Hiya, lucky wine buggers (they call them ‘Bagas’ in the wine region of Bairrada in Portugal). Wine lovers are being called to mark their calendars for the 2nd of May 2026, as the collective of producers known as Baga Friends prepares to host the second edition of the International Baga Day. Following the success of its inaugural event, this celebration is set to place the spotlight firmly on the Baga grape variety, the historic and emblematic soul of the Bairrada region in Portugal. The event promises a unique opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of this complex and age-worthy grape, directly from the producers who have championed its cause.
The initiative is driven by a powerful collaboration of eight esteemed winemakers who have united under the Baga Friends banner. This group, comprising Luís Pato, Filipa Pato, Giz, Quinta das Bágeiras, Quinta da Vacariça, Quinta de Baixo (in partnership with Niepoort), Sidónio de Sousa, and Vadio, represents a significant force in Bairrada (Bairrada itself sits around the town of Aveiro, closer to Porto than to Lisbon). Their shared purpose is to promote and strengthen the visibility of the Baga grape variety in both national and international markets. By joining forces, they aim to educate palates and tell the compelling story of a grape that, for too long, was misunderstood, revealing its true potential for producing elegant, structured, and profoundly terroir-expressive wines.
Mind you, the Baga grape is far more than just a variety; it is the cornerstone of Bairrada’s identity. An indigenous red grape, it is deeply intertwined with the region’s history and landscape. Thriving in the region’s characteristic clay soils and benefiting from its excellent sun exposure, Baga produces wines of high acidity and firm tannins, granting them remarkable longevity. For the Bairrada region, Baga is not just an economic asset but a cultural heritage, shaping the style of its classic sparkling, still, and colheita tardia (late harvest) wines, and defining the unique character that sets Bairrada apart in the world of wine.
The mechanics of the 2nd of May event are designed for both accessibility and discovery. With tickets already available for guarantee on the Baga Friends website, the event is expected to draw a dedicated crowd eager to engage with the producers. While the specific format is yet to be detailed, such gatherings typically offer masterclasses, guided tastings, and the invaluable chance to meet the winemakers behind the bottles. For attendees, it will be a deep dive into the versatility of Baga, comparing the distinct philosophies of each of the eight producers and understanding how Baga’s expression changes from vineyard to vineyard, all in the beautiful setting of the Bairrada region.
Visit and celebrate with wineries: Giz, Luís Pato, Filipa Pato, Quinta das Bágeiras, Quinta da Vacariça, Quinta de Baixo/Niepoort, Sidónio de Sousa and Vadio.
For tickets and directions visit Baga Friends.
