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The Associação dos Escanções de Portugal (AEP)
A nationwide cultural association bringing together professionals working in the wine and other beverages sector within hotels and similar establishments.
The headquarters of the association are situated in Lisbon, Portugal.
This association was also awarded the Medal of Merit for Tourism (Silver) in April 1979. It was recognised as being of public utility in May 1991 and was also awarded the Gold Medal of Merit for Tourism in September 1995.
AEP
Who is the Portuguese Sommelier Association (AEP)?
A nationwide cultural association that brings together professionals specialising in the service of wine and other beverages in hotels and similar establishments. Among its activities, the Portuguese Sommelier Association undertakes:
– The promotion and dissemination of national and international wine products;
– Training and specialisation courses in the field of wine service.
– Conferences, lectures and symposia on professional topics and initiatives aimed at fostering the professional development of its members;
– Study visits at home and abroad, particularly to wine-producing regions;
– Raising awareness of the profession, its techniques and code of ethics, and exchanges with similar associations abroad.
Discover more about AEP: https://escancoes.pt/
A little about our history
The Portuguese Sommeliers’ Association, based at Av. Almirante Reis, 58, Ground Floor, Flat 1150-019 Lisbon, was one of the founding members of the ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) in 1969, and was recognised as an association in Portugal on 24 March 1972.
The AEP is thus one of the organisations with the richest history in the world of wine in Portugal. The founder and visionary behind this pioneering initiative was the sommelier Fernando Ferramentas, who is symbolised by the only statue in the world created to honour a sommelier.
The statue is located in the town of Nelas (Dão), where the inscription reads: ‘To the Sommelier, for good service…’ This Association was also awarded the Silver Medal of Merit for Tourism in April 1979. It was recognised as a public utility in May 1991 and was also awarded the Gold Medal of Merit for Tourism in September 1995.