From May 30 to June 1, the city of Torres Vedras in Portugal hosted the fifth edition of Reserva – Forum for Innovation in Gastronomy and Wine. The event took place at the former facilities of the Institute of Vine and Wine, drawing more than 3,000 visitors over three days. The program aimed to showcase the wine culture of Torres Vedras and the Lisbon region through a variety of activities.
This year, the forum welcomed as special guests the regions that will be designated as “City of Wine” in 2025: Alandroal, Borba, Estremoz, Redondo, and Vila Viçosa. The opening ceremony featured remarks from Laura Rodrigues, president of the Torres Vedras City Council. She highlighted the growth of Reserva, noting that 24 producers participated this year. Rodrigues emphasized the importance of the local Wine Tourism Route in promoting both wines and cultural heritage, encouraging more producers to join.
Throughout the event, several panel discussions took place. Topics included alcohol consumption and health, moderated by Rodrigo Quina with guests from the Portuguese Wine Routes Association and the National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV). Another discussion focused on demystifying bag-in-box wines, featuring industry professionals. Climate change and its impact on vineyards was also addressed by researchers from INIAV and a doctoral student in agronomic sciences.
Guided tastings were led by Jorge Mata from Ramilo Wines, named Revelation Winemaker of 2024, and César Gomes from Casal da Carrasqueira. Pairing sessions included local specialties such as pastel de feijão (bean pastry) with regional wines, led by Elisabete Avelar and accompanied by live painting from António Bártolo. Another session paired Lourinhã brandy with pastel de feijão from Casa Benjamim.
Sommelier Pedro Ramos, known as “Pedrones,” offered an introductory wine course explaining production processes and tasting basics. Workshops covered topics like adding value to wine production and exploring grape varieties unique to Lisbon, with contributions from enologists Alexandra Mendes and Jorge Cunha.
The event also featured a book launch for “O vinho de Torres Vedras, 1850-1986” by Fernando Santos, chronicling local wine history. INIAV researcher Ilda Caldeira led a tasting focused on Uvada de Torres Vedras, a traditional product.
Culinary demonstrations were held by well-known chefs such as Rita Nascimento (“La Dolce Rita”), Joana Barrios, and Isabel Zibaia Rafael. The bakery Bakes & Blends presented a strawberry dessert paired with rosé from Quinta da Almiara. Luiz Silva showcased artisanal bread with various flavor combinations.
Producers including Quinta da Cidadoura, Quinta do Gradil, Adega d’Arrocha, Encostas de Xira, and others offered tastings at dedicated stands. Chocolate pairings were also available.
Evening entertainment included concerts by Milhanas and Ricardo Ribeiro, DJ sets by Senhor Alto (Tomás Emídio) and Nenv, as well as a dance event with Pé de Xumbo. Local groups such as Torres Brass and Grupo de Teatro ATV provided additional performances.
The second edition of the “Gastronomy and Innovation” competition invited culinary students from western Portugal to create new recipes using wine as an ingredient. Judges included chef Isabel Zibaia Rafael and hospitality educators Cristiano Marques and Patrícia Borges. Winners were Soykan Petrov, Diogo Marques, and Rodrigo Azevedo. In another contest focused on desserts featuring pastel de feijão from Torres Vedras, Tiago Canhota from restaurant A Várzea took first place.
A children’s area offered activities like painting with pigments and music workshops organized by municipal education services and the Live with Earth Association.
Local wine producers present throughout the event included Adega Cooperativa de Carvoeira, Adega Cooperativa de Dois Portos, Adega Cooperativa de São Mamede, Adega da Murnalha, AdegaMãe, Casal da Carrasqueira, Caves Barbosa, Fonte das Moças, Madame Pilar, Património Wines, Quinta da Almiara, Quinta da Boa Esperança, Quinta da Cidadoura, Quinta da Folgorosa, Santos&Santos; joined by other Lisbon region producers such as Adega de Azueira, Casa Santos Lima, Cas’Amaro, Cerrado da Porta, Encostas de Xira, Quinta de Vale Mourisco and Quinta do Gradil.
Several brands producing pastel de feijão with protected geographical indication (IGP) were also represented: Benjamim, Brasão, Cantinho Amarelo, Carmitas, Doce do Oeste, Fábrica Coroa, Maria Adelaide, Massa Mãe com Alma, Pãozinho da Avenida and Serra da Vila.
At the closing ceremony on June 1st, Dulcineia Ramos—city councilor for tourism—stated that Reserva achieved its goal of promoting local heritage. She acknowledged the commitment shown by participating producers in investing in their brands.
The fifth edition of Reserva was supported by Turismo do Centro along with sponsors including Caixa de Crédito Agrícola, AEG, FEPAL, Águas Vimeiro and Nelson Lopes – AGEAS Seguros. The event continues to position Torres Vedras as a reference point for wine tourism and innovation in Portugal’s gastronomy sector.