5 DECADES OF CHANGE

Since 1980

1980

Delimitation of the Algarve Wine Region

Within the boundaries of the region as they exist today.

1994

CVA starts its activity

Under the name of Regional Algarve Wine Commission.

1998

Beginning of a New Cycle

With the Recovery of Around 400 Hectares of Vineyards in the Region.

2001

Certification of Wines with Geographical Indication (IG)

CVA assumes the functions of control and certification of wines with the Algarve Geographical Indication.

2012

Accreditation of the CVA

The CVA is competent for certification of wine products with the Designation of Origin Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, and Tavira.

2020

Certification of Sparkling Wine with Algarve IG

The CVA is accredited for the certification of Sparkling Wine with Algarve IG.

2023

Algarve Wine Tourism

The CVA becomes the managing entity of the Algarve Wine Route.

Algarve wine comission
5 DECADES OF CHANGE

Algarve

A world to discover

The Algarve Wine Region has experienced unprecedented evolution in recent years. In just over a decade, new producers and markets have emerged, and we have revamped the Algarve Wine Route! Follow the journey of the CVA and the Algarve Region, which will surely surprise you with the diversity and unique character of its wines.

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THE HISTORY OF THE ALGARVE WINE COMMISSION BEGINS LONG BEFORE ITS ESTABLISHMENT...

In the year 1980, during the Algarve Wine Region establishment, already within its current boundaries, by decree-law 207/80 of April 26, published in the Official Gazette, 1st Series, No. 85, of April 26, 1980. 

HOWEVER, IT WAS ONLY IN 1994 THAT THE COMMISSION’S ACTIVITY BEGAN

With the approval of its internal regulations, then under the name of the Algarve Wine Commission. 

At that time, the Region’s wine sector was strongly unprotected and economically weakened. The main economic agents, the cooperative wineries, were facing huge financial difficulties. This situation peaked with the closure of the Tavira Cooperative Winery (1992), the Portimão Cooperative Winery (1997), and the merger, years later (2007), of the Lagoa Cooperative Winery with the Lagos Winery, giving rise to the UNICA – Adega Cooperativa do Algarve (Algarve Cooperativa Winery). 

1998 IS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CYCLE

For the Algarve Regional Wine Commission: begins an ambitious plan for the Region with the purpouse of increasing competitiveness and renewing the existing vineyard area. 

Between 1998 and 2005, approximately 400 hectares of vineyards were recovered throughout the Algarve territory, with 10 new economic agents emerging.” 

IN 2001, THE COMMISSION TAKES CONTROL OVER THE CONTROL AND CERTIFICATION OF WINES WITH GEOGRAPHIC INDICATION ALGARVE(IG) –

And recognizes the use of the geographical indication “Algarve” in fortified wines produced in the region (decree-law No. 364/2001). 

In 2004 (Decree-Law No. 212/2004), a new organization and new statutes are defined, shaping the current structure of the organization. 

IN 2010, ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARD THE FUTURE WAS TAKEN

The Commission adopts its current designation: Algarve Wine Commission (CVA). 

A couple of years later, in 2012, the CVA is granted permission to certify wine products with Denomination of Origin Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, and Tavira, as well as Geographical Indication “Algarve”. 

By 2016, the CVA already represented 30 economic agents. In 2020, accreditation for sparkling wines is granted. 

IN 2023, THE CVA BECOMES THE MANAGING ENTITY OF THE ALGARVE WINE ROUTE

To relaunch the route, a new project called Algarve Wine Tourism has been developed, aiming to promote the wines and wine tourism in the region. Algarve Wine Tourism combines gastronomy, hospitality, and the existing cultural heritage, with Algarve wines boosting its economic agents and the region itself. 

Since 1994 until today, the Algarve Wine Region has undergone many changes, with a promising future ahead for its wines. 

CURRENTLY, THE CVA REPRESENTS OVER 50 ECONOMIC AGENTS, SERVING AS THE MANAGING ENTITY OF THE ALGARVE WINE ROUTE – ALGARVE WINE TOURISM AND IS ACCREDITED FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF IG WINES, “LAGOA”, “PORTIMÃO”, “LAGOS”, AND “TAVIRA” DO WINES, AS WELL AS FORTIFIED AND SPARKLING WINES.