If you’ve been craving a little grape escape, mark your calendar for September 27, when Vinícola Portugal returns to Heritage Hall for its fourth year of swirling, sipping, and savouring the best bottles from one of Europe’s most underrated wine regions.
Founded by hospitality veteran and sommelier Justin Isidro, operations director for the restaurant group behind local hot spots Kissa Tanto, Bao Bei, and Meo, the boutique festival will pour more than 70 wines from 25 producers, offering a tasting tour of Portugal’s coastal whites, bold reds, and intricate blends.
Isidro knows his way around a corkscrew—and Portugal. A former semi-pro soccer player who lived in the country, he fell hard for its food and wine scene long before launching the festival in 2022. Back then, 120 curious drinkers came to swirl and spit (or not). Now, it’s nearly doubled in size, with this year’s crowd expected to raise even more glasses.
“There’s a lyrical beauty to Portuguese wine, and Vinícola Portugal is about sharing that story in an approachable way,” shares Isidro in a release. “From the coastal whites of Vinho Verde to the structured reds of the Douro Valley and the complex blends of Alentejo, each bottle tells a story. This event is not just for oenophiles or industry professionals, but also for people who are simply curious about unsung wine regions.”
On the roster this year:
Adega de VidigueiraÁlvaro CastroAnselmo MendesAphrosBarco VinhosBojadorCartuxaCasa FerreirinhaFita PretaHerdade do CebolalHerdade do RocimLuis PatoMárcio LopesMouchãoPedra CancelaQuinta do SanguinhalQuinta da FalorcaQuinta da PachecaQuinta da Costa do PinhãoRamos PintoReal Companhia VelhaSoalheiroSymingtonVale dos AresVan Zeller
You can snag your favourites at the pop-up wine shop by Sutton Place Wine Merchants or keep your buzz fuelled with snack bar bites from Arc Imports. Tickets include access to all tastings during the four-hour event. The festival is open to both industry professionals and the general public, offering an opportunity to explore a wide range of Portuguese wines in one setting.
When: September 27
Where: Heritage Hall
Tickets: $65+, available here