Ocean was awarded “Restaurant of the Year,” while Joana Reis, the head sommelier at Avenida in Lagos, received the “Sommelier of the Year” award.

The Portuguese wine magazine, Revista de Vinhos, held its annual “Os Melhores do Ano“(The Best of the Year) Awards at the Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto earlier this week. Established in 1996, the event honours the country’s top players in the wine and gastronomy sectors.

This year, the Algarve secured two prestigious awards: Joana Reis, the head sommelier at the Avenida restaurant in Lagos, earned the “Sommelier of the Year” accolade, whilst the two-Michelin-starred Ocean at Vila Vita Parc in Porches, where chef Hans Neuner presides, received the “Restaurant of the Year” award.

Winemaker João Nicolau de Almeida, who was associated with Ramos Pinto for 40 years before initiating the family project at Quinta do Monte Xisto, also in the Douro, was honoured as “Personality of the Year in Wine” in recognition of the exceptional work carried out in that region over the past decades.

The title “Personality of the Year in Gastronomy” highlighted the selflessness and entrepreneurship of Manuel Pinheiro, the charismatic owner of the restaurant and seafood establishment O Gaveto. The restaurant is regarded as one of Matosinhos’ gastronomic cathedrals, which, in recent years, has effectively promoted wine and its producers and has been an unwavering advocate of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

António Montenegro Fiúza was recognised as the “Personality of the Year in Brazil” for his support in promoting Portuguese companies within that market and facilitating investment exchanges among participants from sister countries, particularly in the fields of wine, gastronomy, and wine tourism.

The “Wine of the Year” is obtained by producer and winemaker Luís Pato from a pre-phylloxera vineyard of the Bagagrape variety. The Luís Pato Pé Franco das Valadas 2020 is a red wine of pronounced acidity, delicate and balanced, with great potential for evolution.

Rocim, by Catarina Vieira and Pedro Ribeiro, with a special focus on the Alentejo and Lisbon, in addition to multiple partnerships in other regions of the country and abroad, achieved the title of “Producer of the Year“.

Quevedo, which exports 94% of its production to 37 countries, was distinguished as “Fortified Wine Producer of the Year” for modernising the language and image of Port Wine.

The “Revelation Producer of the Year” is the Domínio do Açor project in the Dão, which brings together a dozen Brazilian investors and has achieved high-level examples, with assumed inspiration in Burgundy wines.

Celebrating 190 years and a sphere of action far beyond its native Setúbal Peninsula, José Maria da Fonseca, based in Azeitão, was considered “Company of the Year“.

The Dory range of wines, produced in the Lisbon region by Adega Mãe, received the “Brand of the Year” award.

David Baverstock, probably the most Portuguese Australian and currently the winemaking coordinator of the Winestone group, was considered “Winemaker of the Year.” Jorge Mata, the “Revelation Winemaker,” surprises with the irreverence and tension of the Ramilo wines in Sintra.

Restaurants and Wine Tourism

Garrafeira Estado d’Alma, in Lisbon, was recognised as “Store/Wine Cellar of the Year“.

Quinta de Ventozelo, in the Douro, received the “Wine Tourism of the Year” award, and the city of Porto was considered the “Gastronomic Destination of the Year.”

The underlined “Viticologist/Researcher of the Year” highlighted the work of Ana Mota, head of viticulture at Quinta Nova (Douro) and Taboadella (Dão).

The “Distributor of the Year” distinction was awarded to Wine Concept.

Aurora Goy, from the Porto restaurant Apego, won the promising category “Revelation Chef of the Year”, and Tasquinha da Linda, in Viana do Castelo, won the title of “Wine Service of the Year”.

The Granja dos Moinhos cheese, the chèvre da Maçussa, made by Adolfo Henriques, won the award for “Artisanal Producer of the Year“.

Revista de Vinhos also presented the Tribute award to the Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira. In addition, he delivered the diplomas to the 30 “Excellence Wines” elected by the publication’s tasters.

The red wine EA 2022, Regional Alentejano, made by Adega da Cartuxa – Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, was distinguished as “Purchase of the Year“.

The “Best of the Year” awards from Revista de Vinhos have been celebrated and recognised for nearly three decades, honouring the finest in wine, wine tourism, and gastronomy in Portugal. Regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry, they reflect the evolution of the national wine scene as well as the strength and resilience of those who work within it. This year, we presented awards in 25 categories, highlighting projects and individuals who make a significant difference. In 2024, we acknowledge the merit and dedication of numerous professionals while also looking to the future with confidence and enthusiasm,” said Nuno Guedes Vaz Pires, Director of Revista de Vinhos.