Oceanic wines
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
In July 2025, the Lisbon Wine Commission (CVR Lisboa) organised a promotional event for wine producers from the region, taking advantage of the three-day visit of a group of British wine journalists. Entitled "Wine & Surf", the initiative brought together wine producers who are also surfers and a group of journalists, some of whom already surfed, while others took part in introductory lessons on the beach followed by a surfing session in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Lisbon wine region stretches along Portugal's Atlantic coastline, where the ocean's influence plays a defining role in shaping the wines. This maritime climate brings freshness, vibrant acidity and distinctive mineral characteristics, resulting in elegant, lively wines with a subtle saline edge.
Quinta da Casaboa took part in the event, presenting several of its wines, including Anfíbio, a red blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet, which was aged underwater for 12 months at a depth of 10 metres.
Among the five invited journalists was Chris Howard, the group's host and spokesperson, himself a passionate surfer and sea enthusiast.
More recently, inspired by the influence of the ocean on wine, Chris Howard published a thought-provoking article on the JancisRobinson.com wine website entitled "Oceanic Wine."
In the article, he explores the idea of creating a new wine category that would encompass all wines whose grapes are directly influenced by the ocean: from vineyards growing along the coastline, to those located further inland but still shaped by maritime breezes, vineyards on islands, and even wines matured beneath the sea. The common thread uniting them all is the ocean itself, which emerges as the central protagonist.
Drink properly and surf well.
Aceda aqui ao artigo completo de Chris Howard
