Bacchic culture or the Essence of Wine in Porto

The Essência do Vinho, which is regarded as the biggest and most prestigious wine competition in Portugal, will run from 21 to 24 February in Palácio da Bolsa, in Porto. Early bird tickets are available till 18 February, at the website of the event www.essenciadovinho.com.pt

The Essência do Vinho, which literally means "The Essence of Wine" is just around the corner. The Palácio da Bolsa [Stock Exchange Palace] in Porto will play host to another edition of this leading fair that will take you to the world's key markets, from 21 to 24 February.

As the cliché goes, finding out about wine is like space travel: Once you get going, there's no end in sight; as such, participants will be presented with over 3000 wines from 400 national and international producers and a wide-ranging programme of activities, including the unique "Top 10 Portuguese Wines" tasting on 21 February, at the Salão Árabe of the Palácio da Bolsa that will be assessed by educated wine drinkers, experts and sommeliers, from different nationalities, to choose the best red and white wines as well as the best fortified wines.

The "Essência do Vinho", highlighted in the main European Wine Tours, will boost new business opportunities and promote Portuguese wine all over the world.

At 25 euros per day, tasters can mille around informally for free wine tastings (which includes an official tasting glass) of over three thousand wines, many expensive labels, wine pairing and tapas, masterclasses, sensorial tasting and all this while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

The event is organised by EV-Essência do Vinho, jointly with Porto Trade Association.

Event Schedule:

- 22 February from 3 pm till 8 pm,

- 22 and 23 February from 5 pm till 9 pm,

- 24 February from 3 pm till 8 pm.

About 20 thousand visitors attended the Essência do Vinho event last year, 35% of whom were foreigners, and the event had an economic impact of more than EUR 2 million, according to Lusa News Agency.