Dão Region Wine Contest Hits Record Participation in 2026

The 17th edition of the "Os Melhores Vinhos do Dão" competition took place on 9–10 July at the headquarters of the Regional Wine Commission of Dão (CVR Dão) in Viseu, Portugal. The event attracted a record 41 wine producers and 176 wine entries, a rise of more than 30 % over the previous year, underscoring growing confidence in the contest as a platform for promoting the Dão wine region.

A diverse jury of journalists, sommeliers, producers and enologists evaluated the wines across five categories – white, red, rosé, single‑varietal and sparkling – awarding Grand Gold (≥93 points), Gold (≥89) and Silver (≥85) medals. The competition’s president, Manuel Pinheiro, said the surge in participation highlights the contest’s relevance for recognizing quality and celebrating the region’s diversity. Winners, including the overall "Best Wine of the Contest," will be announced on 17 July during a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Museum of Wine and Arts in Nelas.