On May 13 more than 20 students and faculty members from the Macao University of Tourism participated in an engaging Esporão Wine Masterclass, offering a unique opportunity to connect with one of Portugal's leading wine estates. The session featured winemaker Ana Cruz, who joined live online from Portugal, while participants attended in person for a professionally guided tasting experience.
Presented in a hybrid format, the session combined virtual interaction with hands-on participation, enabling attendees to engage directly with the winemaker in real time while exploring the wines through a structured tasting experience. This approach highlighted the increasing role of digital connectivity in wine education, bringing international expertise closer to local audiences in Macao.
Throughout the session, Ana Cruz shared insights into Esporão's winemaking philosophy, including its commitment to organic viticulture, sustainability, and the expression of terroir. Drawing on her academic background in biology and microbiology, as well as her experience across several Portuguese wine regions and international harvests, she provided participants with a deeper understanding of both traditional practices and contemporary innovations in winemaking.
The masterclass was organized by UTM Lecturer Mr. Oscar Man Cheng Ho from the Faculty of Innovative Hospitality Management (FIHM), reinforcing the University's commitment to providing students with industry-relevant learning opportunities that bridge academic knowledge with global practice. The event served as a valuable educational platform for students and faculty, allowing participants to deepen their appreciation of wine through direct engagement with a practicing winemaker. The wines featured in the masterclass were generously sponsored by Esporão, together with its local distributor, Great Time Limited, whose support contributed to the success of the event and the quality of the tasting experience. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to promoting Portuguese wines and advancing wine education in the region.
