The Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto, I.P. (IVDP, IP) is returning to the United Kingdom to host a series of Port Wine masterclasses dedicated to sommeliers. These events will mark the official launch of the 2025/2026 edition of the Master of Port UK.
Port Wine, one of the world’s most prestigious Designations of Origin, and the Douro Wine Region, the oldest demarcated and regulated region in the world, established in 1756, will take centre stage on 22, 23 and 24 September with masterclasses in London, Edinburgh and Belfast. Each session will be held in a landmark venue in its host city.
These initiatives are promoted by IVDP, IP, whose mission is to certify, regulate, protect and promote the Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) Porto and Douro. “The UK is a strategic and highly relevant market for wines from the Douro Demarcated Region, not only due to its size but also because of a consumer profile eager for new and enriching experiences. This initiative therefore represents an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the value of the Porto PDO,” says Gilberto Igrejas, President of IVDP, IP
The sessions will be led by Paulo Russell-Pinto, Wine Educator at IVDP, IP, who will present the different Port Wine styles and their key characteristics. Each masterclass will conclude with a tasting of nine distinctive categories, showcasing the quality and diversity of wines from the region.
Following the masterclasses, candidates to the Master of Port UK 2025 title will take an online exam. The best performers will qualify for the quarter-finals in Porto and the Douro, scheduled for November 2025, where they will continue their journey in this prestigious competition.
These masterclasses are designed to expand sommeliers’ expertise in Port Wine and highlight its diversity and quality, reinforcing its prestige in the UK trade.
Schedule & Venues:
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- 22 September, 10:00 AM – One Great George Street, London
- 23 September, 10:00 AM – Hotel du Vin, Edinburgh
- 24 September, 10:00 AM – Malone House, Belfast
General Information
- Duration: 2 hours (times to be confirmed)
- Cost: Free of charge (limited places available)
- Certificate: Included
- Target audience: Sommeliers
Registration is mandatory and must be completed via this link: https://www.westburycom.co.uk/events
