Best of Portugal 2026:

Four Exceptional Wines That Tell the Story of Modern Portugal

Every year, the Best of Portugal competition, organized by VINUM, highlights the wines that best embody the richness and excellence of Portuguese viticulture. The 2026 edition confirms a strong trend: Portuguese wines have never been more exciting, more precise, or more internationally acclaimed.

From the schist slopes of the Douro to the granite hills of Dão and the Atlantic-influenced vineyards of Lisbon, Portugal continues to assert its unique identity. Indigenous grape varieties, old vines, and the expertise of visionary winemakers combine to create wines of remarkable character, capable of competing with Europe's finest references.

Among the winners of Best of Portugal 2026, four wines stand out in particular. Four wines, four regions, four expressions of contemporary Portuguese winemaking. The good news for wine lovers: all of them are available at La Vinothèque.

Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinhas Velhas 2022

The Crown Jewel of the Douro

The competition's highest distinction this year goes to Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinhas Velhas 2022, awarded the coveted title of Best of Show. This prestigious accolade celebrates not only an exceptional wine but also one of the Douro Valley's most iconic estates.

Sourced from historic vineyards planted with a multitude of indigenous grape varieties, this wine represents the purest expression of the valley's viticultural heritage. The naturally low yields of these old vines provide extraordinary concentration, while the altitude and schist soils of the Douro bring freshness and precision.

The 2022 vintage impresses with its remarkable balance. The nose reveals aromas of wild blackberry, blackcurrant, violet, fine spices, graphite, and cocoa. On the palate, power, energy, and elegance come together in perfect harmony. Long, complex, and built for ageing, it represents the very best that the Douro has to offer today.

This Best of Show distinction places Vinhas Velhas among the most sought-after Portuguese wines of the year.

Vinha dos Amores Encruzado

The Great White Wine of Dão

While the Douro dominates the overall rankings, Dão delivered one of the competition's most remarkable performances thanks to Vinha dos Amores Encruzado, which secured second place among the white wines.

Produced from Encruzado, often regarded as Portugal's finest white grape variety, this wine captivates with its refinement and precision. The bouquet reveals notes of ripe citrus, white flowers, yellow-fleshed fruits, and delicate mineral nuances.

The palate combines richness and tension with outstanding elegance. Every detail feels perfectly crafted, resulting in a gastronomic wine capable of accompanying both noble seafood and fine dining cuisine.

This award further strengthens Dão's growing reputation among Europe's great white wine regions.

Quinta do Vallado 50 Years Tawny Port

The Art of Time

Some wines transcend the boundaries of competition. They embody heritage, memory, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. The Quinta do Vallado 50 Years Tawny Port belongs to this rare category.

Crafted from an extraordinary blend of very old Ports aged for decades in Vallado's historic cellars, it represents the pinnacle of aged Port production.

Its mahogany-hued robe opens onto a captivating bouquet of walnuts, toasted almonds, candied orange peel, dried figs, fine caramel, and sweet spices. On the palate, the concentration is remarkable yet beautifully balanced by a freshness that brings remarkable elegance.

Each glass tells a story of patience and transmission. More than a wine, it is a work of time.

Mula Velha

Atlantic Elegance from Lisbon

The Lisbon wine region continues its rise with Mula Velha, a wine that perfectly illustrates the dynamism of this still underappreciated region.

Benefiting from the tempering influence of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon's vineyards produce wines where freshness naturally balances fruit richness. Mula Velha is among the finest expressions of this style.

The nose reveals aromas of ripe black fruits, black cherry, plum, and delicate spice notes. On the palate, generosity never comes at the expense of finesse. Silky tannins, vibrant fruit, and a persistent finish create a wine of remarkable harmony.

Its distinction at Best of Portugal 2026 confirms Lisbon's emergence as one of the country's most promising wine regions.

Sogevinus Group in the Spotlight

The 2026 edition also highlighted the excellence of the Sogevinus Group, one of Portugal's leading wine companies, bringing together prestigious estates such as Kopke, Quinta da Boavista, and Quinta de São Luiz.

Particularly successful during the competition, the group collected numerous awards across several categories, demonstrating the richness and diversity of its terroirs. Among the standout wines was Kopke Vintage Port 2006, which achieved an impressive score of 94/100. This distinction further reinforces the reputation of Kopke, founded in 1638 and recognized as the oldest Port house in existence.

Wine enthusiasts can discover many other Vintage Port vintages at La Vinothèque, alongside an outstanding collection of Colheitas and Aged Tawny Ports that have built Kopke's international reputation.

Through Quinta da Boavista and Quinta de São Luiz, the group also showcases its expertise in producing world-class still wines from the Douro. These historic estates craft wines that express the identity of the valley's schist soils with depth, elegance, and remarkable ageing potential.

The strong presence of Sogevinus wines among the Best of Portugal 2026 winners once again confirms the group's position as a benchmark in the world of premium Portuguese wines and Ports.

Portugal at the Peak of Its Art

Through these four outstanding wines, Best of Portugal 2026 offers a compelling portrait of contemporary Portuguese winemaking. The prestige of the Douro's old vines through Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinhas Velhas, the elegance of Dão embodied by Vinha dos Amores Encruzado, the timeless nobility of Quinta do Vallado 50 Years Tawny Port, and the Atlantic freshness of Mula Velha showcase the extraordinary diversity of Portugal.

More than a simple ranking, this selection tells the story of a wine country that has reached full maturity, combining tradition, innovation, and emotion with rare authenticity.

Wines to discover now at La Vinothèque, and an invitation to explore one of Europe's most fascinating wine regions.