The participation of Jancis Robinson and Joshua Green, along with Caro Maurer (Germany), Dirceu Vianna Junior (Brazil and UK) and Evan Goldstein (USA) in the 2016 Grand Jury is a clear sign of the good performance that the Wines of Portugal are experiencing. Only the growing reputation of the Portuguese wines justifies the meeting of such illustrious and influential personalities from the international scene in Portugal, to participate in this challenge. Between May 12 and 13, these important wine specialists will meet in Bairrada to evaluate the wine finalists and decide the winners. On May 9 to 11, in Santarém, will be held the 1st phase of the competition where 20 international personalities and 120 enologists will taste more than 1,000 wines. The Grand Jury is formed by influential wine specialists in diverse markets and with different trajectories. What they all have in common is their passion for wine, becoming exponents on the world stage in this area of expertise. One of the highlights of this world-renowned team is Caro Mauer, who has a career of over 20 years and stands out for being the first female Masterof Wine from German-speaking countries. She has a high influence on these specific markets, because apart from Germany she has proven reputation in Austria and Norway. The prestigious panel of personalities is also comprised by Dirceu Junior, from Brazil, is a reference in London market where works since 1990. He won international recognition by becoming the first Master of the Wine of South America. Another element of the Grand Jury is Evan Goldstein, Master Sommelier, considered one of the most creative experts of the wine and culinary industry in USA. The prestigious panel will also have two trendsetters of the global circuit of wine: Jancis Robinson the first Master of Wine outside the wine sector and Joshua Greene, editor of Wine & Spirits, the reference wine magazine in the USA market. Jorge Monteiro, ViniPortugal CEO, expects that "the number of registered wines reach a new record, benefiting from the prestige of both Regular Jury and Grand Jury because these are dynamic opinion makers with huge ability to influence the opinions in its different markets."