APENO opens applications for the new edition of the National Wine Tourism Award

APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism – has announced the official opening of applications for the 2026 National Wine Tourism Award, the main national distinction dedicated exclusively to the wine tourism sector. The initiative aims to recognize and value the best projects, professionals, and experiences that contribute to the development, qualification, and promotion of wine tourism in Portugal.

Created with the aim of promoting, encouraging and recognizing success stories, the National Wine Tourism Award serves as a platform for visibility for initiatives that stand out for their quality, innovation, sustainability and hospitality, both in rural and urban contexts. The award further reinforces the strategic role of wine tourism as an economic, cultural and tourism driver at national and international levels.

In this new edition, the award includes 16 categories: Best Wine Tourism in Portugal, Best Urban Wine Tourism, Best Family Project, Best Professional, Best Accommodation, Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Sommelier, Best Tasting Room, Best Tourism Company, Best Inclusive Project, Best Sustainable Project, Best Shop, Best Art and Culture, Best Innovation and Technology, and Best Hospitality.
Applications are open from January 1st to February 28th, 2026, and must be submitted by sending the required documentation to the association’s official email address. The award regulations, available for consultation in digital format, define the categories, evaluation criteria, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Companies, projects, and professionals directly or indirectly linked to wine tourism are eligible to apply, provided they operate within the national territory and fall within the competition categories. APENO members with up-to-date membership fees are automatically eligible, as stipulated in the regulations. Non-member entities may also apply upon payment of a participation fee.
Applications will be evaluated by an independent and multidisciplinary jury, composed of journalists, institutional representatives from the wine and tourism sectors, chefs, sommeliers, and members of APENO, ensuring rigor and credibility in the selection process.

The winners will be revealed at the National Wine Tourism Award Gala, scheduled for May 29, 2026, at a location to be announced shortly, in an event that promises to once again bring together the main players in the sector to celebrate the excellence of Portuguese wine tourism.