The Vinicola Portugal Wine Festival is back for another round of Portuguese wine, culture and flair, this September 27th at Heritage Hall in Mount Pleasant. Time to prepare yourself!
Think, a leisurely four hours spent sipping on an impeccable selection of no less than 70 wines demonstrating the diversity of Portugal’s various regions, as chosen by people who know more than a thing or two about wine. Yes, attempting to work your way through that many options in a single afternoon is no easy feat – and definitely one requiring good eats, which can be purchased from the on-site Snack Bar, including: charcuterie and cheese plates from Arc Iberico; salgados (traditional Portuguese snacks found at most cafes across Portugal) from Cinco Estrelas Catering; and pastéis de nata by Ferriera Ventures, who will also have a small Mercearia (grocer) set-up. As per usual, the Sutton Wine Merchants pop-up shop will also be handy for your take-home needs – a thoughtful touch that will save you the headache of trying to remember and hunt down that special bottle you tasted out of the dozens featured.
As for the authentic, festive ambience: that will come courtesy of a performance by local Portuguese falcor group Rancho Folclorico Cruz de Cristo. We’re told that, in Portugal, a Rancho Folclórico “is a traditional folk dance and music group that preserves and performs the cultural heritage of a specific region or village.”
Tickets to attend the 2025 Vinicola Portugal Wine Festival on Saturday, September 27th, are $65 (plus tax). With so much in store for the event, we think that a little preparation and guidance is a nice thing. So, with that in mind, we turned to Vinicola Portugal organizer, sommelier and hospitality vet, Justin Isidro, for three bottles that he recommends for the entry level sipper, well-seasoned wine drinker, and more adventurous imbiber – as well as his suggested food pairing, just for fun. You’re welcome!
Entry Level
Soalheiro Clássico 2024: “Coming from the far north of Portugal, in the Vinho Verde region’s prized sub-region of Monção e Melgaço. The Soalheiro Clássico carries the freshness and bright fruit that define the area, but here they’re framed with a bit more gravity, showing just how compelling these wines can be when made with care. It’s a reminder that Vinho Verde is not only about light, fizzy refreshment, but also about depth and character.”
Pairing: A plate of Sweet Selects oysters makes a natural partner, their briny delicacy lifting the wine’s energy even further.
Well-Seasoned Wine Drinker
Herdade de Mouchão ‘Mouchão’ 2017: “Founded in the late 19th century, Herdade de Mouchão is one of Alentejo’s great estates, long celebrated for crafting powerful, age-worthy reds that stand as icons of the region’s history and resilience. The 2017 Mouchão is dense and structured, with layers of dark plum, blackberry, licorice, and wild herbs, wrapped in firm tannins and a savoury earthiness that promises decades of graceful evolution.”
Pairing: A perfect companion is char-grilled pork chops, where smoky richness meets the wine’s firm structure and enduring elegance.
Get Adventurous
Bojador Vinho de Talha Branco 2019: “Bojador revives an ancient Alentejo tradition, made in clay amphorae much as it was over two thousand years ago in the region. The result is textured and vibrant, showing orchard fruit, citrus peel, and a touch of spice, with a subtle earthiness that speaks both of the region’s history and the timeless character of what the Portuguese call talha wines.”
Pairing: This is the perfect pairing for roasted chicken or turkey, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner.
Heritage Hall
604-879-4816
Dining and Cooking