In the five years since the Full Circle Beverage Conference launched, this esteemed three-day event has become known as one of the most in-depth and prestigious wine conferences in the U.S. With seminars, lunches, dinners, breakout tastings, and a walk-around grand tasting, all hosted by a team of knowledgeable Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine, the Full Circle Beverage Conference attracts top media and trade attendees.
These attendees come to experience regions and producers from all over the world—and at this year’s conference, held from September 4 to 6 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Portuguese wines were featured throughout the event. From seminars and tastings dedicated solely to in-depth explorations of Portuguese wines, to global lineups allowing Portuguese wines to stand out among top wines from around the world, the Full Circle Beverage Conference allowed members of the trade, journalists, and consumers the opportunity to discover new facets of Portugal’s wines.
Three distinct seminars during the three-day conference highlighted Portuguese wines, with Wines of Portugal bookending the event. In the kickoff seminar, “Unexpected Gems from Around the World,” 2 of the 12 wines poured by hosts Evan Goldstein, MS, Peter Granoff, MS, Madeline Triffon, MS, and John Szabo, MS, were from Portugal. Wines from the regions of Alentejo, Dão, and Bairrada displayed Portugal’s hidden treasures amidst wines from France, Greece, Austria, and beyond. A discussion titled “Where the Wild Things Are: An Exploration of Native Yeast Fermentation” also included one Portuguese wine, showcasing the country’s experimental energy.
A very special seminar hosted by Keith Goldston, MS, and Wines of Portugal U.S. Ambassador Eugenio Jardim showcased all sides of one of Portugal’s most important grapes: Touriga Nacional. In the “Many Faces of Touriga Nacional from Portugal” seminar, attendees had the opportunity to taste 15 varietal, blended, rosé, red, and fortified sweet wines from across Portugal, with vintages dating from 2018 back to 1963. After the seminar, Goldston and Jardim also hosted a Portuguese exploration lunch, featuring the many colors and styles of wine that Portugal produces.
The grand tasting welcomed trade, media, and consumers alike, with 6 Portuguese producers presenting 27 wines. With the impression that Wines of Portugal made on attendees this year, next year’s Full Circle Beverage Conference-goers are sure to demand even more from this exciting country.
Font: winesofportugal