Urban Wine Tourism: Tomar City Embraces the Debut of the Tejo a Copo Event

The first edition of TOMAR um Tejo a Copo was a resounding success. With over 700 attendees, the event was sold out, and the joy was palpable on the faces of both producers and consumers alike. It was particularly heartwarming to see families at the event, which, in addition to wine, offered a selection of gastronomic delights courtesy of the newly opened Vila Galé Collection Tomar.

“With six editions under its belt, Tejo a Copo is already a much-loved event among locals, especially wine enthusiasts. This year, for the first time, we decided to organize a second event, moving the location from Santarém to Tomar. We had high expectations, both the Tejo Regional Wine Commission (CVR Tejo) and Tomar City Council, but the first edition always holds a surprise. Despite the forecast of bad weather, we were fortunate to have a full house and a sunny afternoon, allowing attendees to enjoy the outdoor space right in front of the Vila Galé Collection Tomar. It was undoubtedly a winning bet. We are convinced that the Tejo wines need events like this, where consumers can interact directly with producers, enjoying tastings accompanied by the stories behind each wine,” said Luís de Castro, President of the CVR Tejo.

Twenty-four producers participated in TOMAR um Tejo a Copo 2024, eight of them from the Tomar municipality, with some making their debut at a Tejo a Copo event.

The program also included three wine tastings led by sommelier, consultant, and Tejo Wine Ambassador Rodolfo Tristão. The tastings focused on ‘Fernão Pires, the Queen of Tejo Grapes’, ‘Castelão, the Red Emblem of Tejo’, and ‘Wines of Tomar: the Essence of Terroir’. The keen and engaged audience filled the space, and the shop also experienced peak attendance, indicating that visitors enjoyed the wines and chose some to take home, extending their Tejo wine tasting experience. The Tejo Wine Route, with its year-round online shop, offered special prices, a cloth bag with the purchase of two or more bottles, and free shipping within mainland Portugal for purchases of six or more bottles.