Portugal Uncorked: Discover Azores and Bairrada Weds., 7/22, 5-7pm, complimentary.
Portugal Uncorked: Volcanic Islands & Coastal Classics
Grand European Wine Tour – Wine Wednesday
The Azores & Bairrada
Wednesday, July 22 | 5:00–7:00 PM
10% Off All Featured Wines During the Tasting
Our journey through Portugal continues with two of the country’s most fascinating and distinctive wine regions. This week we travel from the volcanic vineyards of Pico Island in the Azores to the cool Atlantic coastline of Bairrada, home to some of Portugal’s greatest sparkling wines and age-worthy reds.
Separated by more than 900 miles of ocean, these regions couldn’t appear more different, yet they share a common philosophy. Both are defined by challenging growing conditions, indigenous grape varieties, and winemakers dedicated to preserving Portugal’s unique viticultural heritage.
Join us as we explore one of Europe’s most dramatic wine landscapes alongside one of its most historic and innovative appellations.
Pico Island, Azores
Volcanic Viticulture at the Edge of the Atlantic
Located nearly 1,000 miles west of mainland Portugal, the Azores are among the world’s most extraordinary wine-growing regions. On Pico Island, vineyards are planted directly into fractured black basalt formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Stone walls known as currais protect the vines from relentless Atlantic winds while absorbing heat from the sun, creating tiny sheltered vineyard parcels unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The volcanic soils, cool maritime climate, and constant ocean influence produce wines of remarkable freshness, salinity, and mineral precision. Pico’s historic vineyards have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving a centuries-old tradition of heroic viticulture.
Featured Producer: Insula Vinus
Insula Vinus has become one of the leading ambassadors for modern Azorean wine. Working exclusively with indigenous grape varieties grown on Pico’s volcanic soils, the winery crafts wines that emphasize purity, energy, and unmistakable Atlantic character. Their commitment to preserving traditional vineyards while employing thoughtful, minimal-intervention winemaking has established them among Portugal’s most exciting emerging producers.
Bairrada
Portugal’s Coastal Home of Sparkling Wine & Baga
Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of central Portugal, Bairrada enjoys a cool maritime climate ideally suited for both sparkling wine and elegant reds. Clay-limestone soils, abundant rainfall, and moderate temperatures create wines with vibrant acidity, remarkable longevity, and exceptional food friendliness.
While Bairrada is internationally celebrated for Baga, one of Portugal’s noble red grapes, the region also produces outstanding sparkling wines and expressive whites from varieties such as Bical and Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires). Today, a new generation of producers is redefining the region while honoring its rich traditions.
Featured Producer: João Pato “Duckman”
Representing the newest generation of one of Portugal’s most famous wine families, João Pato has created the playful Duckman label to showcase fresh, approachable wines made entirely from native Portuguese grapes. His low-intervention philosophy emphasizes vibrant fruit, lively acidity, and exceptional drinkability while celebrating the unique identity of Bairrada.
Featured Producer: Luís Pato
Widely regarded as the “King of Bairrada,” Luís Pato has spent more than four decades transforming the reputation of the region. A pioneer of modern Portuguese wine, he was among the first to demonstrate the extraordinary potential of the Baga grape while also producing benchmark sparkling wines and whites. His meticulous vineyard work, innovative cellar practices, and unwavering commitment to indigenous varieties have made him one of Portugal’s most influential winemakers.
Featured Wines
2023 Insula Vinus “Chão de Lava” Branco, Pico Island, Azores $59.99 $53.99
2023 João Pato “Duckman” “White Duck” Bical, Bairrada $23.99 $21.59
N.V. Luís Pato Maria Gomes Espumante, Bairrada $28.99 $26.09
2020 Luís Pato “Vinha Pan,” Bairrada $74.99 $67.49
Why These Wines Matter
This week’s tasting highlights two remarkable expressions of Portuguese terroir.
The wines of Pico Island capture the dramatic influence of the Atlantic Ocean and volcanic soils, offering striking minerality, vibrant acidity, and a sense of place found nowhere else in the world.
Meanwhile, Bairrada showcases Portugal’s extraordinary diversity through crisp native whites, elegant traditional-method sparkling wine, and one of the country’s most celebrated red wines. Together, these four bottles tell the story of Portugal’s ability to produce world-class wines that remain refreshingly original.
Whether you’re fascinated by volcanic viticulture, curious about Portugal’s indigenous grapes, or simply looking to discover something new, this promises to be one of the most memorable stops on our Grand European Wine Tour.
10% Off All Featured Wines During the Tasting
Explore. Taste. Learn.