The University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro recently welcomed 43 international undergraduate and master's students in Enology and Winemaking, through a Summer School that featured the participation of educational institutions from South Africa, the United States, Switzerland, and Brazil. The event involved students from nine different nationalities, reflecting UTAD's international character and its academic diversification strategy.
The welcome session was conducted by professors Ana Barros and Paula Lopes, who highlighted the importance of the European Alliance EU-GIFT in enabling the visit. The program included a visit to the university's Eco-Campus, the experimental vineyard, and the Kitchen Lab, as well as the São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint, one of the most emblematic tourist spots in the Douro Wine Region.
The practical activities took place in local vineyards, namely at Quinta de Seara d'Ordens and Quinta do Vallado, allowing participants direct contact with the region's viticultural and winemaking practices. The program concluded with a scenic route between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, consolidating the connection between learning and the region's wine heritage.
The participants praised the initiative, which reinforces UTAD's international positioning and highlights the Douro's potential as a center for teaching, research, and innovation in viticulture and enology.
