International Baga Day is one of the wine festivals that anchors the Bairrada (Beira Atlântico) calendar, drawing both local visitors and international wine travellers each year. It is held at Bairrada region in Portugal, in the heart of one of Portugal's most distinctive wine areas. The 2026 event marks the 2th edition of the festival, reflecting its consistent place in the regional calendar.
Celebrates Baga grape variety. Masterclasses, guided tastings, meet winemakers. Collaborative effort of 8 Bairrada producers. Wine festivals across Europe typically combine producer tastings with food pairings, live music, and a strong sense of place. Visitors can expect access to wines from a range of producers in the appellation, alongside food stalls offering regional specialities, masterclasses or vineyard walks for those who want to learn more, and an opportunity to buy directly from producers at cellar prices. Many events run across multiple days or weekends, allowing visitors to sample different parts of the programme according to interest, and combine well with the area's wider tourism offer. The event is organised by Baga Friends (8 winemakers incl. Luís Pato, Filipa Pato, Niepoort), which sets the tone and direction of the programme each year.
Bairrada sits between the Atlantic coast and the Dão region in central Portugal and is best known for two specialities: Baga, the indigenous tannic and acidic red grape that produces age-worthy reds (sometimes compared to Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir for its structure), and Espumante, traditional-method sparkling wine that has been made in the region since the late 19th century. The region's other red varieties include Touriga Nacional and Castelão, with whites from Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires), Arinto and Bical. Modern Bairrada producers like Luis Pato, Filipa Pato and Niepoort have pushed Baga into international recognition over the past 25 years.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for 2 May 2026. Cost details are best confirmed directly with the organiser ahead of travel. Full programme, ticketing and updated information are published on the official site at No dedicated website found. Visitors are advised to check directly with the organiser for the latest schedule, as festival programmes are sometimes updated close to the event date.
Bairrada sits between Coimbra and Aveiro in central Portugal, reached easily via the A1 motorway from Lisbon (around 2 hours) or Porto (1 hour). Mealhada is the regional capital and wine-tourism centre, also famous as the home of the Portuguese leitão (suckling pig). Other Bairrada towns include Cantanhede and Anadia. The region's cuisine pairs the wines with leitão à Bairrada (the local roast suckling pig, considered Portugal's finest), chanfana (slow-cooked goat in red wine), Bairrada cheese, and the Atlantic seafood of the nearby Aveiro lagoon and Costa Nova beaches.
