The UK Sommelier Academy, in partnership with the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes, is delighted to announce an exclusive masterclass for UK sommeliers and wine professionals.

On 2 November 2026, we gather at The Caledonian Club in Belgravia for a deep dive into the granitic heartland of Portuguese white wine: Alvarinho from Monção and Melgaço: Our side of the story.

Led by winemaker and first Portuguese Master of Wine and winemaker Tiago Macena, this masterclass offers an intimate…exploration of one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most distinctive microclimates.

The Terroir: Between the River and the Mountains

Tucked into the far northwest corner of Portugal along the Minho River, Monção & Melgaço is the historic birthplace of Alvarinho and one of the nine distinct sub-regions that comprise the broader Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes. Unlike the more maritime-influenced coastal areas of the region, Monção & Melgaço is sheltered by an amphitheatre of mountains.

This unique geography creates a distinct climate defined by:

• Thermal Amplitude: Warm summer days and cool nights that preserve vibrant acidity while developing deep aromatic complexity.
• Granitic Soils: Ancient granite land that imparts a signature stony minerality, weight, and structural tension to the wines.
• Aging Potential: Exceptional longevity, allowing these whites to evolve gracefully over years—and even decades—in the bottle.

Meet Your Host: Tiago Macena
Guiding us through the region’s landscape and winemaking philosophy is Tiago Macena.

Tiago has recently become Portugal’s first Master of Wine, he holds a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia in Lisbon, along with a postgraduate qualification in Wine Business. A winemaker with hands-on experience across the Dão, Alentejo, and the Azores, Tiago is also a respected wine educator, panel taster, and columnist for Revista de Vinhos, he brings technical expertise, academic rigor, and a winemaker’s passion to the glass.

The Flight

Attendees will evaluate a carefully curated flight of 8 wines showcasing the range, versatility, and depth of Monção & Melgaço. The line-up spans young, crystalline expressions, wood-aged cuvées, sparkling Alvarinho (Espumante), and mature vintages—demonstrating why this sub-region stands in a class of its own.

Event Details & Registration

• Date: Monday, 2 November 2026
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Registration from 10:15 AM)
• Venue: The Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin St, Belgravia, London SW1X 7DR
• Audience: Open to UKSA Members and qualified UK Sommelier Industry Professionals
• Capacity: Strictly limited to 30 seats