The island of Pico, which faces New York on the world map, has established itself as the main driver of grape production in the Azores in 2025, concentrating the overwhelming majority of the regional harvest in a year that was marked by historic values in the archipelago. According to the news agency, Pico was responsible for around 92% of total grape production in the Azores, reaching 956 tons in a single year. This performance places the island far above the others, consolidating its central role in the regional wine sector.
The year 2025 was marked by numbers that had not been seen in the archipelago for 20 years. According to the same source, total production reached 1,048 tons, setting a new maximum in the last two decades. Despite Pico’s dominance, other islands also contributed to the overall result. Terceira island recorded 36 tonnes, while the remaining islands totaled 56 tonnes of production.
Continuously growing sector
The most recent data points to a consistent evolution of Azorean winemaking. The same source mentions that this growth is reflected not only in production, but also in the number of economic agents involved in the sector. The increase in activity is visible in the number of registered producers. In 2025, 35 producers were registered with the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho dos Açores.
The growth trend is expected to continue in the short term. The number of producers is expected to continue to increase throughout 2026, potentially reaching a new maximum. The Azorean wine market has been diversifying significantly. The news agency writes that 115 brands and 179 commercial references are currently registered, surpassing previous historical values.
Investment in new plants
The development of the sector also involves the renovation and reinforcement of vineyards. According to the same source, 3,700 vine plants of traditional varieties have already been made available for distribution by producers. Scientific innovation has been gaining weight in the sector’s strategy. A new line of research dedicated to the certification of rootstocks of traditional varieties was also launched.
The preservation of wine heritage emerges as a priority in regional policies. According to the same source, these initiatives seek to guarantee the sustainability and protection of the unique characteristics of Azorean viticulture. The regional Secretary of Agriculture highlighted the importance of the results achieved. According to Lusa, António Ventura stated that “the year 2025 marked a record for the last two decades”.
Wine growing has assumed an important role in the islands’ economy. The sector contributes to the economic and social regeneration of the archipelago. The strategy also involves strengthening its presence in international markets. According to the same source, the sector is prepared to respond to external challenges while maintaining the quality and authenticity of the wines.
Indicators point to a trajectory of sustained growth in the coming years. Lusa says that the combination of production, innovation and investment positions Azorean winemaking in a scenario of greater competitiveness.
Also read:
