Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Explore the Wine and Vine Festival 2025 in Borba: A Celebration of Alentejo’s Finest Wines, Culture, and Tradition!
Published on
November 9, 2025
With the much-anticipated Wine and Vine Festival, or Vinha e do Vinho, Borba, which is tucked away in the charming Évora district of Portugal, is poised to become a hub for wine lovers and culture vultures. This festival, which runs from Tuesday through November 16th, is a magnificent homage to Alentejo’s rich wine heritage and provides a thorough understanding of the local way of life, cuisine, and, of course, wines. The festival is sure to have something to offer everyone, regardless of whether you’re a foodie, wine enthusiast, or just an inquisitive tourist.
A Toast to Alentejo’s Rich Wine Heritage
Alentejo, one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions, will take centre stage at the festival, with around 70 exhibitors showcasing the best of local wine production. This annual event, which draws thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond, is an opportunity to discover the region’s diverse wine offerings. From red to white, and everything in between, festival-goers can indulge in tastings of premium wines crafted by the finest producers in the region.
Hosted at the spacious events pavilion, admission to the festival is free, allowing attendees to explore at their own pace while sampling wines from established names and up-and-coming labels. The event is a unique opportunity to get up close to the producers, who will be presenting their latest creations, including special releases timed to coincide with the celebration of Saint Martin’s Day.
A Rich Program of Entertainment and Tradition
While wine tasting is the main draw, the Wine and Vine Festival is much more than just a celebration of Alentejo’s winemaking. It is an immersive experience that embraces the region’s vibrant culture, with a range of exciting activities designed to appeal to all senses. From musical performances to traditional Alentejo singing and dance, visitors can enjoy a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the six-day event.
The festival’s entertainment programme includes a mix of musical performances, street entertainment, and folklore. Local fado singers will set the mood on the evening of November 13th, while the renowned group Adiafa will kick off the festival on opening day. For those seeking something more modern, Nelson Freitas and Marco Rodrigues will also take to the stage, along with DJ sets that will energise the crowd.
A Feast for the Senses: Gastronomy, Local Products, and More
No festival in the Alentejo would be complete without an offering of the region’s mouthwatering cuisine, and Borba’s Wine and Vine Festival does not disappoint. The event is as much about the food as it is about the wine. Visitors can sample a variety of Alentejo’s signature dishes, such as açorda (a type of bread soup), porco preto (black pork), and fresh cheeses that pair perfectly with the local wines.
A dedicated area will feature local handicrafts, giving visitors a chance to take home a piece of Alentejo’s artisanal traditions. The festival is also a chance to enjoy a regional tavern circuit on November 15th, where local music will accompany the wine and food tasting experiences, further enhancing the atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
Cultural Highlights: The Regional Shepherd Dog Competition and Folklore
For those interested in the local traditions of Alentejo, the festival offers a unique glimpse into the heritage of the region. One of the most exciting cultural events is the Regional Alentejo Shepherd Dog Competition, which celebrates the strong bond between the people and the land. The competition highlights the skills of the famed Alentejo shepherd dogs, whose role in managing livestock is essential to the region’s way of life.
In addition to the dog competition, attendees can enjoy performances of traditional Alentejo folk music and dance. These cultural exhibitions will transport visitors to another time, immersing them in the heart of the region’s history and its connection to the land.
An Event That Brings Borba’s Community Together
The Wine and Vine Festival is not only an important event for visitors but also plays a significant role in the local community. The festival, as part of the 2025 Wine City initiative, helps to develop and promote the municipality of Borba and the surrounding region. Along with Borba, other municipalities such as Estremoz, Redondo, Vila Viçosa, and Alandroal are all participants in the “Wines of Serra d’Ossa – Identity and Future – Brands that Leave History!” programme. This collaborative effort strengthens the region’s position as a prominent wine tourism destination in Portugal.
Through this programme, the festival aims to enhance local businesses and raise awareness of the unique wines and regional products that make Alentejo so special. This initiative is a great way for tourists to get a deeper understanding of the region’s agricultural traditions and its ongoing commitment to sustainable winemaking.
Fireworks and Celebrations: A Grand Finale
As the festival draws to a close on November 16th, a stunning fireworks display will light up the night sky, offering a fitting end to a week of wine, music, and fun. Before that, a “From the Vineyard to the Tavern” procession will take place, where visitors can join in a lively parade celebrating the connection between the land and the wine that defines the region.
The closing act of the festival will be a performance by the group Sons do Minho, whose upbeat rhythms will bring the celebration to a euphoric end, leaving festival-goers with lasting memories of a unique and exciting experience.
Why You Can’t Miss Borba’s Wine and Vine Festival
Anyone who is passionate about wine, food, and culture should not miss Borba’s Wine and Vine Festival. The festival, which is set against the breathtaking Alentejo region, provides an unmatched chance to experience some of Portugal’s best wines, become immersed in local customs, and take part in a week of entertainment that unites people from all walks of life. Whether you are a first-time traveller to the area or an experienced wine enthusiast, the festival is sure to be a memorable event that honours the best of Alentejo.
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