This year, the Portuguese brand decided to innovate and move forward with a new concept that aims to enhance the quality and variety of its Wine and Charcuterie, which are among the largest and most prestigious in the country.

This initiative will take place from 5 to 22 September, in the three physical stores of Apolónia Supermarkets and online store, offering a unique experience for wine and cheese lovers.

With a unique selection of more than 450 wines and around 200 cheeses, a catalogue has been created, with promotions of up to 50%, where in each wine region there is a wine and cheese pairing specially selected by 19 prestigious Chefs and Sommeliers from some of the best restaurants in the Algarve.

As part of the ongoing commitment to excellence, the Apolónia Wine and Cheese Fair counts on the collaboration of these experts responsible for creating ideal pairings between wines and cheeses, providing the consumer with an excellent gastronomic experience, with unique suggestions. Among the guests, names such as Chef Dieter Koschina (2 Michelin stars since 1999), from the 2 Michelin star restaurant Vila Joya, Chef Henrique Leis, from the Henrique Leis restaurant (Michelin star from 2000 to 2019), Chef José Lopes, from the Bon Bon restaurant (Michelin star 2022) and Miguel Martins, Sommelier at the Authentic restaurant stand out.

This exclusive catalogue presents 13 sections/regions of national wines: Douro, Dão, Bairrada, Beira Interior, Lisbon, Tejo, Setúbal Peninsula, Alentejo, Algarve, Vinho Verde, Madeira and Azores, with a new addition this year, Sparkling Wines and Port Wine. The International Wines category has 11 sections/regions: Spain, France, Italy, USA & Canada, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Germany (new this year) and Champagne. As a curiosity, the prestigious Petrus, one of the most expensive wines in the world, will be highlighted in the offers.

The cheeses will be organized by country, offering a journey through the flavours of Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, the United Kingdom and the USA. With more than 140 varieties, there are new products such as the Tine Geitost cheese from Norway, with a caramel flavour, and some exclusive to Portugal, such as some French cheeses, and the Pecorinos from the Amatrice range, Italy.

For Ângela Sarmento, Marketing and Communications Director - "This fair reflects our commitment to offering excellent gastronomic experiences. This year we wanted to innovate and combine wine with top-quality cheeses, creating unique opportunities for discovery and tasting. With the support of renowned Chefs and Sommeliers, we present exclusive pairings that highlight the best of each product. In addition to the 19 guests, we also have pairings selected by our experts, Arlindo Ribeiro, responsible for the Almancil Wine Cellar and the variety of wines in our stores, and Alda Gonçalves, who has exactly the same role, but in the Charcuterie department. We are proud to have them on board. We invite everyone to discover this carefully curated selection and enjoy the best that Portugal and the world have to offer."

For more information and access to the full catalogue, from 5 September, visit Apolónia stores or the website https://www.apolonia.com/pt/.

Follow the Apolónia Supermarkets Wine and Cheese Fair guide:

• In-store tastings: Every day, in the group's 3 stores, tastings of some of the wines and cheeses included in the campaign will take place.

• Available online: The Apolónia online store will allow customers to purchase wines with delivery throughout the country, and cheeses with exclusive delivery in the Algarve region.

• Pairing suggestions from experts: discover 19 of the Algarve's most prestigious Chefs and Sommeliers, who shared their pairing recommendations in the fair catalogue. Combining expertise and creativity, these suggestions promise to elevate the tasting experience with:

- Chef Dieter Koschina, 2 Michelin star restaurant, Vila Joya (Michelin star since 1995 and 2 Michelin stars since 1999).

- Chef Henrique Leis, Henrique Leis restaurant (Michelin star from 2000 to 2019).

- Chef José Lopes, Bon Bon restaurant (Michelin star 2022).

- Chef Alipio Branco, Atlântico restaurant, Vila Vita Parc.

- Chef Carlos Rosário, Kamal restaurant, Hotel Dona Filipa.

- Chef Joachim Koerper, Malhadinha restaurant.

- Chef João Duarte, Monica’s restaurant.

- Chef Jorge Costa, O Pescador restaurant, Pine Cliffs Resort.

- Chef José Botequilha, Figueiral restaurant.

- Chef Miguel Pinto, Adega restaurant, Vila Vita Parc.

- Chef Piet Warink, Florian restaurant.

- Chef Sandro Passariello, Limoni restaurant.

- Chef Valentim Carmo, Pequeno Mundo restaurant.

- Sommelier Helena Baião, Pequeno Mundo restaurant.

- Sommelier Andrii Pokryshko, Malhadinha restaurant.

- Sommelier Arnaud Vallet, 2 Michelin star restaurant, Vila Joya.

- Sommelier Miguel Martins, Authentic restaurant.

- Sommelier João Vaz Carlos, Paixa restaurant.

- Sommelier Luís Duarte, Monica’s restaurant.