Fall in love with Portuguese wines at Taste of Vail’s Apr猫s Tasting
Port Wine Fest bringing 45 additional wineries to the streets of Vail Village
Zach Mahone/Courtesy photo
Taste of Vail has been bringing culinary delights and wine education to the Vail Valley for 32 years. The nonprofit’s goal has always been to position Vail as a culinary destination and to bring national and international attention to the town through the multi-day festival.
But organizers also like to educate attendees on various topics and shine a light on hot trends in the food and wine world. At the Apr猫s Tasting on the streets of Vail Village on Thursday, get ready to be introduced to the wines of Portugal.
The Association of Portuguese Wines is taking its wines on tour across America and going to festivals in California, Boston, Chicago and New York. is a festival within a festival, so look for 45 additional wineries participating in the Apr猫s Tasting on Thursday from 3-6 p.m. before Port Wine Fest heads to on Apr. 6 and 7.
Portugal has a rich history in winemaking dating back to 2000 BC and much of that success is due to its climate and soil. The southern European country borders Spain to the east and is on the Iberian Peninsula and looks out to the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The terrain varies from vast amounts of coastlines to golden plains inland. Over 250 varieties of grapes call Portugal home. The cuisine goes from hearty and rich meals in the north to lighter, fresh seafood dishes in the south. To go with the food there is a variety of wines made domestically.
According to Wines of Portugal, Portuguese wines and winemaking regions have received many accolades:
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- The wine region of Lisbon was considered by “Wine Enthusiast” one of the “10 Best Wine Travel Destinations 2019”
- “Forbes” magazine elected the best wines of 2019 with three Portuguese wines in the top 12 places.
- According to research conducted at Prowein 2018 by the University of Geisenheim, Portugal ranks first as the most desired wine origin for international buyers to expand their future portfolio by 2021.
“We are thrilled to introduce U.S. consumers to the unique and diverse wines of Portugal through this exciting festival series,” said Ant贸nio Marquez Filipe, president of the “These regional activations will provide attendees with the opportunity to experience the high-quality wines of Portugal, as well as explore its rich culture through authentic food and music.”
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The Apr猫s Tasting has been a signature event and also a competition among Vail Valley restaurants. Local chefs vie for bragging rights and awards from the judges and the public and proudly display this honor throughout the year until the next Apr猫s Tasting occurs the following spring. In previous years, chefs have cooked up lamb and pork dishes and this year’s featured meat is beef in the Fitch Ranch Head to Tail Beef Apr猫s Tasting.
Tickets can be purchased at and are $90 for the entire tasting or you can pay as you go with $11 tasting tickets or 5 for $50.
