SUBAQUATIC WINE TOURISM EXPERIENCE RETURNS TO SINES

Sea, wine and tourism converge once again in Sines for the second edition of the Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience

The Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience returns to Sines on 19 and 20 June for its second edition, reaffirming its commitment to establishing the Alentejo Litoral as a distinctive tourism destination where the sea, wine, gastronomy and the authenticity of the territory come together to create singular experiences.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, the event once again brings together tourism professionals, wine producers, journalists, researchers and industry enthusiasts in a programme that combines knowledge, tasting, hands-on experiences and direct engagement with one of the most innovative trends in the wine world: underwater ageing.

Promoted by the Regional Tourism Entity of Alentejo and Ribatejo and the Municipality of Sines, and conceived and produced by APENO — the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association — the event aims to establish the Alentejo Litoral as a territory capable of developing innovative, sustainable tourism products that are deeply connected to its natural resources.

Across two days, the programme brings together hands-on experiences, commented tastings, conferences and gastronomic moments, offering a comprehensive overview of the potential of underwater ageing as a distinctive wine tourism product.

The 2026 edition will also feature the participation of producers and specialists from Portugal, Spain and Italy, enabling an exchange of experiences and best practice between different territories connected to the world of submerged wines.

José Santos, President of the Regional Tourism Entity of Alentejo and Ribatejo, said: “This event demonstrates the capacity of the Alentejo Litoral to innovate and create unique tourism experiences from its natural resources. The sea and wine come together here in an authentic way, contributing to the valorisation of the territory and strengthening the region’s appeal.”

Álvaro Beijinha, President of the Municipality of Sines, added: “This second edition of the Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience confirms Sines as a territory of innovation and connection to the sea. The event highlights our natural resources, promotes the destination, and reinforces the municipality’s positioning as a stage for distinctive experiences that unite wine, tourism and knowledge.”

Maria João de Almeida, President of APENO, said: “The Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience is an example of the capacity for innovation within Portuguese wine tourism and of how Portugal can position itself at the vanguard of new wine-related experiences. The presence of international specialists at this second edition reinforces the relevance of the event and allows us to create a unique platform for sharing knowledge, experiences and best practice.”

You can view the full programme, including all the information about the producers, via the link: https://enoturismodeportugal.pt/subaquatic-wine-tourism-experience-2026/

PROGRAMME

DAY 1 — 19 JUNE

10:00 — Arrival and welcome

Arrival at Hotel Sines Sea View and transfer of participants to the diving activity.

11:00–13:00 — Underwater diving experience

Diving session with Joaquim Parrinha and his team from Adega do Mar / Centro Ecoalga.

Journalists, industry professionals and national and international guests will take part in a visit to the submerged structures and in the retrieval of wines aged on the seabed.

Subject to prior registration. Places are limited.

14:00 — Lunch at Hotel Sines Sea View, with pairing of sea-aged wines.

Afternoon — Parallel activities

15:00 — Open diving sessions

Continuation of diving activities with Joaquim Parrinha’s team, open to the general public.

16:30–18:30 — Commented tasting of underwater wines

Venue: Hotel Sea View

Coordination: Rodolfo Tristão (Sommelier)

Comparative tasting of sea-aged and land-aged wines, with national and international producers.

• Maximum of 15 wines
• Each producer presents their own wine
• Session open to professionals and the public, subject to registration

20:00–23:00 — Chef’s dinner

Venue: Restaurante Alma Nómada (Porto Côvo)

Chef’s dinner with underwater wine pairing, under the coordination of sommelier Rodolfo Tristão.

Open to professionals and invited guests, subject to registration.

DAY 2 — 20 JUNE

09:30 – Accreditations

10:00–11:00 — International conference

‘Submerged Wines: Trends and International Dialogue’

Moderated by: Maria João de Almeida (journalist and President of APENO)

Guest speakers:

• Pedro Martinez — Bodegas Verónica (Spain)
• Pierluigi Lugano — Bisson Società Agricola (Italy)
• Ramiro Carbajo — Bodegueros Quinta Esencia (Spain)

11:30–12:30 — International commented tasting

Tasting of the wines presented by the conference speakers, with time at the end for questions and debate.

13:00–16:30 — Closing lunch — Casa do Médico

Farewell lunch at Restaurante Casa do Médico in Sines, showcasing local and seafood produce, paired with wines.

16:30 — Return to Lisbon

With this second edition, the Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience continues to affirm the Alentejo Litoral as a territory of tourism innovation, where the sea and wine unite to create singular experiences capable of generating recognition, attracting visitors and strengthening the region’s competitiveness.

Registrations for the Subaquatic Wine Tourism Experience 2026 are now open. Those wishing to take part in this second edition may request further information and register by e-mailing apeno@enoturismodeportugal.pt.