According to NiT news, in Baixo Alentejo, Vidigueira is leading the process of registering the “ampoule wine production” technique as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. However, other towns such as Amareleja, Ervidel, Vila Alva and Vila de Frades maintain the tradition. This may even be one of the most recognisable features of the region's wine world, where the segment's growth has never slowed down, but it is not exclusive. The increasingly recognized positioning of Baixo Alentejo is also due to its successful investment in wine tourism. Every year, new renowned wine tourism establishments emerge, even with recognition abroad, which have helped to elevate the region's position, which is now seen as a potential candidate for European City of Wine 2026.

“We applied a special focus on the ancient tradition of amphorae, but allied to the quality of Alentejo wines and the numerous awards already won by the region in recent years, both in the wine sector and in tourism”, says José Santos, president of the Regional Tourism Entity (ERT) of Alentejo and Ribatejo in an interview with the newspaper. Adding, "together with the Intermunicipal Community of Baixo Alentejo (CIMBAL), will apply by the end of March".

Within wine tourism, several businesses stand out, such as Herdade do Rocim, famous for organising and promoting the Amphora Wine Day Festival since 2018, or Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, which is an unavoidable name in its work promoting experiences linked to wine, but not only, alongside excellent accommodation, having been the first of its kind in Baixo Alentejo.

“Today, wine tourism in the region offers a range of high-quality accommodation. It is no coincidence that some of the best hotels in Portugal and even in Europe are located here. But there is also room for more intimate and authentic forms of wine tourism, where entertainment activities take center stage. Wine tourism is also increasingly linked to concepts such as well-being and health, integrating wellness experiences and nature tourism,” emphasises José Santos to NiT newspaper.

Between the undeniable quality of the wines and a strong tourism sector, a third pillar reinforces this candidacy for European City of Wine 2026: sustainability. As part of the Alentejo Wine Sustainability Plan, more than a dozen producers have signed up and become certified, making it a pioneering project at European and global level.

“This investment reinforces the positioning of Baixo Alentejo as a great wine region, capable of masterfully combining entrepreneurship, sustainability, hospitality, culture and landscape”, he adds.

After Reguengos de Monsaraz (Évora) achieved the distinction in 2015, and Douro in 2023, there is now a new opportunity for Portugal to showcase another region worthy of recognition in the wine world. The next European City of Wine 2026 will be revealed on 30 April, at a ceremony to be held in Borba, in the Évora district.