Azorean Government to boost economic value of Azorean wines - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Government of the Azores considers the economic development of Azorean wines a priority, creating conditions for greater production profitability and a stronger market presence, goals at the heart of the 1st Azorean Wine Forum's conclusions.

“We have wines of recognised quality and a truly distinctive identity. The challenge before us is to ensure that this value is increasingly recognised by the market and leads to better opportunities and greater profitability for producers,” stated the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura.

The government official emphasised that the sector’s development requires coordinated action among producers, cooperatives, businesses, distributors and the hospitality sector, combining the preservation of the Azorean wines’ identity with innovation, skills development and the ability to reach new consumers.

Organised by the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), the 1st Azores Wine Forum took place between October 29 and November 1 in Madalena, Pico Island, under the theme “Atlantic Wines: Identity, Innovation and the Future,” bringing together producers, technicians, specialists and representatives from institutions, the distribution sector, the hospitality industry and tourism.

The proceedings produced nine conclusions, including the need to prepare businesses for overseas markets, set sustainable prices, establish appropriate distribution chains, and ensure coordinated, ongoing promotion of Azorean wines.

Understanding production costs, strengthening technical support and the role of trade associations, and adopting approaches tailored to the specific characteristics of each island were among the other priorities identified.

The preservation of grape varieties and traditional knowledge, oenological innovation and the promotion of fortified wines were also highlighted, alongside the development of wine tourism and the training of catering professionals.

For António Ventura, these priorities must converge towards a common goal: boosting the value generated by the Azorean wine sector.

“The success of our wines depends on quality, but it does not end there. We must be able to leverage that quality commercially, improve companies’ ability to reach markets, and strengthen cooperation throughout the entire sector,” he emphasised.

The quality of regional production was also highlighted at the 1st Azores Certified Wines Competition, held as part of the Forum. The competition featured 58 certified wines – 52 still white wines and six fortified wines – covering the Biscoitos, Graciosa and Pico designations of origin and the Azores geographical indication.

Eight Grand Gold Medals and eight Gold Medals were awarded to wines from eight producers. The "Pé do Monte – Arinto dos Açores 2020," from Adega do Vulcão, was distinguished as Best White Wine of the Competition and Best Arinto Wine from the Azores.

In the remaining categories, the following wines were recognised: Terras de Lava Branco 2025, from Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico, as Best White Blend Wine; Adega do Vulcão Verdelho 2023, as Best Verdelho Wine; Entre Pedras Terrantez do Pico 2025, as Best Terrantez do Pico Wine; and Ilha do Pico 10 Anos, from Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico, as Best Fortified Wine.

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food congratulated the distinguished producers, cooperatives and companies, noting that the results achieved demonstrate the quality and growing reputation of Azorean wine production.