Sarah Ahmed, a leading UK authority on The Wines of Portugal, Regional Chair at Decanter World Wine Awards since 2011, and columnist for Portugal’s leading wine publication, ‘Revista de Vinhos’, came to the prestigious Faro College to give Society members a superb tasting and provide an insight into the wines which are now being produced to compete against the world’s best. Entitled ‘Portugal’s Fresh New Wave’, the wines presented were a ‘taste’ of what’s to come from the country’s growing number of dynamic winemakers.

Sarah Ahmed said: “The wines showcased regions, sub-regions, grape varieties or styles which I’ve seen gain ground and greater currency in Portugal this last decade. These were exciting, sometimes provocative wines which got members talking. Once overlooked regions and varieties are enjoying a well-deserved renaissance!”

Following the tasting, the Society members were treated to a fabulous lunch of petiscos and tapas produced by the College students and accompanied by another choice of white and red wine from another innovative winemaker.

Algarve Wine Society committee member, Steve Rigby, pictured with Sarah said: “We were absolutely delighted that Sarah found time in her extremely busy schedule to come and present these amazing wines to us. Her knowledge of the Portuguese wine industry and especially the new producers on the scene was so refreshing. We hope we can persuade her to come back again soon!”