invited chefs showcasing the flavours and culinary traditions of the Alentejo.
Rare wines and special tastings
Visitors can enjoy a series of free Prove Connosco (Taste With Us) sessions, included in the admission price, where producers will present their wines in an informal setting and answer questions from the public.
For those looking for something more exclusive, the fair will also feature special guided tastings offering access to rare wines, including bottles that are difficult to find on the market.
One highlight will be a tasting of premium Portuguese red wines aged for 10 years, allowing visitors to compare vintages from different wine regions.
These special sessions cost between €25 and €75, depending on the wines being presented.
On Saturday, winemaker Jorge Moreira will revisit 25 years of his acclaimed Douro wine project, Poeira, through a tasting spanning different harvests.
On Sunday, wine specialist Luís Lopes will lead a session dedicated to Alvarinho, one of Portugal’s best-known white grape varieties.
A taste of the Alentejo
Food enthusiasts will also have plenty to look forward to, with live cooking demonstrations celebrating the ingredients and traditions of the Alentejo.
Nine chefs will present their own interpretations of regional cuisine, combining traditional recipes with contemporary techniques.
Among the dishes featured are black pork cheeks braised in red wine by chef Lucas Mendes, tuna tartare with ponzu sauce and mango and coriander sorbet by Ruben Ferreira, and refreshing Alentejo-style cold salads prepared by Adelina Costa.
Chef João Narigueta will also present a turbot dish inspired by historic flavours.
Each cooking demonstration will be accompanied by wines from the Alentejo, selected to complement the dishes.
Tickets and opening hours
The fair will be open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, from 3pm to 9pm.
Monday, October 19, will be reserved exclusively for wine industry professionals, from 11am to 6pm.
Daily admission costs €21, including a complimentary tasting glass and access to the regular tastings and cooking demonstrations. Special wine tastings must be booked and paid for separately.
Tickets and reservations are available through Ticketline.
Whether you are a serious wine enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering new Portuguese wines, the event offers an opportunity to explore the country’s remarkable wine diversity in one place.