APENO presents the National Wine Tourism Award at BTL 2025 and Highlights the Heart of Dão

At the BTL 2025 – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market, which is taking place in Lisbon, the president of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO), Maria João de Almeida, took to the stage yesterday afternoon at the invitation of the mayor of Nelas, Joaquim Amaral, to present the long-awaited National Wine Tourism Gala, scheduled for May 30. The gala, which will be held in Nelas, in the heart of the Dão Demarcated Region, aims to reward the best in the wine tourism sector, highlighting best practices and the quality of the country’s tourist offerings. The event is an important milestone in the promotion of Nelas as a destination of excellence for wine tourism.

In her speech, Maria João Almeida stressed the importance of the National Wine Tourism Award, which aims to highlight the best in the sector, stimulating the growth of the wine tourism offer in Portugal. “This award is a great opportunity to highlight the quality and diversity of the wine tourism offer in Portugal and, without a doubt, Nelas is a prime example of this excellence,” said Maria João.
The mayor of Nelas, Joaquim Amaral, then highlighted the municipality’s initiatives to promote the identity and traditions of the Heart of the Dão. According to the mayor, Nelas has taken important steps to consolidate the region as a leading tourist destination. “We are working every day to promote our territory in a cohesive and dynamic way. Wine tourism has been one of the main pillars of our development and our presence here is proof that we are on the right track,” said the mayor, also referring to the success of events such as the Dão Wine Fair and Holy Week in Santar, which attract tourists and visitors from all over the world.

The BTL program continued with the Gastronomic Tertulia ‘À Mesa no Coração do Dão’, led by chef Luís Almeida, from the Memórias Santar Restaurant, and oenologist Patrícia Santos. The event promoted not only gastronomy, but also the region’s wines, which have been gaining a prominent place on the Portuguese wine tourism scene. During the tasting, participants were able to enjoy innovative and traditional dishes, paired with wines from producers in the Nelas region, such as Caminhos Cruzados, Casa de Santar and Pedra Cancela Berço.
Luís Almeida, whose restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide, highlighted the importance of a gastronomic project like ‘À Mesa no Coração do Dão’, which aims to promote the authentic flavors of the region and create a link between culinary tradition and modernity. “It’s an honor to be part of this movement that puts Dão cuisine at the center of national and international gastronomy. We are creating a bridge between the past and the future, with dishes that are both memorable and innovative,” commented the chef.
Winemaker Patrícia Santos also made her mark by sharing her vast knowledge of the Dão wine region with the audience. “The Dão is a unique region, with an extraordinary terroir that allows us to produce wines with a great identity. The wines we are tasting here today are just a small sample of what the region has to offer,” said the winemaker during the event

In addition to the tastings, the event included a draw for vouchers for tourist experiences in the region, such as visits to wineries and stays in local hotels, such as the Hotel Pantanha and the JP Village Hotel, reinforcing the experience of immersion in the Heart of the Dão.
Throughout the event, various cultural and tourist projects were also presented that reinforce Nelas’ identity. Joaquim Amaral highlighted the importance of the Caldas da Felgueira River Park, which will soon begin construction, as part of an effort to requalify and enhance the region’s natural and cultural heritage. “The River Park will be a magnet for tourists from different areas, from nature tourism to wellness and cultural tourism. This is one of the many initiatives we are implementing to strengthen our offer and attract more visitors to the Heart of the Dão,” explained Amaral.
The event was a milestone in the promotion of Nelas and wine tourism, with the presence of several tour operators and local producers, who showed the diversity of the region’s products and wines. Nelas’ participation in BTL 2025 was a remarkable experience, highlighting the region to tourists and professionals in the sector.

The presence of the Municipality of Nelas at BTL reaffirms its position as one of Portugal’s most promising wine tourism destinations. With initiatives such as the National Wine Tourism Award, the À Mesa no Coração do Dão project and its commitment to new tourist and cultural spaces, Nelas continues to be an example of success in the wine tourism sector.