London to host Portuguese wine festival in June

London is to host its first ever ‘celebration of Portuguese wine, food and culture’ at Tobacco Dock on 24- 25 June this year.

Called FESTA, the event has been organised to pay tribute to traditional Portuguese festivals, and has been curated by Max Graham, founder of Bar Douro Portuguese restaurants, and Portuguese wine critic, Sarah Ahmed.

The festival will stretch across three sections of Tobacco Dock encompassing wine, restaurants, a Portuguese mercado and a wine shop, with live music and entertainment also featuring at the inaugural event.

Over 50 wine producers will be bringing their wines to London, many of which will be making their UK debut.

Visitors will be able to try over 250 wines made from well over 100 grape varieties from every wine growing region in Portugal, including the Alentejo, Vinho Verde and Douro along with lesser-known areas such as Trás-os-Montes, Távora-Varosa, the Algarve, the Azores, and Madeira.

FESTA Wine Director Sarah Ahmed said, “The calibre and range of wines and producers is extraordinary. Max and I are honoured and thrilled in equal measure that FESTA will showcase over 50 producers making wine in every nook and cranny of Portugal, including her islands. Our selection represents everything that is exciting about the Portuguese wine scene today.”

Across the two days, Ahmed will be curating themed wine walks and talks as well as FESTA wine boxes which will be available to purchase from Festa’s wine shop, allowing visitors to take the experience home with them. Sarah will also host exclusive ‘red carpet’ tastings of fine and rare Portuguese wines.

For the trade & press session on Friday, Sarah has curated four exclusive panels featuring Portuguese winery owners, winemakers, and experts. The full programme of panel discussions will be announced next month.

There will also be a dedicated food court bringing together the best of London’s Portuguese food scene, featuring special menus and dishes from leading restaurants and chefs including Bar Douro, Leandro Carreira of The Sea The Sea and Roulote, with more to be announced in due course.

Alongside the opportunity to try and purchase some of Portugal’s best wines, visitors will be transported to Portugal through the food on offer, with authentic flavours, signature dishes and regional delicacies expected.

FESTA also promises to bring Portugal’s culture to life through its Mercado. Showcasing craft, art and design – as well as live music – the marketplace will provide a space for Portuguese brands and institutions, sharing their wares and experiences with London.

Visitors can expect olive oils, craft soaps, textiles and jewellery, among other produce. A line up of live performances will run throughout the event, featuring traditional dance and music.

Consumers can purchase tickets on the website here, while the trade can register here.