Porto reaffirms its Global Leadership in Wine Tourism with Wine & Travel Week 2026
For the fourth consecutive year, Porto steps into the spotlight as the strategic heart of international wine tourism.
Organized by Essência Company with the dedicated support of the Porto City Council and Turismo de Portugal, Wine & Travel Week 2026 is a powerful statement of our region’s excellence.
Between late February and early March, Porto welcomes over 200 professionals from more than 20 countries, including tour operators, sommeliers, and specialized journalists. The program is a rich blend of:
- Business & Strategy: B2B professional fairs held at the iconic Casa da Música.
- Immersive Experiences: International pre-tours exploring Portugal’s diverse wine regions.
- The Essence of Wine: The 22nd edition of Essência do Vinho, featuring masterclasses and the prestigious “TOP 10 Portuguese Wines” selection at Palácio da Bolsa.
- Forward-Thinking: The Veni Vini Vici segment, dedicated to alternative producers and innovative approaches to winemaking.
Driving value beyond the city center
This initiative is a cornerstone of Porto’s long-term vision. As highlighted by Hugo Beirão Rodrigues, City Councilor for Tourism and Internationalization, wine tourism acts as a strategic asset for economic development and regional identity. The goal is clear: to create value, qualify our tourism offerings, and encourage visitors to explore beyond the urban centers, enriching the entire territory.
“Wine and wine tourism are drivers for creating value and dispersing flows beyond urban centers.” — Hugo Beirão Rodrigues
This year’s edition also introduces “Wine Power – a diplomatic terroir,” a space dedicated to reflecting on how wine serves as a tool for cultural diplomacy and global economic alliances. For Nuno Guedes Vaz Pires, director of Essência Company, this event places Portugal at the very center of global conversations regarding the industry’s future.