The 2015 Wines of Portugal Challenge has already 900 wines. The first registration phase ends tomorrow, 22nd April. The winemakers may still submit their wines with a penalty rate, until 30th April. The registrations for the Wines of Portugal ceremony are already open. This year the ceremony will take place at the Solar do Vinho do Dão, in Viseu, on 15th May. The applications can be submitted through the address concursovinhosdeportugal.pt. The 2015 Wines of Portugal Challenge will be held in CNEMA, Santarém from 11th to 13th May. Portuguese wines classified as Protected Designation of Origin (DOP), Protected Geographical Indication (IG), sparkling wines and fortified wines are invited to join the competition. Annually, the Wines of Portugal Challenge is organized by ViniPortugal in partnership with ANDOVI, CNEMA, IVBAM, IVDP, IVV and Revista de Vinhos. The main purpose is to create a modern format of Wines of Portugal challenge continuing an initiative that has always been an important tool to Portuguese wines promotion, not only in national market but also to international markets, creating an opportunity to show Portuguese wines to a wide range of international judges. Jorge Monteiro, ViniPortugal CEO, says that “were introduced updates especially on the judges workings in order to comply the commitment of making this a standard competition. The varietal competition is open to all the traditional Portuguese grape varieties according with the table list elaborated by IVV, and we expect greater participation in this category. We would also like to find a greater share of sparkling wines, a category sometimes forgotten but which has increasingly gain position in the international markets. " Jorge Monteiro still adds "The Wines of Portugal Challenge, rewarding the best wines, every year, aims to be a major international event promoting this way the Wines of Portugal brand. In the same way we were more selective with the invitations to the international experts, we wanted to privilege, at the national level, the winemakers which together with the wine critics and sommeliers will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge with our guests from outside. The competition will also be a place of exchange of ideas. "