SINES BECOMES A GLOBAL PIONEER IN UNDERWATER WINE TOURISM

The Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience returned to Sines for its second edition, once again bringing together professionals from the wine, tourism, gastronomy, media and wine tourism sectors in an initiative that continues to position the Alentejo Coast as a distinctive and innovative destination for wine-related experiences.

Over the course of two days, participants explored the world of underwater-aged wines through immersive experiences, guided tastings, gastronomic moments and knowledge-sharing sessions, in a programme that highlighted the sea as a unique element of the region’s wine and tourism offering.

One of the highlights of the programme was the underwater diving experience coordinated by Joaquim Parrinha, from Adega do Mar / Centro Ecoalga. The activity gave participants, including national and international journalists, the opportunity to witness the recovery of bottles aged on the seabed and gain first-hand insight into the conditions in which this ageing process takes place, providing a unique experience and direct contact with one of the wine industry’s most innovative trends.

Another key moment of the event was the comparative tasting led by sommelier Rodolfo Tristão, who presented wines aged underwater alongside those aged on land. The session explored the differences in evolution, texture, freshness and complexity between the two ageing methods, encouraging valuable discussion among producers, professionals, academics and participants.

Gastronomy also played a central role throughout the event. On the first day, following a lunch featuring local products at the Sines Sea View Hotel, guests enjoyed a dinner at Alma Nómada, in Porto Covo, where chef Marco Nascimento created a menu carefully designed to complement both the underwater-aged and traditionally aged wines presented during the tasting.

On the second day, the event concluded with a farewell lunch at Casa do Médico, in Sines, dedicated exclusively to wines presented by the invited international producers. Participants had the opportunity to discover and taste wines from Spain and Italy, further exploring projects specialising in underwater ageing.

The technical and educational dimension of the event was reinforced through an international conference dedicated to underwater-aged wines, featuring Pierluigi Lugano, from Italy’s Bisson Società Agricola, and Ramiro Carbajo, from Spain’s Bodegueros Quinta Esencia. Moderated by Maria João de Almeida, wine journalist and President of APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism, the session explored the challenges, opportunities and growth potential of this emerging segment, which continues to attract increasing interest from both the wine and tourism industries.

According to José Santos, President of the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Board, “The Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience is an excellent example of the Alentejo Coast’s ability to transform its natural resources into distinctive tourism experiences. The sea, gastronomy, wines and authenticity of this territory create unique conditions for developing innovative tourism products capable of generating international recognition, attracting visitors and strengthening the Alentejo Coast as an increasingly competitive and distinctive destination.”

Álvaro Beijinha, Mayor of Sines, added: “This second edition once again demonstrated Sines’ strong connection to the sea and the municipality’s ability to host innovative initiatives that showcase the region. It also confirmed the growing interest from both producers and the public in this type of experience.”

For Maria João de Almeida, President of APENO, “The Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience is a pioneering event that has established itself as a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation and the promotion of this region. It has been a great success, and next year we will have even more surprises.”

Organised by the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Board and the Municipality of Sines, with curation and production by APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism, the Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience also benefited from the support of partner organisations including Sines Sea View Hotel, EcoAlga and Coutale.

To learn more about the Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience and revisit the highlights of this second edition, visit www.subaquaticwinetourismexperience.pt.