There’s Something About Aveiro
Text Ilkka Sirén
By now I have already lost count of how many times I have visited Portugal. But traveling there for wine mostly has given me a very different kind of view of the country.
Sarah Ahmed
Wine Writer
Sarah Ahmed
Wine Writer
Sarah Ahmed is an independent, London-based wine writer, educator and judge with a particular interest in the wines of Portugal and Australia.
Sarah was awarded the Vintners Cup in 2003, the Portuguese Annual Wine Awards’ Wine Writer of the Year 2009 and was short-listed for the International Wine & Spirit Competition Communicator of the Year in 2009 and 2010.
In addition to publishing www.thewinedetective.co.uk she writes for several respected magazine titles including Decanter and The World of Fine Wine.
Since 2006, she has contributed on Portugal, Port and Madeira to Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book. Sarah consulted on Portugal and Australia for the seventh edition of The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW and has contributed on Portugal for the upcoming 4th edition of Jancis Robinson MW’s The Oxford Companion to Wine. Counted among Decanter’s “experts par excellence,” she is Regional Chair for Portugal at Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s largest and most prestigious wine competition. In 2013, she was admitted to the rank of Cavaleiro of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto for her commitment and contribution to Port wine.
All articles
A Taste of Alentejo at London's New Portal to Portugal
Text Sarah Ahmed
It was a thrill to present a tasting on behalf of the Alentejo Wine Commission at one of London’s hottest new restaurants, Taberna do Mercado.
A Taste of Alentejo at London’s New Portal to Portugal
Text Sarah Ahmed
It was a thrill to present a tasting on behalf of the Alentejo Wine Commission at one of London’s hottest new restaurants, Taberna do Mercado.
Highlights: Midsummer in Portugal
Text Ilkka Sirén
This summer me and my family decided to spend the midsummer in Portugal. It’s usually a period when I really prefer to stay in Finland but the weather here can be a bit of gamble.
Drink Like a King: Moscatel de Setúbal, Península de Setúbal's Liquid Gold
Text Sarah Ahmed
Is there any better litmus test of what’s delicious and great value than what members of the wine trade themselves buy?
Drink Like a King: Moscatel de Setúbal, Península de Setúbal’s Liquid Gold
Text Sarah Ahmed
Is there any better litmus test of what’s delicious and great value than what members of the wine trade themselves buy?
The Port Knight Rises
Text Ilkka Sirén
A couple of months ago while having a vacation in Greece I received a letter. A letter signed by Mr. George Sandeman. A letter which was somewhat unexpected.
Veni, Vidigueira, Vici: The Wines of Paulo Laureano
Text Sarah Ahmed
When I showed them this photo, I’m not sure if my sommelier group was relieved or disappointed not to meet the owner of the Portuguese wine industry’s best curated moustache,
The Lighthouse Keepers
Text Ilkka Sirén
Let’s just put it out there; winter sucks! Sure snow is nice, winter sports, skiing, Christmas etc. but let’s be honest, Summer was the reason why we humans were put on this Earth.
The Gold Seekers: Portuguese Wine Under The Microscope
Text Sarah Ahmed
Since 2011, it has been my great privilege to Chair the Portugal panel at Decanter World Wine Awards (“DWWA”), which lays claim to being the world’s largest and most influential wine competition.
Summertime Rosé
Text Ilkka Síren
Summer is approaching. At least that’s what they say. We have had a very cool start to the summer season here in Finland.
Poças: A New Era of Douro Wines With a Little Je Sais Quoi
Text Sarah Ahmed
Port is so emblematic of Portugal that it’s hard to believe that Poças Junior one of only a handful of Port Houses which has remained in the same family…