The region is competing for European Wine City 2026, highlighting its growing wine industry and tourism potential.
Algarve’s Ambitious Bid for European Wine City 2026
The Algarve has officially submitted its candidacy for the title of European Wine City 2026 under the name ‘Algarve Golden Terroir’. The bid was announced last week during the 3rd Convention of Wine Territories, held in Lagoa.
The initiative brings together six municipalities – Albufeira, Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão, Monchique and São Brás de Alportel – representing all Algarve members of the Portuguese Association of Wine Municipalities (AMPV). However, local officials emphasise that this is a bid for the entire Algarve, encompassing all 16 municipalities in the region.
Boosting Wine Tourism and Local Economy
The municipalities involved have collaborated on a joint strategy to promote Algarve wines and local products. The project not only aims to strengthen wine tourism and highlight the region’s winemaking heritage but also to establish the Algarve as a premier travel destination, boosting its economy.
This is the region’s second attempt at securing the European Wine City title, having previously lost to the Douro. Competing alongside the Algarve for the 2026 designation are the Baixo Alentejo, the Azores and Lisbon. The final decision will be made on April 30 in Borba.
Remarkable Growth in the Algarve Wine Sector
Lagoa’s mayor, Luís Encarnação, emphasised the remarkable progress of the Algarve’s wine sector, noting that the region now has 55 wine producers, a significant increase from previous decades.
He highlighted the production of two million wine bottles in 2024, half a million more than the previous year, and underlined the role of wine tourism in combating seasonal tourism fluctuations.
“This project is a strategic milestone for the Algarve, a region with a growing winemaking tradition and enormous potential in wine tourism. The collaborative work of the six municipalities is key to affirming our identity and positioning the Algarve as a top European oenotourism destination,” he stated.
With titles such as ‘Algarve Golden Terroir’, the Algarve is becoming increasingly appealing to visitors all year round.