Friday 24th and Saturday 25th June 2022 will see the inaugural edition of FESTA held at Tobacco Dock. The celebration of Portuguese wine, gastronomy and culture will pay tribute to festivals that are at the heart of traditional Portuguese culture.
Curated by Max Graham, founder of Bar Douro – one of London’s leading Portuguese restaurants and wine bars – and Portuguese wine critic, Sarah Ahmed, the festival will stretch across three sections of Tobacco Dock encompassing wine, restaurants and a Portuguese Mercado and wine shop, with live music and entertainment also to be enjoyed. The festival has announced the line-up for FESTA 2022, alongside the launch of tickets, priced at £35 including a branded wine glass on arrival and over 250 wines to taste.
Over 50 wine growers and artisans from across Portugal will convene at Tobacco Dock, bringing their most exciting wines to London, many of which will be making their UK debut.
The roll call of producers features Titan of Douro, Quinta das Bágeiras, Hugo Mendes, and Quinta das Marias, whose wines are exclusively available at FESTA/Bar Douro, as well as established names on the UK wine scene, including Niepoort, Luis Pato, Soalheiro, Susana Esteban, and Filipa Pato & William Wouters.
For the very first time under one roof, visitors will be able to try over 250 wines made from well over 100 grape varieties from every wine growing region in Portugal. Voyage through Portugal via the Alentejo, Vinho Verde and Douro and explore lesser-known wine regions such as Trás-os-Montes, Tavora-Varosa, the Algarve, the Azores, and Madeira.
FESTA Wine Director Sarah Ahmed says, “The calibre and range of wines and producers is extraordinary. Max and I are honoured and thrilled in equal measure that FESTA will showcase over 50 producers making wine in every nook and cranny of Portugal, including her islands. Our selection represents everything that is exciting about the Portuguese wine scene today.”
Across the two days, Sarah Ahmed will be curating themed wine walks and talks as well as FESTA wine boxes which will be available to purchase from FESTA’s wine shop, allowing visitors to take the experience home with them. The wine writer and leading commentator on Portuguese wine, will also host exclusive ‘red carpet’ tastings of fine and rare Portuguese wines. Sarah has also overseen the creation of a series of panel discussions, taking place on Friday 24th, and will be moderated by key opinion formers who will be joined by acclaimed producers, movers and shakers. The full programme of panel discussions will be announced next month.
A dedicated food court will bring together the best of London’s Portuguese food scene, featuring special menus and dishes from leading restaurants and chefs including Bar Douro, Leandro Carreira of The Sea The Sea and Roulote, with more to be announced in due course. Alongside the opportunity to try and purchase some of Portugal’s best wines, visitors will be transported to Portugal through the food on offer, with authentic flavours, signature dishes and regional delicacies expected.
Having opened in 2016, and founded by FESTA organiser Max Graham, Bar Douro shares the spirit of Portugal with the UK through honest food, characterful wines and the celebration of cultural stories. At FESTA they will serve the small plates for which they are best known, which are perfect alongside a glass or two of wine.
Acclaimed Portuguese chef Leandro Carreira will be sharing recipes from his new cookbook, Portugal which explores the country’s vibrant, globally-influenced and highly influential food culture via both classic and contemporary Portuguese recipes.
Making a reappearance at FESTA will be Roulote, the street-food pop up which launched in Flat Iron Square in 2021 and became renowned for its Portuguese Bifana sandwich.
FESTA will bring Portugal’s dynamic culture to life through its Mercado. Showcasing craft, art & design – as well as live music – the marketplace will provide a space for iconic Portuguese brands and institutions, sharing their wares and experiences with London, celebrating the country’s rich culture of artisanal produce, craft and design. Visitors can expect fine Olive Oils, craft soaps, textiles and jewellery, amongst other produce, arts and crafts. A line up of live performances will run throughout the event, featuring traditional dance and music.
Tickets can now be purchased via the official website for three separate sessions – Friday 24th 5-9pm and Saturday 25th 12-4pm and 5-9pm, costing £35 per session. This will include a FESTA branded wine glass and tasting of over 250 wines. Tickets will be available at the door for £40.