Port Wine Fest 2024 Showcases Portuguese Wines, Cuisine, and Culture Across the United States

Port Wine Fest 2024 Celebrates Portuguese Wines, Gastronomy, and Culture Across the United States

Port Wine Fest, a celebration of Portuguese wines, gastronomy, and culture organized by the Port Wine Shippers Association (AEVP), has successfully completed its inaugural U.S. tour. The festival visited five major cities and introduced over 18,500 industry professionals and consumers to more than 65 talented winemakers who showcase the rich diversity and heritage of Portugal’s wine industry.

“We are thrilled with the success of our 2024 Portuguese wine tour in the U.S. and look forward to an even more exceptional experience in 2025,” said Isabel Marrana, executive director of AEVP.

The festival launched in spring 2024, with two premier events: Taste of Vail in Colorado (April 4) and Pebble Beach in California (April 6-7). These events featured 44 top Portuguese wine producers, offering a wide range of Ports and Portuguese wines. Chef Telmo Faria of San Francisco’s renowned Uma Casa restaurant crafted an authentic menu that paired beautifully with the wines, giving festival-goers a true taste of Portugal’s culinary and viticultural traditions.

In fall 2024, Port Wine Fest expanded its reach to Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York. The event made its debut at USA Today’s Wine & Food Experience in Las Vegas (October 12), showcasing over 170 Portuguese wine selections. Exclusive events followed in Chicago (October 14) and New York (October 16), where 41 producers engaged with both industry professionals and wine lovers. Culinary offerings in these cities included dishes from Cadinho Bakery and Café in Chicago and Chef Nuno Sousa's innovative creations in New York.

Adding an educational touch, Regine Rousseau, author, sommelier, and CEO of Shall We Wine, hosted a Portuguese wine trivia experience in Chicago, while Advanced Sommelier Jienna Basaldu led an exclusive VIP lunch. These interactive sessions allowed guests to deepen their knowledge of Portugal's diverse wine culture.

“Portugal’s wines offer so much to explore, from Port to lesser-known varieties, and this festival gives attendees a chance to discover it all,” said Rousseau.

Port Wine Fest also gave back to local communities. Proceeds from the Chicago and New York events were donated to local charities, including the Greater Chicago Food Depository and City Harvest, which fight food insecurity in their respective cities.

The tour concluded with induction ceremonies in San Francisco (April 8) and New York (October 18), welcoming new members to the Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Brotherhood).

For updates on the 2025 tour, visit portwinefest.com or follow the festival on social media: @portwinefest (Instagram), @portwine_fest (X/Twitter), and Port Wine Fest (Facebook).

About Port Wine Fest

Port Wine Fest, launched in 2024 by the Port Wine Shippers Association (AEVP), is a celebration of Portuguese wines, food, and culture, designed to introduce U.S. consumers to the world of Portugal through a series of events across the country. It is part of Project No. 67 "Vine & Wine," under Program 2022-C05i0101-02 – Mobilizing Agendas/Alliances for Reindustrialization.

About the Port Wine Shippers Association (AEVP)

The Port Wine Shippers Association (AEVP), established in January 1975, is a non-profit organization headquartered in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The AEVP represents its members and promotes the Port and Douro wine industries both nationally and internationally.