Events: The Women in Wine Expo 2024

Crowds gather nightly to watch the sunset over Porto at Jardim do Morro. Original photo.

Good Wine Gals Mingle at the Women in Wine Expo 2024 in Porto, Portugal. Here's what happened.

In the heart of iconic, picturesque and historic Porto, 97 women from 27 countries gathered for two full days to explore women-led initiatives in wine, on topics from old vines to new grapes, reducing carbon emissions to sustainable solutions. It's because of one woman, Senay Ozdemir, whose inspired vision to raise the profile of women in wine, that this event is in its fourth year. With excellent event hosts, Taylor's Port, WoW Cultural District and The Rebello Hotel & Spa, along with a full roster of presentations and wine tastings, this event succeeded in bringing together historic beauty and modern issues. The consensus among the attendees was that the Women in Wine Expo exceeded expectations. Here are five highlights from this fantastic event and why I’ll be attending next year.

View of the Dom Luiz 1 Bridge from the Ribeira in Gaia.

Iconic City Vibe

What a thrill to discover Porto, Villa Nova de Gaia and Port wine country. Every year, the Women in Wine Expo is hosted in a wine-centric destination giving attendees the chance to travel and explore fabulous places and good wine. This year, Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second largest city in Portugal, played host city. The old city is believed to have been inhabited since the 8th century BC, making Porto one of the oldest cities in Europe. The Douro River flows from Spain 800 kilometers to the Atlantic ocean traveling through the heart of Port wine country, separating Porto and Gaia, where the Port lodges and tasting rooms are located. The Ribeira (river) is a lively area of Porto and Gaia, where outdoor restaurants, cafes, bars, live music and throngs of tourists bring vibrant modern white running shoe energy to this Harry Potter like city. In case you haven't heard, a traditional Porto dish called Francesinha (a carnivore’s delight) is on every menu and very shareable. Walking across the Dom Luiz 1 bridge, riding the funicular, or catching the Gaia gondola are just a few ways to take in the gorgeous view. The Jardim de Morro on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river offers a spectacular sunset photo-op. Here revelers, locals and tourists, gather every night to sip wine, listen to music and watch the sunset. Porto is a walker's paradise, a foodies feast and a wine lover's dream. 

Welcome to Taylor's, How about a Pink & Tonic or a Chip Dry & Tonic? These are delicious and convenient.

An Exceptional Host 

Taylor’s, also known as Taylor Fladgate in North America, is an historic Port wine producer and a key host and sponsor of the 2024 Women in Wine Expo. Known for rich, powerful and award winning fortified wines, Taylor’s shares its long and storied past, its modern take and its passion for Port with genuine hospitality. The Taylor’s Guest Center in Vila Nova de Gaia is a warm, welcoming venue with an active warehouse, tasting rooms, outdoor lounge, restaurant and indoor conference space. The center is surrounded by other lodges, well-worn narrow, tiled streets, sitting directly across from the Yeatman Hotel and a short distance from the very new and exciting World of Wine museum. Attendees toured the old warehouse, learning about Port wine production and participating in a private tasting of white, tawny and late bottled vintage wines. A visit to the World of Wine (WoW), gave the group access to four exhibits including the Planet Cork and the Port Region Across the Ages. Fun Fact: Portugal is the largest cork producer in the world. At WoW, the on-premise lounges and restaurants with outdoor patio seating offer a relaxing setting and a nice conclusion to an energetic day. If you didn't drink port before this event, chances are you are not a convert.

Meet winemaker Stephane Cuadra and the 2022 Silos from Valle D'Itria

The Porto Protocol

An overused and misunderstood word today is sustainability. But look no further than the The Porto Protocol foundation to find meaning. This is a climate action community providing actionable sustainable solutions to the wine industry. Founded by Taylor's under the leadership of Adrian Bridge, the Porto Protocol’s mandate for collective action and on-going research aims to assist grape growers and wine makers reduce carbon emissions through vetted packaging modifications, increase energy and water use efficiency, as well as support ecosystem restoration. The members of the foundation make up the who's who of the global wine industry. 

Caro Feely of Chateau Feely, a writer, and entrepreneur is a member of the Porto Protocol. At Chateau Feely, located in Bergerac, Caro has successfully created an eco-tourism guest experience, an organic vineyard, and a yoga community demonstrating the importance of thinking outside the box in order to survive and thrive. She credits her involvement with the Porto Protocol for step changes and success as she spreads the word and contributes her insights to the industry. Member chapters of the Porto Protocol can be found in every wine country in the world. To learn more, click the link here.​

A winery in Bali? Fresh and lively Pink Blossom represents audacious dreams coming true.

Women Lead Wineries 

Speakers from women-lead wineries filled the roster of the event. These powerful presenters shared tenacity and vision that inspired everyone in the room. A winery in Bali? Armenia? Valle D'Itria? Here are a few of the impressive tales.

Bali is a Muslim country. That didn't deter Yoka and Evy from starting Sababay Winery in Bali with a vision of drinking wine made locally. They had to  convince traditional farmers to grow grapes instead of rice and established a fair trade program to support this initiative. With support from the Porto Protocol community, these steps as well as finding the grapes to match the terroir, led to success. What a delight Pink Blossom Rosé is with it's balanced, light bodied, tropical fruit aromas and flavours (guava, yuzu citrus). It's perfect for an afternoon sip and most certainly a good pairing with local cuisine.

You've heard of Georgian wine, but have you heard about Armenian wine? The oldest winery in the world was uncovered in the region of Vayots Dzor in Armenia dating back 6100 years. Tatevik Gabrielyan of Krya Wines, Zara Mazmanian of Northern Terroir Wines, and  Mariam Saghatelyan of Trinity Canyon Vineyards, all from Armenia, shared their wines and stories about the country’s ancient history and recent wine-making renaissance. With the discovery of forgotten indigenous grapes and  the focus on low intervention, organic viticulture and a deep respect for nature, Armenian wine is trending. Will the Women in Wine Expo be held in Armenia next year? Stay tuned.

Stéphane Cuadra of Lasorte Cuadra is an American winemaker and entrepreneur living and working in Puglia. Making only white field blends in a red wine region sets her apart. At 6000 bottles, the production is small and the wines unique but also gastronomic. The Valle D'Itria DOP is the tiny remote appellation on a small plateau where these ancient indigenous grapes grow. Careful respect for nature through sustainable practices and building community are the keys to the success of her award winning wine venture.

These are just a few stories from the fringe of mainstream grape growing and wine production, and perhaps the most exciting component of the Women in Wine Expo. 

Sonia Ramos shares Manz Wines, 2022 Dona Fatima with the Women in Wine Expo. Fantastic!

Good Wine Gals

Whether it's old vines or new hybrids, ancient history or unique terroir, quality wine and a captivating story can transport and inspire. ​Presenters like Elizabeth Higley from North Carolina, introduced the room to Muscadine, a vitis rotundifolia that is thriving in North Carolina. It's Sauvignon Blanc like character makes it appealing and a good food pairing partner. The region’s wine industry, which contributes $6.1 billion to the economy along with its subtropical climate and hurricane threats, make hybrid grape varieties that are resilient, the key to a successful and growing industry. Tasting Erik Martella's 2023 Selective Pick Dry Muscadine was reminiscent of tasting a dry Muscat crossed magically with Sauvignon Blanc. This is a top quality style and a great messenger of hope for wine regions dealing with climate crisis.

From Portugal, Manz Wines and story teller Sonia Ramos, made the case for the indigenous variety Jampal, once believed to be extinct. Revitalizing this grape in vineyards 30 minutes from Lisbon, is producing tasty results. The 2022 Dona Fatima is aromatic and lively, with an excellent balance of freshness, flavours and moderate alcohol, complexity, silkiness and long length. This was a top wine at the event. It's no wonder the limit is 3 bottles per customer.

Bubble lovers were delighted by Bijoux Wines of Coteaux de Beziers, as Helene Temmerman, introduced Ma Cherie, a non-vintage brut Rosé, onion skin in color, made from Grenache, Syrah and Ugni Blanc (one of the most planted grapes in France, and the main grape in Cognac). From Chateau Feely, Caro Feely surprised the crowd with the traditional method, organic, non vintage brut Rosé made from 100% Merlot. It was aromatic and very tasty. At the reception Joanna Pudo from Poland made sure to impress us with Dom Janton Blanc de Blanc, made by female winemaker Beata Janton. This was excellent with it's complex champagne-like profile of toasted brioche, dried apple and tiny, fine bubbles.  Very unexpected and delicious. 

The opening masterclass at the Women in Wine Expo featured Sandra Tavares da Silva, one of Portugal's top winemakers and owner of Wine & Soul. The 2022 Guru Branco (white) was a top style and definitely on the list of wines to try. This is a field blend from 70 year old vines in the Douro Valley. The vineyard is located at 600 meters facing north for a cooler exposition and the chance of continued survival. With good intensity of citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime) and mineral salts, great balance and structure with a long finish, this is an excellent white wine for any occasion. It's no wonder that the consumption of white wine, sparkling wine and Rosé are on the rise. The wines presented at the Women in Wine Expo were standouts.

Helene Temmerman of Bijou Wines shares Bijou, Ma Cherie with the Women in Wine Expo. Lovely!

Conclusion: The Women in Wine Expo Is a Must Attend Event

​The Women in Wine Expo brought together a hundred women from 27 countries to discuss new wine, old grapes, climate change, and sustainable practices. The event kicked off with a reception at Taylor’s, and ended with a very social and engaging wine tasting as attendees showcased the rare, unique and interesting styles that live on the fringe of the current wine market. With luck and love, this will change soon. The camaraderie was palpable as women from diverse backgrounds connected with each other sharing experiences, their wines and themselves. From Armenia to Turkey, and Poland to Portugal, the expo embraced modern and the historic, with its blend of inspiration and discovery. The Women in Wine Expo 2024 in Porto was a resounding success, leaving attendees eager to discover the location of next year’s event.

It's never dull when you are a wine gal. Life is short. Drink "good wine".

If you liked the story, please leave a comment below and share it with your wine loving friends. It's a bit longer than I normally compose but honestly this event was so tasty. Thank you from the bottom of my wine loving heart. Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more adventures.  Thanks for being a wine lover. And if you would rather listen than read, check out the Good Wine Gal podcast on YouTube.