2 January 2026

The Douro region was named “International (Non-U.S.) Wine Region of the Year” at Wine Enthusiast magazine’s prestigious Wine Star Awards: one of the most respected awards in the wine world. This international recognition honors the excellence of Douro wines, the uniqueness of the Douro cultural landscape, and the hospitality that defines the entire experience of the region.

Above all, this award symbolizes the work of generations of winegrowers, winemakers, and producers who shaped terraces, tended vineyards, and preserved unique know-how, now recognized on a global scale.

At a particularly demanding time for the wine sector, with the Douro facing economic difficulties, sustainability challenges, and strong pressure on small producers, this distinction takes on even deeper significance. It is a clear affirmation that, despite adversity, the Douro maintains its relevance, quality, and identity, continuing to be an essential reference in the global wine scene.

More than just celebrating wines, this award recognizes a vibrant, resilient, and constantly adapting region. It reinforces the confidence of international markets, values the work done in the territory, and projects the Douro as a brand of excellence that deserves to be protected, supported, and promoted.

The official Wine Star Awards ceremony will take place on January 21 in New York, bringing together some of the most influential personalities, regions, and projects in the world of wine. This gala represents a strategic opportunity to reinforce the international visibility of the Douro and affirm its position in a highly competitive global context.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro is much more than a wine region: it is a territory of memory, culture, and future. This international distinction comes as a sign of hope and pride, reminding us of the importance of continuing to value, defend, and invest in the Douro.