Getting better and better. This was the phrase heard most often at the end of the evening that honoured the best wine tourism companies, practices and projects in Portugal. With Joana Cruz presenting the ceremony and HMB as musical guests, Nelas was the big stage for the 4th National Wine Tourism Award, in a ceremony organised by APENO that had all the ingredients to go down well: elegance, creativity and lots of entertainment
If the first three editions of the National Wine Tourism Award proved that there is no party like this in the sector that fuses wine and tourism in Portugal, the fourth edition of the APENO / Ageas Seguros 2025 Gala reinforced the quality and excellence of an event that has been increasingly applauded by professionals and partners in the activity. It was at Quinta do Castelo in Nelas, in the heart of the Dão region, that the best wine tourism companies, practices and projects saw their work recognised. With a luxury cast, in which broadcaster Joana Cruz hosted the ceremony and HMB entertained the audience with their joy and contagious energy, the winners took to the stage to receive their awards in the 15 categories. These were
Best Wine Tourism in Portugal: Fita Preta;
Best Urban Wine Tourism: Cave Lusa;
Best Professional: Luísa Rebelo – Torre de Palma;
Best Stay: Monverde Wine Experience Hotel – Quinta da Lixa;
Best Restaurant: Quinta do Quetzal;
Best Chef: David Jesus – L’AND Vineyards;
Best Sommelier: Sílvia Gomes – WOW;
Best Tasting Room: Quinta da Vacaria – Vintage Room;
Best Tourism Company: Pipadouro;
Best Inclusive Project: Adega Cooperativa da Vidigueira, Cuba e Alvito;
Best Sustainable Project: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova;
Best Shop: Quinta da Aveleda;
Best Art and Culture: Quanta Terra;
Best Innovation and Technology: Yon Wine;
Best Hospitality: Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta.
As well as recognising wine tourism professionals and projects in the categories listed, APENO also awarded Merit and Incentive Prizes to Andreia Freitas, from Quinta do Crasto; Eduardo Ferreira, from Lavradores de Feitoria, Susana Pinho, from Quinta Nova da Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Zélia Reis, from Symington.
The panel of more than 250 judges included recognised wine and tourism journalists, official sector bodies, chefs and sommeliers, as well as APENO members. While the official organisations voted for different regions, the professionals in the sector and the members voted for people and projects from other regions.
“Once again, I think we’ve exceeded expectations. Our annual gala isn’t just an awards night, it’s also a time for all the sector’s professionals to get together and socialise. This time we were in the heart of the Dão region, in Nelas, and the aim is to take this party to all regions of the country. We want to improve year after year, which is a huge challenge that we have always overcome. In an elegant and distinctive atmosphere, we try to welcome our guests in a relaxed and fun way so that they feel at ease and part of this festival, which is, after all, ours,” said Maria João de Almeida, President of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO).
With Joana Cruz presenting the event in a lively and relaxed manner and with a dinner elegantly prepared by chef Henrique Ferreira, who presented diners with creatively prepared dishes typical of the region, HMB closed a ceremony that has already become the sector’s benchmark party with a golden key.
With Ageas Seguros as its main sponsor and NiT as its media partner, the National Wine Tourism Award also has the sponsorship of Nelas Town Council, the Regional Tourism Authority of the Centre of Portugal, the Dão Regional Wine Commission (CVR), as well as recognised companies such as the Amorim Group, Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts4Wine, Viagens Abreu, Biosphere and MCoutinho. Finally, it also has the institutional support of the Vine and Wine Institute.
The results can be consulted on the website of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association.