Macao played host to a captivating Portuguese wine tasting event yesterday, organized by the marketing body Wines of Portugal. The event highlighted the growing diversity of Portuguese wines and their exceptional value for money. Premium Portuguese wines, readily available in Macao for under 500 patacas, offer a competitive alternative to French labels, which typically command at least double the price.
The tasting featured a masterclass led by Wines of Portugal educator Sofia Salvador, alongside two prominent Portuguese winemakers—Jorge Serôdio Borges from Wine and Soul, a boutique Douro estate, and Simão Baptista Cardoso from Quinta de Valbom in the Douro and Herdade dos Grous in Alentejo.
While Portuguese wines have traditionally been associated with regions like Douro, Alentejo, and the popular Vinho Verde, the event underscored a broader spectrum of high-quality wines emerging from across the country. The Dao region, known for its cool-climate wines, is gaining traction, particularly with the indigenous white grape Encruzado. Lisboa’s approachable and easy-drinking styles were also highlighted, exemplified by the award-winning Quinta das Setencostas 2021, which earned multiple gold medals and the trophy for Best Value Red.
Portuguese producers are also at the forefront of sustainability, with Alentejo leading globally in eco-friendly viticulture. Experimentation is flourishing, as seen in Soalheiro’s addition of a natural wine, Terramatter, to its portfolio. Interest in old vineyards and traditional field blends is also rising. This method, where multiple grape varieties—including both red and white—are planted together to safeguard against environmental fluctuations, has become a defining feature of several premium wines.
Among the standout examples is Quinta de Valbom Vinhas Velhas 2016, a field blend of numerous traditional Douro varietals from a vineyard over 100 years old. This wine exhibits freshness and well-structured tannins, indicating significant aging potential. Similarly, Marias da Malhadinha 2021 from Herdade da Malhadinha Nova in Alentejo is a field blend from vines planted in 1949, interspersed with fig trees.
The Douro Valley, long synonymous with port wine, has evolved over the past three decades to produce high-end reds. Now, attention is shifting to exceptional white wines crafted from old-vine vineyards at high altitudes. Winemaker Jorge Serôdio Borges, for example, has secured a 100-year-old vineyard at 500 meters elevation, using its low-yield vines to create Guru Vinha da Calçada 2021. This blend of Douro white varietals, including Gouveio and Rabigato, boasts remarkable concentration and mineral freshness.
The event also underscored the importance of the Greater Bay Area for the Portuguese wine industry. Macao serves as a vital hub, attracting top producers, niche labels, and innovative young winemakers. Portuguese wine ranks third in both value and volume in Macao—behind Australia and France—with a notable 5.8% sales growth in 2024, despite economic headwinds.
“We have been present in Macao for many years,” said Sofia Salvador, “and now also see Macao as a great showcase for Portuguese wine, especially for mainland Chinese tourists.”
Several exhibitors sought to expand distribution in Macao, including Porto-based Carlos Mendes Moreira, founder of Enopartner, which represents a wide range of wine estates. Moreira remains committed to strengthening his market presence despite current challenges.
“There is a cultural closeness, and a strong tradition of Portuguese wine consumption in Macao,” he noted.
Andrea Chang, Brand Manager for local importer HN Speed, echoed this sentiment. Representing the wines of Quinta da Devesa from the Douro at the tasting, she emphasized the deep-rooted connection between Portuguese wine and Macao’s culinary culture.
“Portuguese wine is a part of our life. We keep a certain passion for it. It matches well with local food—it is our house style,” she said.
With increasing appreciation for Portugal’s diverse wine offerings, sustainable practices, and historical vineyard traditions, Macao continues to be a key gateway for Portuguese wines into the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
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