2 March 2026

The Palácio da Bolsa in Porto was the setting for another memorable edition of Essência do Vinho, where the winners of the rigorous ‘Top 10 Portuguese Wines’ were revealed. In a blind tasting that brought together experts from around the world, the Douro once again asserted its supremacy, securing the top spots on the podium.

Our region not only won, but dominated the Red and White categories, proving that the talent of our winemakers and the strength of our terroir are, in fact, unbeatable.

The Big Winners:

1st Red Wine
Menin Maria Fernanda 2021
Douro, Menin Douro Estates, oenology by Tiago Alves de Sousa

2nd Red Wine
Pintas 2023
Douro, Wine & Soul, oenology by Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges

3rd Red Wine
Cartuxa Reserva 2019
Alentejo, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, oenology by Pedro Baptista

4th Red Wine
Quinta Dona Sancha Vinha Ancestral 2019
Dão, Quinta Dona Sancha, oenology by Paulo Nunes

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1st White Wine
Morgado de Oliveira 1st Edition
Alentejo, Fitapreta Vinhos, oenology by António Maçanita and Sandra Sárria

2nd White Wine
CV Curriculum Vitae 2022
Douro, Van Zellers & Co. , oenology by Cristiano van Zeller

3rd White Wine
Quinta da Alorna Solera Creations
Tejo, Quinta da Alorna, oenology by João Grave

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1st Fortified Wine
D´Oliveiras Terrantez 1890
Madeira Wine, Pereira d´Oliveiras Vinhos, oenology by Filipe Pereira de Oliveira

2nd Fortified Wine
Barbeito Pai António Verdelho 50 Years Old
Madeira Wine, Barbeito Wines, oenology by Ricardo Diogo Freitas

3rd Fortified Wine
Kopke Tawny Port 80 Years Old
Port Wine, Kopke Group by Escotet Family Estates, oenology by Carlos Alves