Periquita Brotherhood Welcomes 25 New Members at its 26th Grand Chapter

The Periquita Brotherhood gathered more than one hundred members and ambassadors of the historic Portuguese wine brand for its 26th Grand Chapter, held at the José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum in Azeitão. The ceremony, which took place on a particularly symbolic date for the company, was marked by the induction of 25 new members from different nationalities.

The gathering simultaneously celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the birth of José Maria da Fonseca and the 176th anniversary of the Periquita brand, recognised as Portugal’s oldest table wine brand. Among the new Brothers and Sisters of the Confraria were wine enthusiasts and personalities from several countries, further strengthening the organisation’s international dimension.

The celebrations concluded with a dinner at the Adega dos Teares Novos, in an intimate setting that brought together participants from countries including Sweden, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Norway and Luxembourg.

In the opening session, António Soares Franco, Chairman of the Board of José Maria da Fonseca and representative of the family’s sixth generation, highlighted Periquita’s historical role as a symbol of both the company’s identity and the Azeitão region. He also emphasised the brand’s ability to evolve over time while preserving its authenticity and strong connection to its origins.

“Periquita must honour its past, but it must also engage with the present and prepare for the future,” said António Soares Franco, adding that the work carried out from vineyard to market has been fundamental in maintaining the brand’s relevance among different generations of consumers and across new international markets.

Founded in 1993, the Periquita Brotherhood aims to promote the prestige and heritage of the brand, celebrate its unique characteristics and bring together enthusiasts around one of Portugal’s most iconic wines. Today, it counts 225 inducted members, including national and international figures from a wide range of backgrounds.

Among its members are personalities such as Brazilian television presenter Ana Maria Braga, singer Fafá de Belém, actor Ricardo Pereira, chefs Marlene Vieira, João Sá and Rui Paula, as well as former President of the Portuguese Republic Jorge Sampaio.

More than a traditional wine brotherhood, the organisation serves as an international network of Periquita ambassadors, helping to preserve and promote the legacy of one of Portugal’s most iconic wines while projecting the name of Azeitão beyond national borders.