The Polytechnic University of Guarda will open a higher technical professional course in Wine Tourism in Vila Nova de Foz Côa in the academic year 2026-2027. The course will be taught at the facilities of the School Grouping Tenente-Coronel Adão Carrapatoso, in partnership with the local municipality and with the participation of important wine houses in the Douro region that have wine tourism units.
The tripartite protocol between UPG, the Municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa and the School Grouping will be signed at the wine tourism unit Casas do Rio – Quinta do Vallado. The university is responsible for organizing the course, designing the curriculum matrix and managing the teaching staff, with particular involvement from the School of Tourism and Hospitality, based in Seia.
Among the wine companies involved are Quinta de Vale Meão, Quinta de Ventozelo, Quinta da Terrincha, Quinta de Monte Xisto, Quinta do Pessegueiro, Quinta do Reguengo, Story House Hotel, Longroiva Hotel Rural, Quinta do Palato, Adega Cooperativa do Vale da Teja, Adega do Sável and units of the Symington group. Rector Joaquim Brigas highlights that the involvement of these companies in designing the course ensures the professional placement of students.
The mayor, Pedro Duarte, states that wine tourism is structural for the development of the municipality, being a value-added complement to agricultural activity. This course follows the CTeSP already launched by the university in Trancoso and in Gouveia during the month of August.
