27 January 2026

As we celebrate International Port Wine Day, we are not only marking the existence of an excellent product, but also honoring one of Portugal's greatest ambassadors to the world and the emblem of a landscape classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

For I Love Douro, this date is a moment of reflection on the weight of history and the responsibility of preserving a unique heritage.

The Oldest Demarcated Region in the World

The identity of Port wine is inseparable from the pioneering vision that, in 1756, led the Marquis of Pombal to create the General Company of Agriculture of the Vineyards of the Upper Douro. This decision established the first demarcated and regulated region in the world, defining quality standards that endure to this day.

An Economic and Cultural Engine

More than just a reference point, Port wine is a fundamental pillar of the economy of the Northern region and Portugal:

Export: With a consolidated presence on five continents, Port wine continues to assert the Portugal brand in demanding and competitive markets.

Wine Tourism: The sector has been the great driver of tourism in the Douro and the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, attracting visitors seeking to understand the vine cycle, the art of aging, and local gastronomy.

Population Settlement: Viticulture continues to be essential for the demographic and social sustainability of the Douro interior.

The Complexity of a Classic

From the vibrancy of the Rubies to the oxidative complexity of the Tawnies, passing through the supreme category of Vintage, Port wine demonstrates a unique versatility.

Port wine is proof that tradition, when combined with excellence, is timeless.

Commitment to the Future

On this International Port Wine Day, the focus should be not only on celebrating the past, but also on preparing for the future. The challenges of climate change, high competition, the trending non-alcoholic lifestyle, and the need for increasingly sustainable practices are the new challenges facing the region.

I Love Douro reaffirms its commitment to promoting and valuing this territory. We invite our readers and partners to raise a glass in homage to the history, the territory, and the people who make Port wine a national treasure.