Vila Real, Portugal, 3, 2026 (Lusa) - The Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) is stepping up inspections during the grape harvest, in conjunction with representatives from the Vinhos Verdes and Douro regions, in vineyards, on roads and at wineries to ensure the authenticity of the grapes.
An ASAE source told the Lusa news agency on Thursday that the joint inspection operations are taking place on the ground, at a time when the grape harvest is underway in the two neighbouring wine-producing regions, the Douro Demarcated Region (RDD) and the Vinhos Verdes Demarcated Region.
In 2025, these joint operations resulted in «over 250 tonnes of grapes being checked and more than 130 economic operators being inspected».
«ASAE will therefore continue to monitor and carry out inspection operations to ensure compliance with the law on matters relating to Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications (PDO and GI) and to protect the national wine sector, whilst promoting integrity and sustainable economic practices,» the agency emphasised.
As part of the memorandum of understanding they have maintained for several years, ASAE, the Vinho Verde Region Viticulture Commission (CVRVV) and the Douro and Port Wine Institute (IVDP) held a joint coordination meeting this week to oversee the control and inspection of the 2026 grape harvest, strengthening cooperation between the three bodies.
Speaking to Lusa, the ASAE stated that it «regularly carries out inspection and enforcement activities targeting the wine sector, ranging from monitoring the movement of grapes and wine products to verifying mandatory declarations throughout the entire supply chain, as well as conducting enforcement actions in close cooperation with sector bodies».
Regarding the cooperation with the CVRVV and the IVDP, it specified that this «has been focused, for more than half a dozen years, on ensuring the traceability of the authenticity and quality of grapes during the harvest season, focusing primarily on the control and supervision of products and the transport of wines and wine products within the Vinhos Verdes Demarcated Region and the RDD».
The authority also stated that the stepping up of joint inspection activities during the grape harvest season is justified «by the significant increase in economic activity associated with the production, processing and storage of wine products, as well as by the greater movement of operators, raw materials and products».
«At a time when the prevention and detection of non-compliance – particularly regarding origin, traceability, labelling, commercial practices and other applicable requirements – is essential, this inter-institutional cooperation ensures a more integrated and effective response to protect consumers and promote fair competition in the sector,» they said.
In recent years, stepped-up enforcement has also been one of the main demands of Douro winegrowers to protect the region's grapes and wines.
The 2026 harvest has been marked by uncertainty in the Douro, with winegrowers reporting challenges in selling their grapes and operators noting declines in wine sales.
PLI/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
